We are all familiar with the struggles of applying for a Schengen visa. It feels like running an obstacle course, from gathering documents to preparing for the interview. And it’s worth it: the Schengen visa is one of the most popular visas in the world, allowing the holder to visit 29 European countries. However, once you’ve submitted your application, the waiting period begins for it to get approved. That’s when understanding the steps to the Schengen visa status check is important.
By tracking your application, you’ll know exactly where things stand, whether you’ve applied for a France tourist visa, a Germany visa, an Italy visa, or any other Schengen country visa. Here is how to check the status of your Schengen visa application.
Why You Should Track Your Schengen Visa Status Online
This is a no-brainer. When you keep an eye on your visa progress, you are not only reducing stress but also staying prepared.
â—† Benefits of Online Visa Status Check
- Saves time on unnecessary repeated embassy visits and focuses on what needs to be planned for the trip.
- Get real-time updates and information directly from the official source without any confusion of middlemen.
- Helps you plan your travel bookings with confidence and clarity.
â—† Common Reasons for Visa Delays
There are times when you are unable to obtain the visa status, even though you have met all Schengen visa requirements, and the processing is delayed. Some common reasons include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate documents submitted.
- High volume of visa applications in peak seasons.
- More background checks to be done by authorities.
Documents and Details Required to Check Schengen Visa Status Online
To begin the Schengen visa online status check, keep these details ready:
- Application Reference Number: This unique number is given to you when you submit your visa application.
- Passport Number and Date of Birth: These details are often required to confirm your identity while tracking your application.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Schengen Visa Status Online
Once you have the numbers with you, follow the following steps to check your Schengen visa status online:
âž® Visit the Official Embassy or Consulate Website
You can reach out to the authorized global visa service provider for a Schengen visa or land on the country-wise online tracking portal.
âž® Enter Your Reference Number and Other Details
Type your application ID, passport number, and date of birth carefully without mistakes to avoid errors.
âž® Get Your Visa Status Result
Once submitted, the system will display the current stage, whether your visa is under process, approved, or requires further action.
Country-Wise Links to Track Schengen Visa Status Online
Here are some reliable and authorized tracking ways for the most popular Schengen destinations:
◆ France Schengen Visa Status Online
You can check the status of your France visa application using your reference number and date of birth. Updates are shown in real-time, so you’ll know exactly when your France tourist visa is processed.
◆ Germany Schengen Visa Status Tracker
Germany visa applications can be tracked via the official website. Enter your application ID and personal details to check the status of your file: ‘in process,’ ‘approved,’ or ‘ready for collection.’
◆ Italy Schengen Visa Status Check Page
Applicants for an Italy Schengen visa can track the progress online. The tracker shows whether your visa is under review, approved, or if further steps are required.
◆ Spain Schengen Visa Tracking
Spain’s visa status can also be checked on the government website. All you got to do is type your application reference number and date of birth, and you’ll get the up-to-the-minute update on your application.Â
◆ Netherlands Schengen Visa Status Check
For the Netherlands, visa applicants can track their application online with ease, just like in other nations. The system updates frequently, helping you stay informed about what’s happening with your visa and the travel timeline.
Common Schengen Visa Status Terms Explained
- Application Received: Your visa application has been successfully submitted and acknowledged by the embassy/consulate/visa agency. It is in line to be processed.
- Application Under Process / Processing: It’s time to keep your fingers crossed as your application is officially being reviewed and assessed by the experts. This stage includes document verification and background checks.
- Application Forwarded to the Embassy/Consulate: The visa application is now sent ahead to the corresponding Schengen country’s embassy or consulate for processing.
- Application Under Assessment: The visa application is with the consulate/embassy, and they are running through your eligibility, supporting documents, and reason for travel.
- Application Under Verification: This means that there are additional checks, such as financial proof, travel history, or authenticity of documents, that are being carried out.
- Application Under Administrative Processing: Your application is now engaged in additional security or background checks. This may take longer than normal.
- Visa Approved: Your visa application has been successful, and the visa sticker has been stamped on your passport.
- Visa Rejected / Refused: This means after all the evaluation, your application has been denied. But, don’t worry, this could be a temporary thing. You can find the reason for rejection in the letter attached and work on it, such as insufficient money, half-finished documents, or doubts about return intent.
- Passport Ready for Collection: This means that after all the evaluations, your application has been denied. But, don’t worry, this could be a temporary thing. You can find the reason for rejection in the attached letter and work on it, such as insufficient money, half-finished documents, or doubts about return intent.
- Passport Dispatched / In Transit: Your passport has been sent back to the visa application center or courier service for delivery.
- Application Withdrawn: You or your authorized representative have withdrawn the application before the decision was made.
- No Record Found: You or your authorized representative has withdrawn the application before the decision was made.
FAQs Schengen Visa Status Check
1. How long does it take to get Schengen visa updates?
2. Can I check Schengen visa status without a reference number?
3. What to do if your visa status is not updating?
4. What should I do if my Schengen visa is rejected?
5. Can I track my Schengen visa application through my mobile phone?
6. Is the Schengen visa tracking system the same for all countries?
7. How do I track a group or family Schengen visa application status online?
8. Can travel agents check Schengen visa status on my behalf?
9. Is it possible to speed up the Schengen visa process or tracking?
10. What should I do if my Schengen visa tracking shows ‘No Record Found’?
Conclusion
Always use the official embassy or VFS websites for Schengen visa status check – avoid third-party sites that may not be reliable. With the right documents and patience, your European adventure will soon become a reality.