How to check if a Schengen visa is genuine?

To check if a Schengen visa is genuine, you should verify the following security features and details:

1. Visa sticker quality – The visa is printed on a high-security sticker, not ordinary paper. It should have a professional finish without smudges or irregular printing.

2. Holograms – Tilt the visa under light; genuine Schengen visas display holographic elements, such as the word “Schengen” and other patterns.

3. Microtext – Very small text, often only visible under magnification, should appear clear and not blurry.

4. Optically variable ink – Some numbers or letters change color when viewed from different angles.

5. UV security features – Under ultraviolet light, genuine visas show fluorescent patterns, the EU emblem, and other hidden marks.

6. MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) – At the bottom of the visa, the MRZ must be scannable and correctly formatted.

7. Personal details – Verify your name, passport number, and visa validity dates are accurate and consistent with your passport.

8. Embassy or consulate seal – A genuine visa always carries the issuing authority’s official stamp and signature.

If you are uncertain about the authenticity, you can also have the visa verified by the issuing Schengen country’s embassy or consulate before traveling.