Kuwait urges citizens to avoid fake reservations for Schengen visas

• Some European countries are expected to see record numbers of visitors this summer. For instance, France is hosting the Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11, and Germany is hosting the 2024 European Football Cup finals in June.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised citizens against making fake reservations to obtain travel visas to Schengen countries.

As the travel season nears, there’s a notable surge in citizens seeking the Schengen visa, granting access to 29 European Union (EU) nations.

Some European countries are expected to see record numbers of visitors this summer. For instance, France is hosting the Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11, and Germany is hosting the 2024 European Football Cup finals in June.

Essential tips when applying for a European visa:

1. Submit and fill your visa application form three to six months prior to your travel date, especially during peak seasons and include all necessary documents like recent photos, confirmed hotel bookings, and your itinerary.
2. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three to six months beyond the required visa period.
3. Obtain health insurance covering your entire stay in the Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
4. Provide proof of financial capability to cover travel and accommodation expenses, including bank statements, salary certificates, or financial guarantee letters (depending on your destination).
5. Schedule an appointment at the authorized visa center for each embassy and be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and residence plans.
6. Apply for a visa from the European country you plan to visit first or where you’ll stay the longest.

Common reasons for visa rejection include:

1. Using fake or unconfirmed airline tickets and fake hotel reservations, a common cause of rejection for many applicants.
2. Failing to demonstrate genuine travel intentions and return plans, including confirmed travel tickets, employment continuity proof, and family ties in Kuwait.
3. Exceeding the maximum stay period in the European country (90 days within 180 days).
4. Visiting a different EU country for the first time after obtaining a visa from another country.