Visa resource
Schengen visa refusals and appeals
If a Schengen visa is refused, applicants are told why and can challenge the decision. This page explains the principle in plain language, attributed to the European Commission; the detailed appeal procedure is national, so always follow the guidance you are given with the decision.
You are told the reason
According to the European Commission, when a Schengen short-stay visa is refused you are given the reasons for the refusal in writing, together with information on how to appeal.
You have a right to appeal
As a principle, you have a right to appeal a refusal. The appeal is made against the country that took the decision, under that country’s own national law — so the deadline, form and process depend on that country. Follow the appeal instructions provided with your refusal letter, and confirm the position via the official European Commission guidance.
Need help getting this right?
We check your documents as part of your application, so you don't submit the wrong thing.
Official sources
