Publication date: 03.07.2024
Securing a visa can be daunting for many, and Turkish citizens aiming to apply for a Spanish visa often need help. Turkish nationals have faced high rejection rates when applying for a Schengen visa in Spain for some time. Understanding the reasons behind visa rejections and learning how to prevent them is crucial for a successful application. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help Turkish citizens navigate the Spanish visa application process effectively.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejections:
Visa rejections can result from a variety of reasons, including:
Submitting an incomplete application and providing false or incorrect information: If you submit an incomplete application with misleading information, you will receive a negative visa decision. You must fill out the application form with accurate and complete information; otherwise, your visa will be denied.
So, when filling out the application form, make sure to read each question attentively and respond truthfully. You should also keep in mind that you cannot leave any blank areas and pay special attention to questions marked with a star (*), which indicate that this portion is required and must be completed.
Providing an unclear reason for your visit: If you do not provide a clear reason for your visit to Spain, the consular office may deny your visa. This can happen if your employment and professional qualifications do not match your declared financial situation, or if you cannot provide supporting documents. You cannot present documentation that justifies your motivation for entering Spain. The period of your visa does not correspond to the schedule you gave. You make conflicting comments about the reason for your visit.
Not enough assurance that you will return to your country: Once you are in Spain, you must have your return flight tickets with you. To be more exact, your flight tickets, particularly the return ones, make a significant impact. That is because the total number of nights shown in your hotel reservation plus those shown in the invitation letter you received must equal the number of nights between your arrival flight and your return flight.
Insufficient financial resources: To go to Spain, you must have sufficient funds. This is because visa officials will analyze your financial situation to determine whether or not you can support your own expenses while in Spain. If you do not have enough money, visa officials may believe you will participate in illicit employment or rely on public assistance to maintain yourself, and they will deny your visa.
Insufficient travel insurance: Spain requires visa applicants to present proof of current travel insurance as part of the visa application process. Having valid travel insurance throughout your stay will allow you to cover any unforeseen charges, such as medical bills or repatriation. Your travel insurance is regarded as invalid if it does not match the conditions established by EU regulations, which include:
● Coverage for the requisite sum of 30,000 EUR.
● Insurance for your return home.
● Validity extends to the entire Schengen area.
● Insurance for the duration of your stay in Spain.
Failure to provide proof of accommodation: Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings, a letter of invitation from a host, or a rental agreement, is an important need in the visa application process since it demonstrates that you have a place to stay during your travels to Spain. Failure to present proof of accommodation may raise concerns about your travel plans, resulting in visa rejection.
Having previous or current criminal records or being a security risk: when processing visa applications, visa officers consider two factors: safety and security. As a result, if you appear to pose a threat to public policy or public wealth, you will not be granted a visa or permitted to enter Spain. For example, if you have been convicted of terrorism, drug addiction, or other significant offenses, your visa will be denied.
Having Previous Schengen Visa Violations: As previously stated, your history and current behavior influence the decision on your visa application. This implies that if you have a poor travel history or a history of visa violations, your visa will probably not be accepted. Common visa breaches include overstaying, illicit work, violating visa conditions, and fraud, among others.
Examples of visa rejection
Even among Turkish citizens who are financially secure, rejections are becoming increasingly frequent. For example, a Turkish citizen who regularly travels across Europe and has a stable and comfortable lifestyle in Turkey applied for a visa, which was rejected because it was determined that he posed a risk of not going back to Turkey. Here are some more real-life examples that have led to visa denials:
Insufficient documentation: a Turkish businessman applied for a Spanish visa to attend a trade fair. His application was rejected because he did not provide sufficient evidence of his business activities in Turkey. The consulate requested additional documents such as tax returns, business registration papers, and recent bank statements, which were not initially submitted.
Lack of Financial Proof: a student from Turkey applied for a tourist visa to visit Spain during her university break. Her application was denied because she failed to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover her stay. The consulate found the bank statements she provided were not adequate to prove she could afford the trip and living expenses in Spain.
Unclear Travel Purpose: a Turkish family applied for a visa to visit Spain for a holiday. Their application was rejected because the itinerary was vague, and the consulate felt the purpose of the visit was not justified. They had not booked accommodations for the entire duration of their stay, raising doubts about their plans.
Previous Visa Violations: a Turkish professional who had previously overstayed a Schengen visa applied for a new visa to attend a conference in Spain. His application was rejected due to his past violation of visa terms, which was flagged during the background check.
Inadequate Travel Insurance: a Turkish citizen applied for a visa to visit Spain but was denied because the travel insurance policy he provided did not meet the Schengen requirements. The coverage was either insufficient or did not include the necessary emergency medical and repatriation clauses.
Suspicion of illegal immigration intent: a Turkish man applied for a Spanish tourist visa. His application was rejected because the consulate suspected he might not return to Turkey after his visit. This suspicion arose due to his lack of stable employment and strong ties to Turkey, such as family or property.
Incomplete Application Forms: a Turkish artist applied for a visa to participate in an art exhibition. The application was rejected because the forms were not fully completed. Essential sections were left blank, and some required signatures were missing.
Criminal Record: a Turkish citizen with a criminal record applied for a visa to visit Spain. The application was rejected due to his criminal history, which was deemed a risk by the Spanish authorities.
Inconsistent Information: a Turkish couple applied for a visa to visit family in Spain. Their applications were rejected because the information they provided was inconsistent. Discrepancies in their stated travel dates and reasons for visiting led the consulate to doubt the credibility of their applications.
Previous Rejection History: a Turkish academic applied for a visa after having been previously denied a visa to another Schengen country. The prior rejection influenced the decision of the Spanish consulate, leading to another denial.
These scenarios highlight the importance of providing comprehensive, accurate, and honest information when applying for a visa. Ensuring that all documents meet the consulate's requirements and clearly demonstrate the purpose of travel and ties to the home country can significantly increase the chances of a successful visa application.
Strengthening Your Application:
To enhance your chances of visa approval, focus on the following areas:
Evidence of ties to Turkey: Provide comprehensive documentation of your employment, family relationships, and property ownership. This could include employment contracts, property deeds, and family birth certificates.
Thorough financial documentation: Ensure your financial statements are detailed, accurate, and up to date. Include bank statements, salary slips, and proof of other financial assets.
Clear and honest communication: Be transparent in your application and during the interview. Avoid discrepancies and ensure all information provided is consistent and truthful.
Preparing for the Interview:
An essential step in the application procedure is the visa interview. Preparation is key to presenting yourself confidently and truthfully. Be ready to answer questions about your travel purpose, itinerary, financial situation, and family relations.
Your interviewer will verify that the answers you provide reflect what you wrote on your Schengen visa application. For example, if you listed "seeing friends and family" as the major aim of your trip on your application but stated "tourism" as your reason for travel in your interview, your application may be rejected due to a fundamental discrepancy.
It is important to note that the interviewer is looking for reasons why you won’t want to stay in the Schengen area, so make sure you establish that you have a full life in Turkey and are not looking to leave it permanently for any reason.
Dress appropriately for the interview, be on time, maintain eye contact, be polite, and answer all the interview questions honestly and politely. Moreover, have all your documents organized and easily accessible to present them promptly when requested.
Reapplying After a Rejection:
It might be disappointing to get a refusal notification for your visa application, but it is essential to understand the reasons for the rejection and take the required actions to correct any errors or flaws with your application. Here are some steps you can do after getting a visa rejection letter:
1. Recognize the reasons for rejection: Reading the rejection letter carefully can help you to understand why your application was turned down. Visa rejections are frequently due to incomplete or incorrect data, insufficient supporting documentation, or failure to meet eligibility requirements.
2. Reapply: If the reason for rejection is something that can be rectified, such as providing additional documents or correcting any errors in your application, you may consider reapplying for a Turkey visa. The first step is to read the rejection letter carefully and find out why your application was rejected. The following step is to acquire more documentation and proof to support your reapplication. Make sure there are no inconsistencies and that your reapplication is thorough.
3. Seek guidance from an immigration lawyer: If you are unsure why your application was rejected or believe there was an error in the decision-making process, you should consult with an immigration lawyer who has experience with Turkish visas.
4. Submit an appeal: If you believe that the decision was unjust or inaccurate, you may be able to argue against it. If you receive a negative response and your application is refused, you have one month from the date of notification to file an appeal. The Spanish authorities then have three months to review your application and tell you of their decision.
Spanish legislation dictates that you have two types of appeals you can use against any administrative decisions that do not go in your favor. These are:
● Appeal to have the decision reversed. In this case, you make the appeal to the same official organization that denied your application.
● Appeal to a higher authority. You have to appeal within two months of getting the rejection notification.
During the appeals procedure, you must show enough facts and strong reasons to get the initial decision reconsidered. When submitting your appeal, you should provide the following information:
● Your name and surname.
● The name of the institution to which you are submitting your appeal.
● The date, your signature, and the place of signing.
● A copy of the rejection letter that you got.
● A cover letter detailing the grounds of your appeal and a copy of your passport (a current contact address and home time telephone number must be provided).
● Any documentation you may have that supports your appeal.
● A stamped, addressed envelope (SAE)
You should then receive a response within three months.
Staying Informed About Visa Policies:
● Visit the official website of the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in Turkey for the most accurate and up-to-date visa information. These sites provide official guidelines, required documents, application procedures, and updates on any policy changes.
● Websites like SchengenVisaInfo.com offer comprehensive and regularly updated information on Schengen visa policies. These sites often include detailed guides, news updates, and user experiences.
● The official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain also provides authoritative information on visa policies and requirements.
Resources for Assistance:
● Visit the website of the Spain Visa Application Center. This website explains how to apply for a Schengen visa if you plan to visit Spain as your main destination. This website's recommendations are intended to assist you in appropriately preparing the necessary documents. This reduces the probability that your application will be rejected or refused due to incomplete or incorrect document submissions.
● Visit the website of Immigration Lawyers in Spain and seek advice from an immigration lawyer.
● Online forums and communities such as Expat.com, Reddit's r/expats or Facebook groups can provide practical advice and updates from individuals who have recently gone through the visa application process.
Securing a Spanish visa requires diligence, thoroughness, and honesty. By understanding common pitfalls, strengthening your application, preparing adequately for the interview, and seeking expert advice, you can enhance your chances of success.
In summary, the main strategies that can ensure a favorable outcome for obtaining a Spanish visa are:
● Make sure you have all the required documentation, including financial statements, a valid passport, a visa application form, pictures, and travel insurance.
● Complete the application form as completely and honestly as possible. Rejection may result from inconsistencies or inaccurate information.
● Prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Spain. This includes bank records, evidence of income, and, if relevant, letters of sponsorship. Give a thorough vacation itinerary that includes your scheduled activities, hotel, and flight tickets.
● Indicate the aim of your visit (tourist, business, study, family visit, etc.) and include any supporting papers, such as invitation letters, conference registrations, or enrollment confirmations.
● Demonstrate strong ties to your native country to reassure visa officers that you will return following your stay. Employment contracts, property ownership, familial relationships, and study commitments are examples of such obligations.
● Obtain valid travel insurance that covers medical bills and emergencies in the Schengen Area for the duration of your trip. If relevant, give a record of previous travel, particularly to the Schengen Area or other countries, demonstrating compliance with visa requirements.
● Be prepared for a potential visa interview. Practice answering any inquiries about your trip intentions, finances, and connections to your home country confidently and coherently.
● Check the exact requirements of the Spanish consulate or embassy where you are applying,
● If you have complex objectives or a difficult personal situation, you should see a visa counselor or an immigration lawyer.
By following these steps, you can improve your chances of getting a Spanish visa and prevent typical mistakes that lead to rejections. Stay informed about visa policies and utilize available resources for assistance. We invite readers to share their experiences in the comments section.
You can also read about:
Comments