Schengen Visa Refusal & Appeal Guide
A Schengen visa lets non-EU nationals make a short visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This guide covers the rules, the fees, the documents and what happens if your application is refused. Verified against the European Commission's home-affairs pages, October 2026.
The 15-second answer
The normal processing time is 15 days (up to 45 in complex cases). If your application is rejected, the consulate must tell you why it was rejected and how to submit an appeal.
What a Schengen visa is
It is an entry permit for non-EU nationals for a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to a country in the Schengen area. There are three forms:
- Single-entry — enter the Schengen area once.
- Multiple-entry — several visits for as long as the visa is valid.
- Airport transit — connect through the international transit area during a stopover; it does not let you leave that area.
See the separate guide to the Schengen 90/180-day rule for the day counting.
Where and when to apply
- Where: at the consulate of the country you intend to visit. Visiting more than one Schengen country — apply where you will spend the longest time; for stays of equal length, at the consulate of the first country you will visit.
- When: at least 15 days before your journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand. You may have to book an appointment first.
Documents needed
- A valid passport — expiry at least 3 months after your departure from the Schengen area (for multiple-entry visas, at least 3 months after leaving the last country visited).
- A visa application form.
- A photo complying with ICAO standards.
- Medical insurance covering emergency care, hospitalisation and repatriation.
- Supporting documents on the purpose of stay, financial means, accommodation and intention to return home.
- Fingerprints are collected when you submit (exemptions exist for specific categories).
Consulates may request additional documents. See the Schengen visa documents checklist and test your photo with the free passport photo checker.
Fees
- €90 — adults.
- €45 — children aged 6–12.
- €35 — applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus.
- €67.50 — applicants from Cabo Verde.
An additional fee may apply if you go through a visa service centre, and the fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants.
Processing time
The normal processing time is 15 days. This can be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination and/or additional documents are required. Family members of EU or EEA citizens under the Free Movement Directive may be eligible for a free and accelerated procedure.
Refusal of a visa application
If your application is rejected, you will be told:
- why it was rejected; and
- how to submit an appeal.
That is the official communication you should expect from the consulate: the reason for the refusal and the appeal route. Follow the appeal instructions in that notice, as the procedure and deadlines are set by the deciding country.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Schengen visa?
An entry permit for non-EU nationals to make a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to a country in the Schengen area.
What are the three forms of Schengen visa?
Single-entry (enter once), multiple-entry (several visits while the visa is valid) and airport transit (connect through the international transit area only).
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
€90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6-12, €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus, and €67.50 for applicants from Cabo Verde. A visa service centre may add a fee, and the fee can be waived for specific categories.
How long does it take to process?
The normal processing time is 15 days. It may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination or additional documents are required.
What happens if my Schengen visa is refused?
You will be told why it was rejected and how to submit an appeal.
When should I apply?
At least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand; you may need to book an appointment first.
Schengen visa documents → Schengen 90/180-day rule →
Browse all passport & visa guides, the checklists or the photo size chart.
Source note: the definition and the 90/180 rule, the three visa forms, where and when to apply, the documents (passport with 3 months' validity, application form, ICAO-standard photo, medical insurance, supporting documents, fingerprints), the fees (€90 adults, €45 children 6–12, €35 Armenia/Azerbaijan/Belarus, €67.50 Cabo Verde, service-centre surcharge and waivers), the 15-day processing time extendable to 45 days, and the refusal section ("why it was rejected" and "how to submit an appeal") are from the European Commission home-affairs page home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en, checked October 2026.