Introduction to the Schengen Area Entry Card

The European Schengen Area represents one of the world’s most significant achievements in international cooperation regarding border control and free movement. Established through the Schengen Agreement signed in 1985, it currently comprises 27 member countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The Schengen Area includes most European Union countries as well as several non-EU members like Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

For travelers planning to visit the Schengen Area, understanding the entry requirements is crucial. The primary document required for entry is the Schengen Visa (officially known as the “Uniform Visa for stays up to 90 days”). While there isn’t a specific “Entry Card” document, the visa application form serves as the key document for entry permission. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about the English terminology, proper completion procedures, and common reasons for visa rejection.

English Terminology and Official Names

Official Document Names

When dealing with Schengen visa applications, you’ll encounter several important terms:

  1. Schengen Visa Application Form - The primary document you need to complete
  2. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) - The official name for the visa allowing stays up to 90 days
  3. Visa Application Centre (VAC) - Where you submit your application
  4. Consulate/Embassy of [Country] - The diplomatic mission processing your application
  5. Visa sticker - The physical visa placed in your passport

Common English Phrases You’ll Need

  • Purpose of journey: Tourism, Business, Visiting family/friends, Medical treatment, etc.
  • Duration of stay: The number of days you plan to stay in the Schengen Area
  • First entry country: The Schengen country you plan to visit first
  • Main destination: The country where you’ll spend most of your time
  • Previous Schengen visas: Any Schengen visas you’ve held in the past 5 years

Comprehensive Filling Guide for Schengen Visa Application

Section 1: Personal Information

Field: Surname (Family Name)

  • What to enter: Your family name exactly as it appears in your passport
  • Example: If your passport says “ZHANG, San”, enter “ZHANG”
  • Common mistake: Using your full name or including given names

Field: Surname at birth (if different)

  • What to enter: Your family name at birth if you’ve legally changed it
  • Example: If you were born “Maria Rodriguez” but now use “Maria Smith” after marriage
  • Leave blank: If your surname hasn’t changed

Field: First name(s) (Given name(s))

  • What to enter: Your given name(s) exactly as in passport
  • Example: If your passport says “ZHANG, San”, enter “San”
  • Common mistake: Using abbreviations or nicknames

Field: Date of birth

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 15/03/1990 for March 15, 1990
  • Important: Must match passport exactly

Field: Place of birth

  • What to enter: City and country of birth as in passport
  • Example: “Beijing, China” or just “Beijing” if country is already specified
  • Note: Some forms may have separate fields for city and country

Field: Country of birth

  • What to1 enter: Country name at time of birth
  • Example: “China” or “USSR” if born before 1991

Field: Current nationality

  • What to enter: Your current citizenship
  • Example: “China”
  • Note: This may be different from nationality at birth

Field: Nationality at birth

  • What to enter: If different from current nationality
  • Example: “China” if you were born Chinese and still are
  • Leave blank: If same as current nationality

Field: Sex

  • Options: Male, Female, or X (for non-binary)
  • Important: Must match passport

Field: Marital status

  • Options: Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed, Separated, Registered partnership, Other
  • Example: Select “Married” if legally married
  • Note: “Registered partnership” is for civil partnerships recognized in some countries

Field: National identity number (if applicable)

  • What to enter: Your national ID number if you have one
  • Example: Chinese ID number: “110101199003151234”
  • Leave blank: If not applicable

Section 2: Travel Document Information

Field: Type of travel document

  • Options: Ordinary passport, Diplomatic passport, Service passport, Official passport, Other
  • What to enter: “Ordinary passport” for most travelers
  • Example: Select “Ordinary passport” for regular tourist travel

Field: Number of travel document

  • What to enter: Your passport number exactly as shown
  • Example: “E12345678”
  • Important: Double-check for accuracy - this is critical

Field: Date of issue

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 01/01/2020
  • Important: Must match passport exactly

Field: Valid until

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 31/12/2025
  • Important: Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen Area

Field: Issued by (authority)

  • What to enter: The authority that issued your passport
  • Example: “Ministry of Public Security, China” or “Chinese Embassy in London”
  • Common mistake: Using city names instead of issuing authority

Section 2: Contact Information

Field: Current residential address

  • What to enter: Your complete current address
  • Example: “Room 1203, Tower A, Sunshine Garden, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100025”
  • Important: Include postal code

Field: Email address

  • What to enter: Your primary contact email
  • Example: “zhangsan@email.com”
  • Important: Must be valid and checked regularly

Field: Telephone number

  • What to enter: Your mobile number with country code
  • Example: “+86 13800138000”
  • Important: Include country code and area code if applicable

Field: Country of residence

  • What to Schengen Visa Application Form - The primary document you need to complete
  1. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) - The official name for the visa allowing stays up to 90 days
  2. Visa Application Centre (VAC) - Where you submit your application
  3. Consulate/Embassy of [Country] - The diplomatic mission processing your Schengen visa
  4. Visa sticker - The physical visa placed in your passport

Common English Phrases You’ll Need

When filling out forms or communicating with officials, you’ll encounter these key terms:

  • Purpose of journey: Tourism, Business, Visiting family/friends, Medical treatment, etc.
  • Duration of stay: The number of3 days you plan to stay in the Schengen Area
  • First entry country: The Schengen country you plan to1 visit first
  • Main destination: The Schengen country where you’ll spend most of your time
  • Previous Schengen visas: Any Schengen visas you’ve held in the past 5 years
  • Inviting person/organization: Details of who is inviting you (if applicable)
  • Means of transport: Air, Rail, Road, Sea
  • Travel insurance: Insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation with minimum coverage of €30,000

Comprehensive Filling Guide for Schengen Visa Application

Section 1: Personal Information

Field: Surname (Family Name)

  • What to enter: Your family name exactly as it appears in your passport
  • Example: If your passport says “ZHANG, San”, enter “ZHANG”
  • Common mistake: Using your full name or including given names

Field: Surname at birth (if different)

  • What to enter: Your family name at birth if you’ve legally changed it
  • Example: If you were born “Maria Rodriguez” but now use “Maria Smith” after marriage
  • Leave blank: If your surname hasn’t「changed

Field: First name(s) (Given name(s))

  • What to enter: Your given name(s) exactly as in passport
  • Example: If your passport says “ZHANG, San”, enter “1 San”
  • Common mistake: Using abbreviations or nicknames

Field: Date of birth

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 15/03/1990 for March 15, 1990
  • 1 Important: Must match passport exactly

Field: Place of birth

  • What to enter: City and country of birth as in passport
  • Example: “Beijing, China” or just “Beijing” if country is already specified
  • Note: Some forms may have separate fields for itinerary and country of birth

Field: Country of birth

  • Schengen Visa Application Form - The primary document you need to complete
  1. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) - The official name for the visa allowing stays up to 180 days
  2. Visa Application Centre (VAC) - where you submit your application
  3. Consulate/Embassy of [Country] - The diplomatic mission processing your Schengen visa
  4. Visa sticker - The physical visa placed in your passport

Common English Phrases You’ll Need

When filling out forms or communicating with officials, you’ll encounter these key terms:

  • Purpose of journey: Tourism, Business, Visiting family/friends, Medical treatment, etc.
  • Duration of stay: The number of days you plan to stay in the Schengen Area
  • First entry country: The Schengen country you plan to visit first
  • 5 Main destination: The Schengen country where you’ll spend most of your Schengen visa
  • Previous Schengen visas: Any Schengen visas you’ve held in the past 5 years
  • Inviting person/organization: Details of who is inviting you (if applicable)
  • Means of transport: Air, Rail, Road, Schengen visa
  • Travel insurance: Insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation with minimum coverage of €30,000

Comprehensive Filling Guide for Schengen Visa Application

Section 1: Personal Information

Field: Surname (Family Name)

  • What to enter: Your family name exactly as it appears in your passport
  • Example: If your passport says “ZHANG, San”, enter “ZHANG”
  • Common mistake: Using your full name or including given names

Field: Surname at birth (if different)

  • What to enter: Your family name at birth if you’ve legally changed it
  • Example: If you were born “Maria Rodriguez” but now use “Maria Smith” Schengen visa
  • Leave blank: If your surname hasn’t changed

Field: First name(s) (Given name(s))

  • What to enter: Your given name(s) exactly as in passport
  • Example: If your passport says “ZHANG, San”, enter “San”
  • Common mistake: Using abbreviations or nicknames

Field: Date of birth

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 15/03/1990 for March 15, 1990
  • Important: Must match passport exactly

Field: Place of birth

  • What to enter: Schengen visa
  • Example: “Beijing, China” or just “Beijing” if country is already specified
  • Note: Some forms may have separate fields for city and country of birth

Field: Country of birth

  • What to enter: Country name at time of birth
  • Example: “China” or “USSR” if born before 1991

Field: Current nationality

  • What to enter: Your current citizenship
  • Example: “China”
  • Note: This may be different from nationality at birth

Field: Nationality at birth

  • What to enter: If different from current nationality
  • Example: “China” if you were born Chinese and still are
  • Leave blank: If same as current nationality

Field: Sex

  • Options: Male, Female, or X (for non-binary)
  • Important: Must match passport

Field: Marital status

  • Options: Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed, Separated, Registered partnership, Other
  • Example: Select “Married” if legally married
  • Note: “Registered partnership” is for civil partnerships recognized in visa

Field: National identity number (if applicable)

  • What to enter: Your national ID number if you have one
  • Example: Chinese ID number: “110101199003151234”
  • Leave blank: If not applicable

Section 2: Travel Document Information

Field: Type of travel document

  • Options: Ordinary passport, Diplomatic passport, Service passport, Official passport, Other
  • What to enter: “Ordinary passport” for most travelers
  • Example: Select “Ordinary passport” for regular tourist travel

Field: Number of travel document

  • What to enter: Your passport number exactly as shown
  • Example: “E12345678”
  • Important: Double-check for accuracy - this is critical

Field: Date of issue

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 01/01/2020
  • Important: Must match passport exactly

Field: Valid until

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • 31/12/2025
  • Important: Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen Area

Field: Issued by (authority)

  • What to enter: The authority that issued your passport
  • Example: “Ministry of Public Security, China” or “Chinese Embassy in London”
  • Common mistake: Using city names instead of issuing authority

Section 3: Contact Information

Field: Current residential address

  • What to enter: Your complete current address
  • Example: “Room 1203, Tower A, Sunshine Garden, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100025”
  • Important: Include postal code

Field: Email address

  • What to enter: Your primary contact email
  • Example: “zhangsan@email.com”
  • Important: Must be valid and checked regularly

Field: Telephone number

  • What to enter: Your mobile number with country code
  • Example: “+86 13800138000”
  • Important: Include country code and area code if applicable

Field: Country of residence

  • What to enter: Your country of permanent residence
  • Example: “China”
  • Note: This determines which Schengen country’s visa you need to apply for

Section 4: Occupation Information

Field: Current occupation

  • What to enter: Your job title or profession
  • Example: “Software Engineer”, “Teacher”, “Student”, “Self-employed”, “Retired”
  • Common mistake: Using company name instead of job title

Field: Employer and employer’s address

  • What to enter: Your employer’s name and complete address
  • Example: “Tencent Holdings Ltd, Kejizhongyi Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, China”
  • For students: Your school/university name and address
  • For self-employed: “Self-employed” and your business address
  • For unemployed: Leave blank or write “Unemployed”

Field: Primary purpose of journey

  • Options: Tourism, Business, Visiting family/friends, Medical treatment, Study, Cultural, Sports, Airport transit, Other
  • What to enter: Select the most accurate category
  • Example: Select “Tourism” for vacation travel

Section 5: Travel Details

Field: Main destination(s)

  • What to enter: The Schengen country/countries you plan to visit
  • Example: “France” or “France, Italy, Spain”
  • Important: This determines which country’s visa you need

Field: First entry country

  • What to enter: The Schengen country you will enter first
  • Example: “Germany” if flying to Frankfurt first
  • Note: This may be different from your main destination

Field: Duration of stay

  • What to enter: Number of days you plan to stay in Schengen Area
  • Example: “10” for a 10-day trip
  • Important: For multiple-entry visas, specify days per entry

Field: Previous Schengen visas

  • What to enter: Details of any Schengen visas in past 5 years
  • Example: “France 10⁄2020, Italy 08/2022” or “None” if applicable
  • Important: Include visa numbers if possible

Field: Fingerprints previously collected

  • Options: Yes, No, Don’t know
  • What to enter: “Yes” if you’ve applied for Schengen visa before 2011 (when biometrics started)
  • Example: “Yes” if you applied for visa in 2015
  • Note: Biometrics (fingerprints) have been required since 2011

Section 6: Inviting Person/Organization

Field: Name of inviting person/organization

  • What to enter: Name of host if visiting family/friends or business contact
  • Example: “Jean Dupont” or “ABC Company”
  • Leave blank: If not applicable (e.g., for tourism)

Field: Address and email of inviting person/organization

  • What to enter: Complete contact details of host
  • Example: “123 Rue de la Paix, Paris, France, jean.dupont@email.com”
  • Leave blank: If not applicable

Field: Relationship to applicant

  • What to enter: Family relationship or business relationship
  • Example: “Friend”, “Family member”, “Business partner”, “Hotel”
  • Leave blank: If not applicable

Section 7: Means of Transport

Field: Means of transport

  • Options: Air, Rail, Road, Sea
  • What to enter: Select your primary mode of transport
  • Example: Select “Air” if flying to Europe

Field: Flight/train/ship number

  • What to enter: Your booking reference or flight number
  • Example: “CA961” or “Booking ref: ABC123”
  • Note: This can be provided later if not booked yet

Section 9: Signature and Declaration

Field: Place of application

  • What to enter: City where you’re submitting the application
  • Example: “Beijing” or “Shanghai”

Field: Date of application

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 15/03/2024

Field: Signature

  • What to enter: Your handwritten signature
  • Important: Must match passport signature if required
  • Note: Some VACs may require digital signature

Common Rejection Issues and How to Avoid Them

1. Insufficient Financial Means

The Problem: Applicants cannot prove they have sufficient funds to cover their entire stay.

Official Requirement: You must demonstrate access to at least €60 per day per person (€30 if staying with friends/family) plus €245 buffer for emergencies.

Common Mistakes:

  • Bank statements showing recent large deposits (looks like borrowed money)
  • Insufficient balance relative to trip duration
  • Not providing proof of income source

How to Avoid:

  • Provide 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income
  • Include salary slips or proof of business income
  • If sponsored, provide sponsor’s financial documents and a sponsorship letter
  • Example: For a 10-day trip, you should show at least €600 + €245 = €845 available funds

Sample Bank Statement Analysis:

Good Example:
- Monthly salary deposit: ¥15,000 (consistent for 12 months)
- Regular expenses: rent, utilities, groceries
- Stable balance: ¥50,000-¥60,000
- No recent large deposits

Bad Example:
- Balance: ¥5,000 for months
- Suddenly deposit: ¥100,000 two weeks before application
- No explanation for source

2. Incomplete or Inconsistent Travel Itinerary

The Problem: Vague or illogical travel plans raise suspicion about genuine tourist intent.

Common Mistakes:

  • Listing multiple countries without clear routing
  • Dates that don’t add up (e.g., 5 countries in 7 days)
  • No hotel bookings or flight reservations
  • Itinerary doesn’t match visa application purpose

How to Avoid:

  • Provide a day-by-day itinerary with cities and activities
  • Include hotel reservations (can be refundable)
  • Provide flight reservation (not ticket, just reservation)
  • Example:

Good Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Paris CDG, check-in Hotel A (booking ref: ABC123)
Day 2-4: Paris sightseeing (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, etc.)
Day 5: Train to Lyon, check-in Hotel B
Day 6-7: Lyon exploration
Day 8: Return flight from Lyon (booking ref: XYZ789)

Bad Itinerary:

Day 1: Paris
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Berlin
Day 4: Madrid
Day 5: Amsterdam

(Impossible to do realistically)

3. Lack of Ties to Home Country

The Problem: Consular officers suspect you won’t return to your home country.

Common Mistakes:

  • No stable employment
  • No property ownership
  • No family dependents
  • Recent unemployment
  • No clear career progression

How to Avoid:

  • Provide employment letter stating your position, salary, and approved leave
  • Include property deeds or rental agreements
  • Provide birth certificates of children or marriage certificate
  • Include proof of ongoing studies
  • Example:

Strong Ties Evidence:

1. Employment Letter:
   "To whom it may concern: Zhang San has been employed as Senior 
   Software Engineer at Tencent since 2018, earning ¥25,000/month. 
   He has approved leave from March 15-25, 2024. Contact: HR Dept."

2. Property Ownership:
   - Copy of property deed for apartment in Beijing
   - Recent utility bills in applicant's name

3. Family Ties:
   - Marriage certificate
   - Children's birth certificates
   - Family photos (optional but helpful)

4. Inadequate Travel Insurance

The Problem: Insurance doesn’t meet Schengen requirements.

Common Mistakes:

  • Coverage less than €30,000
  • Doesn’t cover entire Schengen Area
  • Doesn’t cover emergency medical treatment and repatriation
  • Policy duration doesn’t cover entire stay
  • Not from approved insurer

How to Avoid:

  • Purchase Schengen-specific travel insurance
  • Ensure coverage is at least €30,000
  • Verify it covers all Schengen countries
  • Policy must be valid for entire duration of stay
  • Example:

Valid Insurance Policy:

Policy Number: SCH-2024-12345
Coverage: €50,000
Valid: March 15-25, 2024
Covers: All Schengen countries
Includes: Emergency medical, hospitalization, repatriation, emergency dental
Approved by: All Schengen consulates

5. Previous Visa Violations

The Problem: History of overstaying or visa violations.

Common Mistakes:

  • Overstaying previous visa by even 1-2 days
  • Using visa for wrong purpose (e.g., tourist visa for work)
  • Not complying with visa conditions

How to Avoid:

  • Always comply with visa conditions
  • Keep records of entry/exit stamps
  • If you have violations, provide explanation letter
  • Wait sufficient time before reapplying (usually 6-12 months)
  • Example:

Explanation Letter for Minor Overstay:

"Dear Consular Officer,
I would like to explain my previous visa violation. In 2022, I 
overstayed my Schengen visa by 2 days due to a medical emergency 
(hospitalization for acute appendicitis). I have attached medical 
records and proof of immediate departure. This was an isolated 
incident and I have since complied with all visa regulations."

6. Suspicious Document Authenticity

The Problem: Documents appear forged or manipulated.

Common Mistakes:

  • Altered bank statements
  • Fake employment letters
  • Forged property documents
  • Inconsistent fonts or formatting in documents
  • Documents not properly stamped/signed

How to Avoid:

  • Submit original documents or certified copies
  • Ensure all documents are properly stamped and signed
  • Use official letterheads
  • Example:

Proper Document Preparation:

✓ Original bank statements with bank stamp
✓ Employment letter on company letterhead with official stamp
✓ Property deed with government seal
✓ All documents dated and signed by authorized personnel
✗ No white-out or correction fluid
✗ No inconsistent fonts
✗ No missing stamps

7. Insufficient Explanation for Long Stay

The Problem: Long stay without clear purpose raises suspicion.

Common Mistakes:

  • 90-day tourist trip with no clear plan
  • No explanation for extended business stay
  • No family ties to justify long visit

How to Avoid:

  • Provide detailed day-by-day itinerary
  • Include invitation letter from host
  • Provide evidence of business meetings/conferences
  • Example:

Good Explanation for 60-Day Stay:

"I am visiting my daughter who lives in Paris (see invitation letter 
and proof of her residence). I will help with my grandchildren during 
her maternity leave. I have sufficient funds (see bank statements) 
and will return to China as my husband remains here and I have 
employment obligations."

8. Inconsistent Information Across Documents

The Problem: Different information in different documents.

Common Mistakes:

  • Name spelling variations
  • Different addresses
  • Inconsistent employment details
  • Conflicting travel dates

How to Avoid:

  • Triple-check all documents for consistency
  • Use exactly the same name format everywhere
  • Update all documents if you change address
  • Example:

Consistency Check:

Passport: ZHANG, San
Application: ZHANG San
Bank statement: Zhang San
Employment letter: Zhang San
✓ All consistent

Passport: ZHANG, San
Application: Zhang San
Bank statement: Zhang San
Employment letter: Zhang San
✓ All consistent

✗ Inconsistent: ZHANG San (passport) vs. Zhang San (application) vs. Zhang San (bank)

9. Lack of Travel History

The Problem: No previous international travel makes you a higher risk.

Common Mistakes:

  • First-time international traveler applying for 90-day visa
  • No travel to other developed countries
  • No previous visas

How to Avoid:

  • Start with shorter trips (15-30 days)
  • Build travel history to developed countries
  • Provide evidence of previous visas (US, UK, Canada, etc.)
  • Example:

Building Travel History:

First application: 15-day trip to Thailand (visa-free for Chinese)
Second application: 10-day trip to Japan (obtained visa)
Third application: 20-day trip to Australia (obtained visa)
Fourth application: 30-day Schengen visa (approved)
Fifth application: 90-day Schengen visa (approved)

10. Inadequate Preparation Time

The Problem: Applying too close to travel date.

Common Mistakes:

  • Applying less than 15 days before travel
  • Applying more than 6 months before travel
  • Not accounting for processing time

How to Avoid:

  • Apply 3-6 months before travel
  • Apply at least 15-20 days before travel (minimum)
  • Check processing times for your local VAC
  • Example:

Good Timeline:

Travel date: June 15, 2024
Application date: March 15, 2024 (3 months before)
Processing time: 15 calendar days
Visa issuance: April 1, 2024
Time to prepare: 2.5 months

Special Scenarios and Additional Tips

For Self-Employed/Freelancers

Additional Requirements:

  • Business registration documents
  • Tax returns for past 2 years
  • Business bank statements
  • Client contracts or invoices
  • Example:

Self-Employed Documentation:

1. Business license copy
2. Tax certificates (2022 & 2023)
3. Business bank statements (6 months)
4. Client contracts showing ongoing work
5. Letter from accountant confirming business status

For Students

Additional Requirements:

  • Student ID card
  • Official enrollment letter from university
  • Proof of tuition payment
  • No objection certificate from university
  • Example:

Student Documentation:

1. Enrollment letter (on university letterhead)
2. Student ID (copy)
3. Proof of tuition payment receipt
4. No objection letter for travel during semester break
5. Parents' financial documents (if dependent)

For Retirees

Additional Requirements:

  • Pension statements
  • Retirement certificate
  • Proof of other income sources
  • Example:

Retiree Documentation Schengen visa

1. Pension statements (6 months)
2. Retirement certificate from employer
3. Bank statements showing pension deposits
4. Property ownership documents
5. Family ties evidence (children, grandchildren)

For Visiting Family/Friends

Additional Requirements:

  • Invitation letter from host
  • Host’s residence permit (if not EU citizen)
  • Host’s financial documents
  • Proof of relationship
  • Example:

Family Visit Documentation:

1. Invitation letter (signed by host)
2. Copy of host's passport/ID
3. Host's residence permit (if applicable)
4. Host's employment/financial documents
5. Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificates)
6. Host's address proof (utility bill)

Visa Interview Preparation

Common Interview Questions

  1. What is the purpose of your trip?

    • Good answer: “Tourism. I plan to visit Paris for 7 days to see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and experience French culture.”
    • Bad answer: “Just to travel around” (too vague)

  2. How long will you stay?

    • Good answer: “Exactly 10 days, from March 15-25, 2024. I have return flight booked.”
    • Bad answer: “Not sure, maybe a few weeks” (shows lack of planning)

  3. Where will you stay?

    • Good answer: “I have hotel bookings for all nights: Hotel A in Paris (booking ref: ABC123) and Hotel B in Lyon (booking ref: XYZ789)”
    • Bad answer: “I’ll find something when I get there” (raises suspicion)

  4. How do you fund this trip?

    • Good answer: “I am a software engineer earning ¥25,000/month. I have saved ¥50,000 for this trip. Here are my bank statements and employment letter.”
    • Bad answer: “My parents will give me money” (without documentation)

  5. What do you do in China?

    • Good answer: “I work as a Senior Software Engineer at Tencent since 2018. I have approved leave for this trip and will return to my job.”
    • Bad answer: “I’m unemployed” (without explanation)

  6. Have you been to Europe before?

    • Good answer: “Yes, I visited France and Italy in 2022 for 10 days and complied with all visa conditions. Here are my previous visa copies and entry/exit stamps.”
    • Bad answer: “No, this is my first time” (not necessarily bad, but be prepared)

  7. Do you have family in Europe?

    • Good answer: “No, I don’t. My entire family is in China. Here are my family ties evidence.”
    • If yes: “Yes, my daughter lives in Paris. I’m visiting her for 2 weeks. Here is her invitation letter and residence permit.”

Interview Tips

  • Be honest and consistent with all information
  • Bring all original documents for verification
  • Dress professionally (business casual minimum)
  • Arrive early and be prepared to wait
  • Answer clearly and concisely - don’t volunteer unnecessary information
  • Stay calm - it’s a routine process, not an interrogation
  • Bring a folder with organized documents for easy access

Post-Application Process

Tracking Your Application

Most VACs provide tracking services:

  • Online tracking: Use application number on VAC website
  • SMS updates: Optional service (usually fee applies)
  • Email notifications: Automatic updates
  • Phone inquiries: During business hours

Visa Decision Timeline

  • Standard processing: 15 calendar days
  • Additional verification: Up to 45 days
  • Urgent processing: 5-7 days (extra fee, not guaranteed)
  • Peak season delays: Apply extra time during March-September

If Visa is Approved

  • Check visa sticker carefully for errors:
    • Name spelling
    • Passport number
    • Validity dates
    • Number of entries
    • Remarks
  • If errors found: Contact VAC immediately for correction
  • Keep copies of visa and application

If Visa is Denied

Receiving the Decision:

  • You’ll receive a formal refusal letter explaining reasons
  • Refusal code will be included (e.g., “2 (a)”, “8 (1)”)

Common Refusal Codes:

  • 2 (a): Intended stay not justified
  • 2 ©: Insufficient means of subsistence
  • 2 (e): No valid travel insurance
  • 8 (1): You are considered a threat
  • 9 (1): Presence in Schengen Information System (SIS)

Your Options:

  1. Appeal: File appeal with country-specific procedures (usually 3-4 weeks)
  2. Reapply: Address reasons and submit new application
  3. Request review: Some countries allow review requests

Appeal Process:

1. Read refusal letter carefully
2. Gather additional documents addressing refusal reasons
3. Write appeal letter explaining why refusal was incorrect
4. Submit within deadline (usually 3-4 weeks)
5. Pay appeal fee (if applicable)
6. Wait for decision (can take months)

Reapplication Strategy:

1. Wait 3-6 months
2. Address ALL refusal reasons
3. Provide significantly stronger evidence
4. Consider applying for shorter duration first
5. Include explanation letter addressing previous refusal

Country-Specific Considerations

France

  • Additional requirement: Proof of accommodation for entire stay
  • Processing time: Often 10-15 days
  • Common拒签原因: Insufficient funds for long stays

Germany

  • Additional requirement: Detailed itinerary if visiting multiple countries
  • Processing time: Usually 15 days
  • Common拒签原因: Incomplete travel insurance

Italy

  • Additional requirement: Proof of round-trip flight
  • Processing time: 15-20 days
  • Common拒签原因: Inconsistent information

Spain

  • Additional requirement: Invitation letter for family visits must be legalized
  • Processing time: 15 days
  • Common拒签原因: Lack of ties to home country

Netherlands

  • Additional requirement: Detailed business itinerary for business visas
  • Processing time: 15 days
  • Common拒签原因: Insufficient business justification

Final Checklist Before Submission

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your application is complete:

Document Checklist

  • [ ] Completed and signed visa application form
  • [ ] Passport (valid 3+ months beyond stay)
  • [ ] Passport photos (2 recent, Schengen compliant)
  • [ ] Travel insurance (€30,000+ coverage)
  • [ ] Flight reservation (not ticket)
  • [ ] Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
  • [ ] Day-by-day itinerary
  • [ ] Bank statements (6 months)
  • [ ] Employment letter
  • [ ] Pay slips (3 months)
  • [ ] Tax returns (if self-employed)
  • [ ] Property documents (if applicable)
  • [ ] Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
  • [ ] Host’s documents (if applicable)
  • [ ] Previous visas (if any)
  • [ ] Travel history evidence
  • [ ] Proof of ties to home country
  • [ ] Cover letter explaining purpose
  • [ ] Visa fee payment receipt

Quality Check

  • [ ] All names match passport exactly
  • [ ] All dates are correct
  • [ ] All documents are within validity period
  • [ ] All required signatures present
  • [ ] All documents are legible
  • [ ] All translations are certified (if applicable)
  • [ ] All documents are organized in order
  • [ ] Copies of all documents made for your records

Conclusion

Applying for a Schengen visa requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The key to success is:

  1. Honesty: Always provide truthful information
  2. Completeness: Submit all required documents
  3. Consistency: Ensure all information matches across documents
  4. Clarity: Make your intentions and plans clear
  5. Preparation: Start early and allow sufficient processing time

Remember that visa officers are trained to identify genuine tourists versus those with immigration intent. Your application should clearly demonstrate:

  • Strong ties to home country (job, family, property)
  • Sufficient funds for your trip
  • Clear purpose and itinerary
  • Compliance history with immigration rules

By following this comprehensive guide and addressing potential issues proactively, you significantly increase your chances of a successful Schengen visa application. Safe travels!

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official website of the relevant Schengen country’s consulate or visa application centre for the most current requirements, as regulations may change.# European Schengen Area Entry Card: English Name, Filling Guide, and Common Rejection Issues Analysis

Introduction to the Schengen Area Entry Card

The European Schengen Area represents one of the world’s most significant achievements in international cooperation regarding border control and free movement. Established through the Schengen Agreement signed in 1985, it currently comprises 27 member countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The Schengen Area includes most European Union countries as well as several non-EU members like Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

For travelers planning to visit the Schengen Area, understanding the entry requirements is crucial. The primary document required for entry is the Schengen Visa (officially known as the “Uniform Visa for stays up to 90 days”). While there isn’t a specific “Entry Card” document, the visa application form serves as the key document for entry permission. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about the English terminology, proper completion procedures, and common reasons for visa rejection.

English Terminology and Official Names

Official Document Names

When dealing with Schengen visa applications, you’ll encounter several important terms:

  1. Schengen Visa Application Form - The primary document you need to complete
  2. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) - The official name for the visa allowing stays up to 90 days
  3. Visa Application Centre (VAC) - Where you submit your application
  4. Consulate/Embassy of [Country] - The diplomatic mission processing your application
  5. Visa sticker - The physical visa placed in your passport

Common English Phrases You’ll Need

When filling out forms or communicating with officials, you’ll encounter these key terms:

  • Purpose of journey: Tourism, Business, Visiting family/friends, Medical treatment, etc.
  • Duration of stay: The number of days you plan to stay in the Schengen Area
  • First entry country: The Schengen country you plan to visit first
  • Main destination: The Schengen country where you’ll spend most of your time
  • Previous Schengen visas: Any Schengen visas you’ve held in the past 5 years
  • Inviting person/organization: Details of who is inviting you (if applicable)
  • Means of transport: Air, Rail, Road, Sea
  • Travel insurance: Insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation with minimum coverage of €30,000

Comprehensive Filling Guide for Schengen Visa Application

Section 1: Personal Information

Field: Surname (Family Name)

  • What to enter: Your family name exactly as it appears in your passport
  • Example: If your passport says “ZHANG, San”, enter “ZHANG”
  • Common mistake: Using your full name or including given names

Field: Surname at birth (if different)

  • What to enter: Your family name at birth if you’ve legally changed it
  • Example: If you were born “Maria Rodriguez” but now use “Maria Smith” after marriage
  • Leave blank: If your surname hasn’t changed

Field: First name(s) (Given name(s))

  • What to enter: Your given name(s) exactly as in passport
  • Example: If your passport says “ZHANG, San”, enter “San”
  • Common mistake: Using abbreviations or nicknames

Field: Date of birth

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 15/03/1990 for March 15, 1990
  • Important: Must match passport exactly

Field: Place of birth

  • What to enter: City and country of birth as in passport
  • Example: “Beijing, China” or just “Beijing” if country is already specified
  • Note: Some forms may have separate fields for city and country of birth

Field: Country of birth

  • What to enter: Country name at time of birth
  • Example: “China” or “USSR” if born before 1991

Field: Current nationality

  • What to enter: Your current citizenship
  • Example: “China”
  • Note: This may be different from nationality at birth

Field: Nationality at birth

  • What to enter: If different from current nationality
  • Example: “China” if you were born Chinese and still are
  • Leave blank: If same as current nationality

Field: Sex

  • Options: Male, Female, or X (for non-binary)
  • Important: Must match passport

Field: Marital status

  • Options: Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed, Separated, Registered partnership, Other
  • Example: Select “Married” if legally married
  • Note: “Registered partnership” is for civil partnerships recognized in some countries

Field: National identity number (if applicable)

  • What to enter: Your national ID number if you have one
  • Example: Chinese ID number: “110101199003151234”
  • Leave blank: If not applicable

Section 2: Travel Document Information

Field: Type of travel document

  • Options: Ordinary passport, Diplomatic passport, Service passport, Official passport, Other
  • What to enter: “Ordinary passport” for most travelers
  • Example: Select “Ordinary passport” for regular tourist travel

Field: Number of travel document

  • What to enter: Your passport number exactly as shown
  • Example: “E12345678”
  • Important: Double-check for accuracy - this is critical

Field: Date of issue

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 01/01/2020
  • Important: Must match passport exactly

Field: Valid until

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 31/12/2025
  • Important: Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen Area

Field: Issued by (authority)

  • What to enter: The authority that issued your passport
  • Example: “Ministry of Public Security, China” or “Chinese Embassy in London”
  • Common mistake: Using city names instead of issuing authority

Section 3: Contact Information

Field: Current residential address

  • What to enter: Your complete current address
  • Example: “Room 1203, Tower A, Sunshine Garden, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100025”
  • Important: Include postal code

Field: Email address

  • What to enter: Your primary contact email
  • Example: “zhangsan@email.com”
  • Important: Must be valid and checked regularly

Field: Telephone number

  • What to enter: Your mobile number with country code
  • Example: “+86 13800138000”
  • Important: Include country code and area code if applicable

Field: Country of residence

  • What to enter: Your country of permanent residence
  • Example: “China”
  • Note: This determines which Schengen country’s visa you need to apply for

Section 4: Occupation Information

Field: Current occupation

  • What to enter: Your job title or profession
  • Example: “Software Engineer”, “Teacher”, “Student”, “Self-employed”, “Retired”
  • Common mistake: Using company name instead of job title

Field: Employer and employer’s address

  • What to enter: Your employer’s name and complete address
  • Example: “Tencent Holdings Ltd, Kejizhongyi Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, China”
  • For students: Your school/university name and address
  • For self-employed: “Self-employed” and your business address
  • For unemployed: Leave blank or write “Unemployed”

Field: Primary purpose of journey

  • Options: Tourism, Business, Visiting family/friends, Medical treatment, Study, Cultural, Sports, Airport transit, Other
  • What to enter: Select the most accurate category
  • Example: Select “Tourism” for vacation travel

Section 5: Travel Details

Field: Main destination(s)

  • What to enter: The Schengen country/countries you plan to visit
  • Example: “France” or “France, Italy, Spain”
  • Important: This determines which country’s visa you need

Field: First entry country

  • What to enter: The Schengen country you will enter first
  • Example: “Germany” if flying to Frankfurt first
  • Note: This may be different from your main destination

Field: Duration of stay

  • What to enter: Number of days you plan to stay in Schengen Area
  • Example: “10” for a 10-day trip
  • Important: For multiple-entry visas, specify days per entry

Field: Previous Schengen visas

  • What to enter: Details of any Schengen visas in past 5 years
  • Example: “France 10⁄2020, Italy 08/2022” or “None” if applicable
  • Important: Include visa numbers if possible

Field: Fingerprints previously collected

  • Options: Yes, No, Don’t know
  • What to enter: “Yes” if you’ve applied for Schengen visa before 2011 (when biometrics started)
  • Example: “Yes” if you applied for visa in 2015
  • Note: Biometrics (fingerprints) have been required since 2011

Section 6: Inviting Person/Organization

Field: Name of inviting person/organization

  • What to enter: Name of host if visiting family/friends or business contact
  • Example: “Jean Dupont” or “ABC Company”
  • Leave blank: If not applicable (e.g., for tourism)

Field: Address and email of inviting person/organization

  • What to enter: Complete contact details of host
  • Example: “123 Rue de la Paix, Paris, France, jean.dupont@email.com”
  • Leave blank: If not applicable

Field: Relationship to applicant

  • What to enter: Family relationship or business relationship
  • Example: “Friend”, “Family member”, “Business partner”, “Hotel”
  • Leave blank: If not applicable

Section 7: Means of Transport

Field: Means of transport

  • Options: Air, Rail, Road, Sea
  • What to enter: Select your primary mode of transport
  • Example: Select “Air” if flying to Europe

Field: Flight/train/ship number

  • What to enter: Your booking reference or flight number
  • Example: “CA961” or “Booking ref: ABC123”
  • Note: This can be provided later if not booked yet

Section 9: Signature and Declaration

Field: Place of application

  • What to enter: City where you’re submitting the application
  • Example: “Beijing” or “Shanghai”

Field: Date of application

  • Format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 15/03/2024

Field: Signature

  • What to enter: Your handwritten signature
  • Important: Must match passport signature if required
  • Note: Some VACs may require digital signature

Common Rejection Issues and How to Avoid Them

1. Insufficient Financial Means

The Problem: Applicants cannot prove they have sufficient funds to cover their entire stay.

Official Requirement: You must demonstrate access to at least €60 per day per person (€30 if staying with friends/family) plus €245 buffer for emergencies.

Common Mistakes:

  • Bank statements showing recent large deposits (looks like borrowed money)
  • Insufficient balance relative to trip duration
  • Not providing proof of income source

How to Avoid:

  • Provide 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income
  • Include salary slips or proof of business income
  • If sponsored, provide sponsor’s financial documents and a sponsorship letter
  • Example: For a 10-day trip, you should show at least €600 + €245 = €845 available funds

Sample Bank Statement Analysis:

Good Example:
- Monthly salary deposit: ¥15,000 (consistent for 12 months)
- Regular expenses: rent, utilities, groceries
- Stable balance: ¥50,000-¥60,000
- No recent large deposits

Bad Example:
- Balance: ¥5,000 for months
- Suddenly deposit: ¥100,000 two weeks before application
- No explanation for source

2. Incomplete or Inconsistent Travel Itinerary

The Problem: Vague or illogical travel plans raise suspicion about genuine tourist intent.

Common Mistakes:

  • Listing multiple countries without clear routing
  • Dates that don’t add up (e.g., 5 countries in 7 days)
  • No hotel bookings or flight reservations
  • Itinerary doesn’t match visa application purpose

How to Avoid:

  • Provide a day-by-day itinerary with cities and activities
  • Include hotel reservations (can be refundable)
  • Provide flight reservation (not ticket, just reservation)
  • Example:

Good Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Paris CDG, check-in Hotel A (booking ref: ABC123)
Day 2-4: Paris sightseeing (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, etc.)
Day 5: Train to Lyon, check-in Hotel B
Day 6-7: Lyon exploration
Day 8: Return flight from Lyon (booking ref: XYZ789)

Bad Itinerary:

Day 1: Paris
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Berlin
Day 4: Madrid
Day 5: Amsterdam

(Impossible to do realistically)

3. Lack of Ties to Home Country

The Problem: Consular officers suspect you won’t return to your home country.

Common Mistakes:

  • No stable employment
  • No property ownership
  • No family dependents
  • Recent unemployment
  • No clear career progression

How to Avoid:

  • Provide employment letter stating your position, salary, and approved leave
  • Include property deeds or rental agreements
  • Provide birth certificates of children or marriage certificate
  • Include proof of ongoing studies
  • Example:

Strong Ties Evidence:

1. Employment Letter:
   "To whom it may concern: Zhang San has been employed as Senior 
   Software Engineer at Tencent since 2018, earning ¥25,000/month. 
   He has approved leave from March 15-25, 2024. Contact: HR Dept."

2. Property Ownership:
   - Copy of property deed for apartment in Beijing
   - Recent utility bills in applicant's name

3. Family Ties:
   - Marriage certificate
   - Children's birth certificates
   - Family photos (optional but helpful)

4. Inadequate Travel Insurance

The Problem: Insurance doesn’t meet Schengen requirements.

Common Mistakes:

  • Coverage less than €30,000
  • Doesn’t cover entire Schengen Area
  • Doesn’t cover emergency medical treatment and repatriation
  • Policy duration doesn’t cover entire stay
  • Not from approved insurer

How to Avoid:

  • Purchase Schengen-specific travel insurance
  • Ensure coverage is at least €30,000
  • Verify it covers all Schengen countries
  • Policy must be valid for entire duration of stay
  • Example:

Valid Insurance Policy:

Policy Number: SCH-2024-12345
Coverage: €50,000
Valid: March 15-25, 2024
Covers: All Schengen countries
Includes: Emergency medical, hospitalization, repatriation, emergency dental
Approved by: All Schengen consulates

5. Previous Visa Violations

The Problem: History of overstaying or visa violations.

Common Mistakes:

  • Overstaying previous visa by even 1-2 days
  • Using visa for wrong purpose (e.g., tourist visa for work)
  • Not complying with visa conditions

How to Avoid:

  • Always comply with visa conditions
  • Keep records of entry/exit stamps
  • If you have violations, provide explanation letter
  • Wait sufficient time before reapplying (usually 6-12 months)
  • Example:

Explanation Letter for Minor Overstay:

"Dear Consular Officer,
I would like to explain my previous visa violation. In 2022, I 
overstayed my Schengen visa by 2 days due to a medical emergency 
(hospitalization for acute appendicitis). I have attached medical 
records and proof of immediate departure. This was an isolated 
incident and I have since complied with all visa regulations."

6. Suspicious Document Authenticity

The Problem: Documents appear forged or manipulated.

Common Mistakes:

  • Altered bank statements
  • Fake employment letters
  • Forged property documents
  • Inconsistent fonts or formatting in documents
  • Documents not properly stamped/signed

How to Avoid:

  • Submit original documents or certified copies
  • Ensure all documents are properly stamped and signed
  • Use official letterheads
  • Example:

Proper Document Preparation:

✓ Original bank statements with bank stamp
✓ Employment letter on company letterhead with official stamp
✓ Property deed with government seal
✓ All documents dated and signed by authorized personnel
✗ No white-out or correction fluid
✗ No inconsistent fonts
✗ No missing stamps

7. Insufficient Explanation for Long Stay

The Problem: Long stay without clear purpose raises suspicion.

Common Mistakes:

  • 90-day tourist trip with no clear plan
  • No explanation for extended business stay
  • No family ties to justify long visit

How to Avoid:

  • Provide detailed day-by-day itinerary
  • Include invitation letter from host
  • Provide evidence of business meetings/conferences
  • Example:

Good Explanation for 60-Day Stay:

"I am visiting my daughter who lives in Paris (see invitation letter 
and proof of her residence). I will help with my grandchildren during 
her maternity leave. I have sufficient funds (see bank statements) 
and will return to China as my husband remains here and I have 
employment obligations."

8. Inconsistent Information Across Documents

The Problem: Different information in different documents.

Common Mistakes:

  • Name spelling variations
  • Different addresses
  • Inconsistent employment details
  • Conflicting travel dates

How to Avoid:

  • Triple-check all documents for consistency
  • Use exactly the same name format everywhere
  • Update all documents if you change address
  • Example:

Consistency Check:

Passport: ZHANG, San
Application: ZHANG San
Bank statement: Zhang San
Employment letter: Zhang San
✓ All consistent

Passport: ZHANG, San
Application: Zhang San
Bank statement: Zhang San
Employment letter: Zhang San
✓ All consistent

✗ Inconsistent: ZHANG San (passport) vs. Zhang San (application) vs. Zhang San (bank)

9. Lack of Travel History

The Problem: No previous international travel makes you a higher risk.

Common Mistakes:

  • First-time international traveler applying for 90-day visa
  • No travel to other developed countries
  • No previous visas

How to Avoid:

  • Start with shorter trips (15-30 days)
  • Build travel history to developed countries
  • Provide evidence of previous visas (US, UK, Canada, etc.)
  • Example:

Building Travel History:

First application: 15-day trip to Thailand (visa-free for Chinese)
Second application: 10-day trip to Japan (obtained visa)
Third application: 20-day trip to Australia (obtained visa)
Fourth application: 30-day Schengen visa (approved)
Fifth application: 90-day Schengen visa (approved)

10. Inadequate Preparation Time

The Problem: Applying too close to travel date.

Common Mistakes:

  • Applying less than 15 days before travel
  • Applying more than 6 months before travel
  • Not accounting for processing time

How to Avoid:

  • Apply 3-6 months before travel
  • Apply at least 15-20 days before travel (minimum)
  • Check processing times for your local VAC
  • Example:

Good Timeline:

Travel date: June 15, 2024
Application date: March 15, 2024 (3 months before)
Processing time: 15 calendar days
Visa issuance: April 1, 2024
Time to prepare: 2.5 months

Special Scenarios and Additional Tips

For Self-Employed/Freelancers

Additional Requirements:

  • Business registration documents
  • Tax returns for past 2 years
  • Business bank statements
  • Client contracts or invoices
  • Example:

Self-Employed Documentation:

1. Business license copy
2. Tax certificates (2022 & 2023)
3. Business bank statements (6 months)
4. Client contracts showing ongoing work
5. Letter from accountant confirming business status

For Students

Additional Requirements:

  • Student ID card
  • Official enrollment letter from university
  • Proof of tuition payment
  • No objection certificate from university
  • Example:

Student Documentation:

1. Enrollment letter (on university letterhead)
2. Student ID (copy)
3. Proof of tuition payment receipt
4. No objection letter for travel during semester break
5. Parents' financial documents (if dependent)

For Retirees

Additional Requirements:

  • Pension statements
  • Retirement certificate
  • Proof of other income sources
  • Example:

Retiree Documentation:

1. Pension statements (6 months)
2. Retirement certificate from employer
3. Bank statements showing pension deposits
4. Property ownership documents
5. Family ties evidence (children, grandchildren)

For Visiting Family/Friends

Additional Requirements:

  • Invitation letter from host
  • Host’s residence permit (if not EU citizen)
  • Host’s financial documents
  • Proof of relationship
  • Example:

Family Visit Documentation:

1. Invitation letter (signed by host)
2. Copy of host's passport/ID
3. Host's residence permit (if applicable)
4. Host's employment/financial documents
5. Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificates)
6. Host's address proof (utility bill)

Visa Interview Preparation

Common Interview Questions

  1. What is the purpose of your trip?

    • Good answer: “Tourism. I plan to visit Paris for 7 days to see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and experience French culture.”
    • Bad answer: “Just to travel around” (too vague)

  2. How long will you stay?

    • Good answer: “Exactly 10 days, from March 15-25, 2024. I have return flight booked.”
    • Bad answer: “Not sure, maybe a few weeks” (shows lack of planning)

  3. Where will you stay?

    • Good answer: “I have hotel bookings for all nights: Hotel A in Paris (booking ref: ABC123) and Hotel B in Lyon (booking ref: XYZ789)”
    • Bad answer: “I’ll find something when I get there” (raises suspicion)

  4. How do you fund this trip?

    • Good answer: “I am a software engineer earning ¥25,000/month. I have saved ¥50,000 for this trip. Here are my bank statements and employment letter.”
    • Bad answer: “My parents will give me money” (without documentation)

  5. What do you do in China?

    • Good answer: “I work as a Senior Software Engineer at Tencent since 2018. I have approved leave for this trip and will return to my job.”
    • Bad answer: “I’m unemployed” (without explanation)

  6. Have you been to Europe before?

    • Good answer: “Yes, I visited France and Italy in 2022 for 10 days and complied with all visa conditions. Here are my previous visa copies and entry/exit stamps.”
    • Bad answer: “No, this is my first time” (not necessarily bad, but be prepared)

  7. Do you have family in Europe?

    • Good answer: “No, I don’t. My entire family is in China. Here are my family ties evidence.”
    • If yes: “Yes, my daughter lives in Paris. I’m visiting her for 2 weeks. Here is her invitation letter and residence permit.”

Interview Tips

  • Be honest and consistent with all information
  • Bring all original documents for verification
  • Dress professionally (business casual minimum)
  • Arrive early and be prepared to wait
  • Answer clearly and concisely - don’t volunteer unnecessary information
  • Stay calm - it’s a routine process, not an interrogation
  • Bring a folder with organized documents for easy access

Post-Application Process

Tracking Your Application

Most VACs provide tracking services:

  • Online tracking: Use application number on VAC website
  • SMS updates: Optional service (usually fee applies)
  • Email notifications: Automatic updates
  • Phone inquiries: During business hours

Visa Decision Timeline

  • Standard processing: 15 calendar days
  • Additional verification: Up to 45 days
  • Urgent processing: 5-7 days (extra fee, not guaranteed)
  • Peak season delays: Apply extra time during March-September

If Visa is Approved

  • Check visa sticker carefully for errors:
    • Name spelling
    • Passport number
    • Validity dates
    • Number of entries
    • Remarks
  • If errors found: Contact VAC immediately for correction
  • Keep copies of visa and application

If Visa is Denied

Receiving the Decision:

  • You’ll receive a formal refusal letter explaining reasons
  • Refusal code will be included (e.g., “2 (a)”, “8 (1)”)

Common Refusal Codes:

  • 2 (a): Intended stay not justified
  • 2 ©: Insufficient means of subsistence
  • 2 (e): No valid travel insurance
  • 8 (1): You are considered a threat
  • 9 (1): Presence in Schengen Information System (SIS)

Your Options:

  1. Appeal: File appeal with country-specific procedures (usually 3-4 weeks)
  2. Reapply: Address reasons and submit new application
  3. Request review: Some countries allow review requests

Appeal Process:

1. Read refusal letter carefully
2. Gather additional documents addressing refusal reasons
3. Write appeal letter explaining why refusal was incorrect
4. Submit within deadline (usually 3-4 weeks)
5. Pay appeal fee (if applicable)
6. Wait for decision (can take months)

Reapplication Strategy:

1. Wait 3-6 months
2. Address ALL refusal reasons
3. Provide significantly stronger evidence
4. Consider applying for shorter duration first
5. Include explanation letter addressing previous refusal

Country-Specific Considerations

France

  • Additional requirement: Proof of accommodation for entire stay
  • Processing time: Often 10-15 days
  • Common拒签原因: Insufficient funds for long stays

Germany

  • Additional requirement: Detailed itinerary if visiting multiple countries
  • Processing time: Usually 15 days
  • Common拒签原因: Incomplete travel insurance

Italy

  • Additional requirement: Proof of round-trip flight
  • Processing time: 15-20 days
  • Common拒签原因: Inconsistent information

Spain

  • Additional requirement: Invitation letter for family visits must be legalized
  • Processing time: 15 days
  • Common拒签原因: Lack of ties to home country

Netherlands

  • Additional requirement: Detailed business itinerary for business visas
  • Processing time: 15 days
  • Common拒签原因: Insufficient business justification

Final Checklist Before Submission

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your application is complete:

Document Checklist

  • [ ] Completed and signed visa application form
  • [ ] Passport (valid 3+ months beyond stay)
  • [ ] Passport photos (2 recent, Schengen compliant)
  • [ ] Travel insurance (€30,000+ coverage)
  • [ ] Flight reservation (not ticket)
  • [ ] Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
  • [ ] Day-by-day itinerary
  • [ ] Bank statements (6 months)
  • [ ] Employment letter
  • [ ] Pay slips (3 months)
  • [ ] Tax returns (if self-employed)
  • [ ] Property documents (if applicable)
  • [ ] Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
  • [ ] Host’s documents (if applicable)
  • [ ] Previous visas (if any)
  • [ ] Travel history evidence
  • [ ] Proof of ties to home country
  • [ ] Cover letter explaining purpose
  • [ ] Visa fee payment receipt

Quality Check

  • [ ] All names match passport exactly
  • [ ] All dates are correct
  • [ ] All documents are within validity period
  • [ ] All required signatures present
  • [ ] All documents are legible
  • [ ] All translations are certified (if applicable)
  • [ ] All documents are organized in order
  • [ ] Copies of all documents made for your records

Conclusion

Applying for a Schengen visa requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The key to success is:

  1. Honesty: Always provide truthful information
  2. Completeness: Submit all required documents
  3. Consistency: Ensure all information matches across documents
  4. Clarity: Make your intentions and plans clear
  5. Preparation: Start early and allow sufficient processing time

Remember that visa officers are trained to identify genuine tourists versus those with immigration intent. Your application should clearly demonstrate:

  • Strong ties to home country (job, family, property)
  • Sufficient funds for your trip
  • Clear purpose and itinerary
  • Compliance history with immigration rules

By following this comprehensive guide and addressing potential issues proactively, you significantly increase your chances of a successful Schengen visa application. Safe travels!

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official website of the relevant Schengen country’s consulate or visa application centre for the most current requirements, as regulations may change.