belgium tourist visa rejection rate

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These 4 countries rejected most number of Schengen visa requests

In 2021, Sweden, Norway, France and Denmark were said to turn down the highest number of visa applications from third-country citizens. Applicants applying to the embassies and consulates of these four countries were more likely to get rejected as compared to any other country in the Schengen area, as per the Schengen Visa Statistics 2021.

France, Germany and Spain received the highest number of applications in 2021.The average rejection rate for all Schengen states in 2021 was 13.4% of the total 2,926,104 applications filed from across the world. Against this, Sweden had the highest rejection rate, declining 30.6% of the 22,260 visa applications. Norway came second with 26.2% of 9,895 visa applications rejected. France turned down 21.1 % of the 652,331 applications they received. Denmark rejected 21.1% of the 26,469 applications. Belgium turned down 20.4% of 50,796 applications, whereas Malta 16.2% of 4,295 visa requests in 2021.

How did Schengen visa applications from India perform?

Sweden rejected 833 or 42.26% of 1,974 visa applications from India in 2021, whereas Norway turned down 30.69%. France issued 25,482 visas and turned down 11,959 applications during the same year. Switzerland rejected 21% of applications and issued 15,551 visas to Indian travellers last year. The Spanish consulate in Delhi saw more rejections at 30.20% as compared to Mumbai which had 15.08% of its applications rejected.

Best countries for Schengen visa?

The countries with the lowest rejection rates are Luxembourg (1.2 per cent), Slovakia (2.7 per cent), Lithuania (2.8 per cent), the Czech Republic (3.3 per cent), and Latvia (3.5 per cent).

The African continent seems to be at the receiving end of most rejections. Citizens of Guinea Bissau had 53% of the Schengen visa applications turned down, the Sengalese 52.2% and Nigerians 51%.

These statistics speak of the situation in 2021. They may or may not represent the realities of cross-border travel at the moment. The consensus is that most embassies and consulates in India are creaking under the weight of applications. Here’s a handy guide on how bad the situation i s and what you can do about it.

Exploring Schengen countries with highest visa rejection rates in 2022

Ruba Abdelhadi

ALBAWABA - The Schengen Area, comprising 26 European countries, allows for passport-free travel among its member states. However, obtaining a Schengen visa is not always guaranteed. In 2022, certain countries within the Schengen Area had higher rejection rates compared to others. This article delves into the data, shedding light on the top countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates and the reasons behind these rejections.

Malta : Leading the Table with a Rejection Rate of 36.4% Malta stands out as the country with the highest share of rejected visa applications within the Schengen Area. Out of 22,275 applications received, 36.4% were rejected, although the actual number of negative decisions is relatively low due to fewer applications filed by Maltese authorities abroad.

Sweden : Second Highest Rejection Rate at 29% Sweden follows closely as the second country with a high Schengen visa rejection rate. Approximately 29% of the visa applications (38,652 out of 135,946) submitted to the Swedish authorities were rejected. While Sweden has a substantial rejection rate, it falls behind Malta in terms of the total number of rejected applications.

Belgium : Third Highest Rejection Rate at 28.4% Belgium holds the third position with a rejection rate of 28.4%. Out of 171,966 applications, 28.4% were rejected by Belgian authorities. Belgium's rejection rate is relatively high, with a significant number of rejections highlighting a strict evaluation process.

France : Highest Number of Negative Decisions in 2022 Despite a rejection rate of 22.2%, France had the highest number of negative decisions on Schengen visa applications in 2022. The French authorities turned down a staggering 408,876 applications. This high number is due to France receiving the largest number of applications among Schengen countries.

Overall Rejection Rate and Countries with the Most Rejections: The overall rejection rate for the Schengen Area in 2022 was 17.9%. However, when considering the number of rejected applications, disregarding the rejection rate, the countries with the highest number of rejections were France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejections: Common reasons for Schengen visa rejections include insufficient proof of financial means, lack of appropriate travel insurance, invalid passport presentation, and past criminal records.

Third Countries with High Visa Rejection Rates: It is important to note the rejection rates for Schengen visas from third countries. The top five countries with the highest number of visa rejections from Schengen countries in 2022 were Algeria, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Ghana, and Haiti.

Conclusion: Countries such as Malta, Sweden, Belgium, and France experienced higher Schengen visa rejection rates in 2022. Factors like insufficient financial proof, lack of appropriate insurance, invalid passports, and criminal records significantly contribute to the rejection of visa applications. Understanding these trends and reasons can help applicants better prepare their visa applications and increase their chances of success.

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Top Four Schengen Countries with the Highest Visa Rejection Rates

• Visas & Passports

As you must know, the Schengen Area consists of 26 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders, allowing for the free movement of people. However, obtaining a Schengen visa to visit these countries is not always guaranteed.

In 2022, certain countries within the Schengen Area had higher rejection rates compared to others. This article explores the top four countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates and provides insights into the statistics.

Schengen Countries With Highest Visa Rejection Rates

Malta: leading the table with a high rejection rate of 36.4%.

Malta stands out as the country with the highest share of rejected visa applications within the Schengen Area. The consulates and visa centres in Malta have rejected a significant 36.4% of the total visa applications received.

However, it is worth noting that the actual number of negative decisions made in Malta is relatively low due to the low number of applications filed by the Maltese authorities abroad. Out of 22,275 applications received, 7,915 were rejected.

Sweden: Second Highest Rejection Rate at 29%

Sweden is listed as the second country with a high Schengen visa rejection rate. Approximately 29% of the visa applications (38,652 out of 135,946) submitted to the Swedish authorities were rejected. Although Sweden has a substantial rejection rate, it falls behind Malta in terms of the total number of rejected applications.

Also Read: Estonia, Malta, and Slovenia: Toughest Schengen Visa Destinations for Indian Travellers

Belgium: Third Highest Rejection Rate at 28.4%

Belgium holds the third position with a rejection rate of 28.4%. Out of 171,966 applications, 46,569 were rejected by the Belgian authorities. While Belgium’s rejection rate is relatively high, the actual number of rejections is significant, highlighting the strict evaluation process.

France: Highest Number of Negative Decisions in 2022

France, despite having a rejection rate of 22.2%, has the highest number of negative decisions on Schengen visa applications in 2022. The French authorities abroad turned down a staggering 408,876 applications.

This high number is attributed to the fact that France received the largest number of applications among Schengen countries, totalling 1,918,515.

Overall Rejection Rate and Countries with the Most Rejections

The overall rejection rate for the Schengen Area in 2022 was 17.9%. However, if we focus solely on the number of rejected applications, disregarding the rejection rate, the countries with the highest number of rejections are as follows:

• France: 408,876 applications rejected
• Spain: 227,712 applications rejected
• Germany: 167,517 applications rejected
• Italy: 92,186 applications rejected
• Netherlands: 70,566 applications rejected

Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejections

Reports indicate that there are 12 common reasons why Schengen countries reject visa applications. Some of the main reasons include insufficient proof of financial means for the trip, lack of appropriate travel insurance for the Schengen Zone, invalid passport presentation, and past criminal records.

Also Read: Best and Worst Countries for Schengen Visas for Indian Travellers Revealed

Third Countries with High Visa Rejection Rates

Apart from examining rejection rates within the Schengen Area, it is crucial to consider third countries where Schengen countries reject a substantial number of visas. The top five countries with the highest number of visa rejections from Schengen countries in 2022 are as follows:

• Algeria: 48.2% rejection rate
• Nigeria: 45.6% rejection rate
• Sri Lanka: 44.2% rejection rate
• Ghana: 44.2% rejection rate
• Haiti: 43.2% rejection rate

Spain, especially France, has been prominently involved in rejecting visa applications from many of these third countries.

The Schengen Area countries mentioned above, namely Malta, Sweden, Belgium, and France, experienced higher Schengen visa rejection rates in 2022 compared to other countries.

Factors such as insufficient proof of financial means, lack of appropriate travel insurance, invalid passport presentation, and criminal records significantly contribute to the rejection of visa applications. Understanding these trends and reasons for rejection can help applicants better prepare their visa applications and increase their chances of success.

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Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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Top Schengen Countries for Visa Refusals

Millions are schengen visa applications are rejected every year. The European Authorities publish statistics of schengen visa every year which provides a good insights into of visa refusals by schengen area countries.

Quick Summary

For 2022, A total of 5.9 million schengen visas (out of 7.5 million visa applications submitted at consulates worldwide), were issued, according to the visa statistics published by European commission, but at the same time on an average 17.6% of 1.3 million visa applications were refused for 2022 by consulates abroad.

Malta, Sweden, Belgium are the Top countries with highest refusal rates (%).  Likewise, France, Spain, Germany rejected highest number of applications, in terms of numbers.

Highest Refusals – Malta, Sweden, Belgium, France (consulates) Lowest Refusals  – Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia (consulates)

See below the table.

These are the top schengen countries with highest refusal rates issuing the schengen visa, sorted by refusal rate.

Source: European commission / Schengen Visa Statistics 2022

Third Countries

Nationals of these countries, were rejected by consulates of schengen states. Data shows almost half of the applications filed were rejected.

Applying for a schengen visa can be a stressful at times with fear of rejection. It may be advantageous for you to file your schengen visa application with a schengen state refusing in lowest numbers. Note that if your visa is rejected, the information is shared by all schengen countries, which could hamper your chances of future application to all the 27 schengen states.

The decision to refuse a Schengen visa and the reasons for the refusal are notified to the applicant using a standard form. The decision to refuse the visa must include the reasons on which the refusal was based, and the procedures and deadlines for submitting an appeal.

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Calculation of the Adjusted Visa Refusal Rate for Tourist and Business Travelers Under the Guidelines of the Visa Waiver Program

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program enables nationals of certain countries to travel without a visa to the U.S., when the intended travel is for "B" visa purposes (tourism or business) for stays of 90 days or less, if the traveler meets certain requirements. For more information, see Visa Waiver Program section . The Visa Waiver Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

What is a Visa Refusal?

Under U.S. immigration law, a visa must be denied if the applicant cannot establish his or her eligibility, either because the application does not meet the requirements of an established visa category, or because there are grounds for ineligibility based on other aspects of the visa case. A visa refusal is the formal denial of a nonimmigrant visa application by a U.S. consular officer acting pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act. (More about visa refusals may be found in the Visa Denials section ).

What is a Refusal Overcome?

Some visa refusals can be overcome by the presentation of additional information. "Overcomes" are cases in which an initial decision to deny a visa or suspend processing in a visa case is overcome by the new information or changed circumstances that establishes an applicant's eligibility for the visa (and the visa is then issued).

What is a Waiver of Ineligibility?

Some visa refusals require a waiver of ineligibility which must be approved by the Department of Homeland Security before a visa may be issued.

How is the Visa Waiver Program Adjusted Visa Refusal Rate Calculated?

The Visa Waiver Program nonimmigrant visitor visa refusal rate is based on the worldwide number of applicants for visitor (B) visas who are nationals of that country. B visas are issued for short term business or pleasure travel to the United States. For information about qualifying for a B visa for business or tourism, please see the Visitor Visa page . 

The Department identifies multiple applications from a unique applicant and omits all but the last action from the calculation. Thus, an applicant is counted only once each year and is assigned the status in which he or she ended the year. For example, if an applicant who was refused in April re-applies and is issued in July, he or she will count only as an issuance. Similarly, if an applicant who was refused in April re-applies and is refused again in July, he or she will be counted as only one refusal. Rarely, an applicant may end the year in a third category, “overcome.” This happens when an officer has the information he needs to overcome a refusal but has not processed the case to completion.

The adjusted refusal rate equals: [Refusals minus Overcomes] divided by [Issuances plus Refusals minus Overcomes].

Determination of B Visa Adjusted Refusal Rate for Country X:

Country X, worldwide, had 305,024 B visa applicants end the fiscal year in the “issuance” status;

20,548 end in “refused” status; and 88 end in “overcome” status.

Refusals minus Overcomes = 20,548 - 88 = 20,460

Issuances plus Refusals minus Overcomes = 305,024 + 20,548 - 88 = 325,484

20,460 divided by 325,484 = 6.3 percent (Adjusted Refusal Rate)

The number of visa applicants who receive waivers of ineligibility is not considered when calculating Visa Waiver Program adjusted refusal rates. This is because a visa applicant requiring a waiver of ineligibility must apply for that waiver and receive approval before obtaining a visa with the waiver annotated. Therefore, applicants requiring such a determination would not be eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program, because the decision regarding the application for waiver of ineligibility could not be made at a port of entry.

Other Considerations Regarding the Visa Waiver Program Adjusted Refusal Rate

A country's visa refusal rate is just one of the criteria considered when determining a country's eligibility for Visa Waiver Program status. For more information, see "How a Country Qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program," in the Visa Waiver Program section . It is important to note that the Visa Waiver Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security. Adjusted visa refusal rates for nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries reflect only visa applications submitted at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. They do not take into account persons who, under the Visa Waiver Program, travel to the U.S. without visas. Visa Waiver Program country refusal rates therefore tend to be higher than they would be if the Visa Waiver Program travelers were included in the calculation, since such travelers would in all likelihood have been issued visas had they applied.

Visa Waiver Program Refusal Rate Data

• FY2023 NIV B Adjusted Refusals by Nationality
• FY2022 NIV B Adjusted Refusals by Nationality
• FY2021 NIV B Adjusted Refusals by Nationality
• FY2020 NIV B Adjusted Refusals by Nationality  
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• FY2007 NIV B Adjusted Refusals by Nationality
• FY2006 NIV B Adjusted Refusals by Nationality

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Home > Blog > 12 Countries Where Applying for a Schengen Visa Is Trickier

12 Countries Where Applying for a Schengen Visa Is Trickier

Uncategorized on 22 Nov, 2022

As Schengen Visa experts, readers often ask us questions such as, “ What are the hardest countries to get a Schengen Visa? ” or “ What embassies should I avoid submitting my application to? ”.

So, we decided to write this post because we want to clear up an important point and bring a little cheer. 

Even though the Schengen Visa application process seems frightfully daunting, you don’t have to worry about it – as long as you know exactly what documents are required and how to fill them out. 

As we have shared in this post, if you have all of the supporting documents filled out correctly, then you can walk into your Schengen Visa interview with confidence – whichever embassy you apply to. 

Yes, it is generally acknowledged that some Schengen countries have high rejection rates, while others have low rejection rates. 

But this doesn’t mean that it’s overwhelmingly difficult to get a Schengen Visa from an embassy with high rejection rates. 

If you’re applying for a country that is known as a “hard country to get a Schengen Visa”, you only need to be cautious and ensure all of your documents meet the Embassy’s requirements. 

Be sure to check out the country’s checklist so that you can collect all the required documents and avoid being rejected due to missing or incorrect documents. 

By doing so, you will be able to get a Visa even from Schengen countries with high rejection rates. 

Table of contents:

• Top 12 countries with the highest Schengen Visa refusal rates
• The secret to getting your Schengen Visa application approved

1. Top 12 Countries With the Highest Schengen Visa Refusal Rates

Below you will find the 12 countries with the highest Schengen Visa rejection rates according to the statistics published on the official website of the European Commission in 2020.

For more information, you can also see the section of our website entirely dedicated to Schengen Visa statistics . 

With 30% of applications refused and 70% approved, Portugal was the Schengen country with the highest Visa rejection rate in 2020. 

In 2020, Malta refused 27.8% of the Schengen Visa applications, meaning that only 72.2% of applicants received a positive answer. 

Belgium is another Schengen country that is well-known for its high rejection rates. With 23.6% of applications rejected and only 76.4% approved, you need to be extra cautious when applying for a Visa for Belgium.  

• Sweden      

With 23% of Schengen Visa applications refused and 77% approved, this Scandinavian country ranks no. 4 for the Schengen Visa rejection rate. 

Even though it has a high rejection rate (18.5% of applications rejected and 81.5% approved), France was the Schengen country with the highest number of Schengen Visa applications received in 2020. 

In 2020, Spain rejected 17.4% of the Schengen Visa applications. This means that only 82.6% of applicants were granted a Visa to the Schengen Area. 

• Netherlands

With a rejection rate of 16.8% and an approval rate of 83.2%, the Netherlands is another country where you should be extra cautious when applying for a Schengen Visa.

Norway is another Nordic country where getting a Schengen Visa is trickier, with 16.2% of applications refused and 83.8% approved. 

According to the 2020 statistics, those applying for a Schengen Visa to Slovenia have a 14.8% chance of being rejected and an 85.2% chance of getting a positive answer. 

In 2020, Germany had a rejection rate of 14.1% and an approval rate of 85.9%. It also ranked no. 2 for the number of Schengen Visa applications received. 

According to the European Commission statistics, Denmark rejected 11.8% of the Schengen Visa applications, while the remaining 88.2% were granted a Visa to Europe. 

While in 2019 Italy had a rejection rate of 7.7%, the situation changed in 2020, when 11.5% of applications were rejected. This means that the remaining 88.5% received a Schengen Visa. 

2. The Secret to Getting Your Schengen Visa Application Approved

Whether you are applying to a country with a lenient Visa policy or one where the Schengen Visa is harder to get, you must take your application very seriously. 

You should get yourself familiarised with the Schengen Visa policy, collect all of the required documents, and prepare for the Schengen Visa interview .   

Unfortunately, that is not always that easy, especially if you allow yourself to feel discouraged by a country’s high rejection rates. 

When you think that each of the 26 Schengen countries has different rejection rates and could require additional documents that are not mandatory for other countries, you may feel scared.

However, this should not frighten you, as we are here to ensure you have the highest chance of success, even if you submit your application to a country with a high rejection rate. 

We at Visas Association know the frustration and confusion that you are likely to feel after spending weeks searching the Internet and are not any closer to knowing what to submit.   

So, if you want to apply for your Visa with confidence (especially if the embassy you are applying to has a high rejection rate), let us guide you through every step of the process. 

We have developed a unique Schengen Embassy Requirements Report (SERR) where we evaluate your personal situation by asking you 7 specific questions. 

Then, we provide you with a set of requirements that is unique to you to ensure you submit the right documents and get a positive answer from the embassy. 

By doing so, you can put all your doubts aside and apply for a Schengen Visa without fear, even if you file your application to an embassy with high rejection rates. 

Conclusion : The Schengen Area is currently covering 26 countries without border controls between them, and all of them have different rejection rates. 

However, with all of your documents filled out correctly, you can have high chances of approval even from those countries known as the “hardest countries to get a Schengen Visa”. 

Visas Association is a trusted Visa Agency with a proven track record of helping travellers get their Schengen Visa approved. If you need expert advice and want to be successful with your application, do not hesitate to request your FREE consultation or contact us to find out more about our services.    

Confused Where To Start?

If you are confused, worried or stuck, the best next step to take is to Get a Free Consultation .

The session takes 5 to 10 minutes, starts immediately and you will get our advice delivered to your inbox by a Visa Expert within 1-2 hours. This is not a video or phone call, it is just like a live chat, where we can understand your situation better and an expert shares what you should do next.

There is no commitment to use our services at all, we just provide you advice based on our assessment of your situation and give you the next steps you need to follow to get your Schengen visa.

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Visa for Belgium

National visa (d-visa).

• Last updated on March 18, 2024

A long stay visa is required for all persons, including American citizens, who want to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days . While a long stay visa is not a Schengen visa, it does allow you to travel within the Schengen Area during your stay in Belgium. 

A long stay visa is not required for EU citizens and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway and Switzerland, as well as their spouses, partners or children. Spouses, partners or children who are not exempt from the Schengen visa requirement need to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to Belgium. EU citizens and their family members can apply for a Belgian residence permit at the local city hall upon arrival in Belgium. Click here  for more details.

How to apply?  

Applications for a long stay visa can be submitted, either in person by appointment or by mail and must be lodged with the consular post that has jurisdiction over the State of your primary residence.

The processing time varies from 2 weeks to 6-9 months depending on the category (see below). 

What to submit? 

Please click in the corresponding category below to find the lists of supporting documents that you should submit. The approximate processing time of the application is mentioned between parentheses.

• Higher education students (PDF, 135.15 KB) (3 weeks) 
• Exchange students (PDF, 118.35 KB) - Secondary education (3 weeks) 
• Private higher education students (PDF, 136.99 KB) (3 months) 
• Private employees (PDF, 119.82 KB) , i.e., holders of a single permit (including researchers, Fulbright recipients, interns, au pairs and missionaries) (3 weeks) 
• Self-employed workers (PDF, 133.09 KB) , i.e., holders of a professional card (3 months) 
• Retirement (PDF, 110.83 KB) (3 months) 
• With a private employee or self-employed worker (PDF, 138.23 KB) (3 weeks) 
• With a Belgian citizen (PDF, 133.64 KB)  (3 weeks)
• With intent to marry or legally cohabitate (PDF, 149.71 KB) in Belgium (3-6 months)

The status of D-visa applications that require Belgian Immigration Home Office approval (i.e. visas for studies at private institutions, humanitarian reasons, retirement and independent professionals) can be verified via the Immigration Office website . Note that the link is only available in Dutch or French. The visa application number can be provided by consular post where the application was submitted.

What to do upon arrival in Belgium? 

Ensure that the passport is endorsed by the immigration authorities at the place of entry into the Schengen Area. 

Register within 8 days of arrival at the communal administration of your local city hall in Belgium. There, you apply for a Residence Permit which will allow entry into Belgium while valid. 

General information about visas for Belgium

Additional general information concerning visa applications for Belgium is available on the website of the Immigration Office of the FPS Home Affairs , which is the competent Belgian authority for access, stay, residence and removal of foreigners within the territory.  

Useful documents

List of physicians pdf 13.23 kB

Credit Card Authorization Form pdf 269.89 kB

Medical certificate pdf 108.94 kB

Affidavit of support instructions pdf 212.18 kB

Schengen travel insurance list pdf 111.82 kB

Affidavit of support form French pdf 336.73 kB

Affidavit of support form Dutch pdf 334.93 kB

French-English translation affidavit of support pdf 188.21 kB

Dutch-English translation affidavit of support pdf 142.96 kB

All information on applying for a visa to Belgium.

© 2024 FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation

Belgium Visa Refusal Appeal in 2024

Understanding the visa refusal.

Before you proceed with an appeal, it’s important to understand why your visa was denied. The Belgian consulate will provide you with a refusal letter, detailing the specific reasons for rejection. Some common reasons include:

• Insufficient Documentation : Applicants may sometimes overlook or fail to provide certain essential documents.
• Perceived Overstay Risk : Belgium visa authorities might deny an application if they believe there’s a risk the applicant might try to stay in the country beyond the visa’s validity.
• Lack of Funds : Travelers must prove they have adequate funds for the duration of their stay. If an applicant’s bank statement appears unstable or if funds were deposited suspiciously close to the visa application date, it could be grounds for denial.
• Unclear Travel Purpose : An ambiguous or unclear explanation of the travel purpose might lead to a rejection.
• Prior Overstay or Visa Violation : Any previous violations of Schengen visa rules could lead to current and future application denials.

Can a visa refusal be overturned?

Yes , a visa refusal can be overturned.

Every applicant has the right to appeal a negative visa decision if they believe that the consulate made an error in their judgment or if there have been significant changes in circumstances since the application.

The appeal process aims to ensure that every application is given a fair review.

During the appeal, the original decision is reconsidered, taking into account any new evidence or arguments presented by the applicant.

How To Prepare for the Appeal

• Timely Response: Ensure that you start the appeal process as soon as possible. Typically, you have 30 days from the receipt of the refusal letter to submit your appeal. This timeframe is non-negotiable, so act promptly.
• Gather Relevant Documents: Depending on the reason for refusal, gather additional documents or evidence that can support your appeal. This might include additional bank statements, employment proof, clearer travel itineraries, or more specific invitation letters.
• Drafting the Appeal Letter: The heart of your appeal is the letter where you explain why you believe the refusal should be reconsidered. Be concise, factual, and address the reasons for refusal point by point. If you can, having this letter reviewed by a professional or expert can significantly bolster your appeal’s chances.

Submitting the Appeal

In 2024, the Belgium visa appeal process has been streamlined for clarity, but it’s essential to follow every step meticulously.

• Submission Point: Appeals should be directed to the Immigration Office of the Federal Public Service Home Affairs in Brussels. This is the central point for visa refusal appeals.
• Language: Ensure that your appeal is in one of Belgium’s official languages: Dutch, French, or German. If you originally submitted your visa application in English, it’s advisable to have your appeal translated to one of the official languages.
• Format: While email submissions might be quicker, ensure you have hard copies of all documents. This includes your original refusal letter, your appeal letter, and any supporting documentation.

What to Expect After Submitting Your Appeal

After the appeal submission, the waiting game begins. The duration for a decision can vary, but in 2024, it has generally been observed that decisions come within 90 days. There can be three outcomes:

• Approval: The Immigration Office might find your appeal convincing and reverse the original decision. In this case, you’d be granted the visa.
• Upheld Refusal: The authorities might still find grounds to uphold the original refusal. If this happens, the reasons will be communicated clearly.
• Further Scrutiny: In some cases, the Immigration Office might request additional information or documents. Ensure you provide these promptly.

What To Do If My Appeal Is Rejected

If your appeal is rejected, it’s not the end of the road. You can:

• Reapply: You can choose to address the reasons for refusal and reapply for the visa. Sometimes, a second, more thorough application can yield positive results.
• Judicial Recourse: As a last resort, you can take the decision to the Council for Alien Law Litigation (CALL). However, this can be a longer process, and professional legal advice is recommended.

How long do you have to appeal visa refusal?

In the event of a visa refusal by the Belgium consulate or embassy, the refusal letter will typically mention the deadline for filing an appeal.

As of 2024, applicants generally have 30 calendar days from the date of receiving the refusal notification to file their appeal.

It’s vital to adhere to this deadline; otherwise, the right to appeal might be lost.

Is there a fee associated with the appeal process?

The appeal process may come with an administrative fee, although this can vary based on the type of visa and specific circumstances.

As of 2024, while some types of visa refusal appeals might be free, others might incur a charge.

Remember, even if there’s a fee, it’s a separate charge from the original visa application fee, which is non-refundable regardless of the visa decision.

Can I reapply for a visa while my appeal is still in process?

Yes, there’s nothing that legally prevents you from submitting a new visa application while your appeal is still in process. However, it’s essential to consider a few things:

• If your circumstances haven’t changed or if you’re not providing any new information or documentation that addresses the reasons for the initial refusal, the chances of another refusal might be high.
• Submitting a new application means paying the visa application fee again.
• A new application will be evaluated independently of the ongoing appeal and the previously refused application.

How many times can I appeal a visa refusal decision?

If your appeal is unsuccessful, there may be further recourse to appeal to a higher authority or judicial body, depending on the specifics of Belgian immigration law and the reasons for the refusal.

However, generally speaking, you can’t repeatedly appeal the same refusal at the same administrative level.

After an unsuccessful first appeal, you might be allowed to escalate the matter, but there are typically limits to how many times you can do this.

Does visa refusal affect future visa applications?

Having a visa refusal doesn’t just affect one’s prospects of entering Belgium; its implications can be far-reaching:

• Schengen Database : A visa refusal might be recorded in the Schengen Information System, making it accessible to other Schengen countries. This can affect the outcome of future visa applications within the zone.
• Subsequent Applications : Future applications might require the applicant to disclose previous visa refusals, which can influence the decision-making process.
• Requirement for Additional Documentation : Some countries might require further proof or more extensive documentation from applicants who’ve had prior refusals.

Steps to Strengthen Future Applications

Facing a visa refusal can be disheartening, but it’s essential to learn from the experience. Here’s how applicants can bolster their next application:

• Detailed Cover Letter : A well-explained letter that elaborates on the purpose of the visit can help.
• Enhanced Documentation : Applicants should review what was missing or inadequate in their prior application and ensure they provide more comprehensive and detailed documents next time.
• Proof of Ties : Demonstrating strong ties to one’s home country can be crucial. This can be in the form of job contracts, property deeds, or family ties.
• Seek Expert Guidance : Consider consulting with a visa expert or immigration lawyer to review and strengthen the application.

How Will I Be Notified About the Decision on My Appeal?

In the context of a Belgium visa refusal appeal in 2024:

• Notification Method : You will typically be notified about the decision on your appeal through official communication methods, which may include a letter sent to your postal address or an email, depending on the contact information you provided in your appeal application.
• Time Frame for Decision : The time frame for receiving a decision on your appeal can vary, but it is generally provided in the appeal acknowledgment. The decision-making process may take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the Immigration Office.

What Happens if the Immigration Office Requests Additional Documents, but I Cannot Provide Them Within the Stipulated Time?

If the Belgian Immigration Office requests additional documents during your appeal process:

• Immediate Communication : If you are unable to provide the requested documents within the given time frame, it is crucial to communicate this to the Immigration Office immediately.
• Request Extension : You should request an extension, explaining the reasons for the delay and providing a realistic timeline for when you can submit the required documents.
• Potential Impact : Failure to provide the requested documents or to communicate adequately with the Immigration Office may negatively impact the outcome of your appeal.
• Document Submission : If possible, submit any partial documentation you have and explain the delay for the rest.

It’s important to maintain open and timely communication with the Immigration Office throughout the appeal process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I received a refusal for a schengen visa from another country, not belgium. can i appeal to the belgian immigration office.

No, you must appeal to the specific country that issued the refusal. Each Schengen country manages its own visa appeal processes.

Can I extend the 30-day deadline to appeal?

The 30-day deadline is generally strict. Exceptions are rare and typically require a substantial reason, such as medical emergencies.

Do I need a lawyer for the appeal process?

While it’s not mandatory, having legal representation or consultation can strengthen your appeal, especially if the reasons for refusal are complex.

Can a visa refusal for Belgium affect my applications to other Schengen countries?

While each country assesses visa applications independently, a refusal from one Schengen country might raise additional scrutiny in another. It’s advisable to address and clarify any past refusals in new applications.

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