VizaleoSchengen visa refused? How to write an appeal letter
What to do after a Schengen visa refusal: appeal or re-apply, how to answer each refusal reason, the evidence to add and the deadline to watch.
Read your refusal notice first
The standard refusal form ticks the reasons for the refusal and explains how and by when you can appeal. Keep it: your appeal must answer exactly those reasons, and the deadline on it is the one that counts.
Appeal or re-apply?
You can appeal to the authority named on the notice, or apply again with stronger documents. Re-applying is often faster if you can now fix the problem (for example funds or bookings). An appeal makes sense when the decision overlooked evidence you had already given.
How to answer the most common reasons
- Purpose not justified: a clear itinerary, bookings, an invitation or event registration
- Insufficient funds: recent bank statements, payslips, a sponsor's letter and statements
- Intention to return not established: employment letter with approved leave, property, family ties, previous visas used correctly
- Information not reliable: explain each inconsistency, with documents
- No valid insurance: a policy covering at least EUR 30,000 in all Schengen states
Deadlines and where to send it
The notice states the authority and the deadline, often around one month. In France, a prior administrative appeal is mandatory before going to court. Send your appeal by a method that proves delivery, and keep copies.
When to see a lawyer
If the reason is a forged document, an entry ban in the Schengen Information System, or a security concern, speak to an immigration lawyer.
Vizaleo is an independent service, not affiliated with any government or visa centre. Requirements change: always confirm on the official page.