Schengen Visa Drama: Embassy Rejects, Then Approves

A Schengen visa application by an Indian traveller was initially refused by the Austrian Embassy in Kolkata for unspecified logistical reasons; however, the visa was subsequently granted following an email appeal and submission of additional travel documents .

Sequence of Events:

1. Initial Rejection
   • The traveller applied for a Schengen visa nearly four months before a planned multi-country tour of Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Czechia, and Hungary. Austria was designated as the main destination.
   • Despite a complete application, confirmed prior Schengen visas, and adequate funds, the application was rejected citing “lack of internal means of transportation” — an unusual and previously unraised issue.
2. Prompt Appeal
   • In response, the traveller promptly emailed the embassy, supplying train and bus booking confirmations between the destination cities.
   • While initial embassy responses were noncommittal and generic, the traveller received official instructions after approximately two weeks to resubmit the passport along with the additional documents to the nearest VFS centre.
3. Visa Issued
   • Roughly two weeks following the resubmission of documents, the traveller received the passport stamped with a 22‑day Schengen visa, fully aligned with the intended travel schedule.

Implications & Insights:

• Documentation Gaps Matter: Even with valid funds and prior visas, minor documentation details—such as booking internal transportation—can trigger rejections.
• Appealing Decisions Works: Proactive, polite communication and swift response with corrected documentation proved effective even without a formal appeal process.
• Community Advice: Online forums and travel groups frequently recommend upfront submission of travel itineraries (internal transport bookings) to prevent similar rejections.

Expert Tips for Schengen Visa Seekers:

• Include internal travel bookings when your itinerary spans multiple Schengen countries.
• If faced with a visa refusal, promptly follow up via email or through VFS with the required information.
• Ensure transparency by supplying comprehensive and verifiable documents to address embassy concerns.

Bottom Line: The case underscores that visa refusals sometimes stem from minor technicalities rather than major eligibility issues. A well-prepared appeal with clear documentation can successfully overturn an initial rejection.