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    Bali Visa > Blog > Visa Services > Top 5 Common Mistakes Indonesians Make When Applying for a Schengen Visa
Top 5 Common Mistakes Indonesians Make When Applying for a Schengen Visa
June 6, 2025

Top 5 Common Mistakes Indonesians Make When Applying for a Schengen Visa

  • By Syal
  • Visa Services

🅿️ Every year, many Indonesians living in Bali or planning European holidays get excited to explore cities like Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam—but their Schengen visa applications get unexpectedly rejected 😩 It’s frustrating when you think you’ve prepared everything and still get denied.

🅰️ The truth is, most Schengen visa rejections come down to common, preventable mistakes 😓 From weak financial documents to missing details in cover letters, small errors can make your whole application look suspicious to embassy officers. If you don’t meet their strict requirements, your dream trip can quickly become a nightmare.

🆂 The good news? You can avoid rejection by learning from the top mistakes Indonesians often make during the Schengen visa process. By understanding what embassies expect and how to present your documents clearly, your chances of approval go way up ✅

🆃 “I submitted my Schengen visa from Bali with what I thought was a solid plan,” says Dita, a travel enthusiast from Jakarta. “But I forgot to show proof of strong ties back home, and it got rejected. The second time, I used a checklist and got approved in 10 days!”

🅴 For example, many Indonesians forget to include a detailed travel itinerary, submit bank statements without enough balance, or book fake flights and accommodations that embassies easily flag 🧳 These mistakes are avoidable if you know what to look out for.

🅰️ Want to boost your chances of a successful Schengen visa from Indonesia? 🇮🇩💼 Keep reading to learn the top 5 mistakes you should avoid—and how to fix them before you apply! Use this guide whether you’re applying from Jakarta, Bali, or anywhere else in Indonesia. ✈️

Table of Contents

  • Why Schengen Visa Rejections Are So Common for Indonesians ⚠️
  • Mistake #1: Submitting Incomplete or Confusing Documents 📝
  • Mistake #2: Weak Travel Itinerary and No Real Flight Bookings ✈️
  • Mistake #3: Not Showing Strong Financial Proof or Income 💸
  • Mistake #4: Failing to Prove Intent to Return to Indonesia 🔁
  • Mistake #5: Ignoring Embassy-Specific Requirements in Bali 📋
  • How to Fix Your Application and Reapply for a Schengen Visa 🔧
  • FAQs About Schengen Visa Rejection and Appeal Process ❓

Why Schengen Visa Rejections Are So Common for Indonesians ⚠️

Applying for a Schengen visa from Indonesia—especially Bali—can feel more stressful than it should be 😩 

Even when you think you’ve followed the rules, rejections are still common. Why? Because Schengen countries are very strict with how they assess travel plans. They want to make sure you’ll return to Indonesia and not overstay. 

If you miss even one small detail or submit unclear paperwork, it can result in a rejection stamp in your passport 🚫 Understanding why these rejections happen is the first step toward avoiding them.

Mistake #1: Submitting Incomplete or Confusing Documents 📝

Mistake #1: Submitting Incomplete or Confusing Documents

One of the most common reasons for rejection is submitting an application that looks disorganized or incomplete 📄 

If your paperwork is messy, missing signatures, or has conflicting information, the visa officer may doubt your credibility. Documents must match your itinerary exactly—if your hotel dates don’t line up with your flight bookings, for example, it raises red flags. 

Always double-check your checklist, especially your passport validity, insurance coverage, and booking confirmations 🔍

Mistake #2: Weak Travel Itinerary and No Real Flight Bookings ✈️

Embassies expect a realistic travel plan, not just a vague idea of going to Europe 🌍 Many Indonesians use fake flight bookings or generic hotel reservations, which the embassy can detect instantly. 

This hurts your credibility. Use trusted booking platforms to reserve refundable flights and accommodations. 

A detailed itinerary with dates, cities, and activities shows that you’re serious about the trip and know exactly what you’ll be doing 👣

Mistake #3: Not Showing Strong Financial Proof or Income 💸

You must show you have enough money to support yourself while in Europe 💶 A bank statement with a low balance, sudden large deposits, or no income source looks suspicious. Embassies want to see consistent financial history. 

Include at least three months of local bank statements, a letter from your employer or your freelance contracts, and tax records if possible. If someone is sponsoring you, include their full documents and a notarized sponsorship letter 💼

Mistake #4: Failing to Prove Intent to Return to Indonesia 🔁

Schengen embassies want to be sure you’ll come back to Indonesia after your trip 🏠 

Many rejections happen because applicants don’t include enough evidence of ties to Indonesia. If you’re working, include your employment letter and leave approval. 

If you’re a student, submit your school enrollment letter. Property ownership, business permits, or family relationships in Indonesia all help prove you have reasons to return 📎

Mistake #5: Ignoring Embassy-Specific Requirements in Bali 📋

Mistake #5: Ignoring Embassy-Specific Requirements in Bali 📋

Each Schengen country has its own set of rules and expectations, and embassies in Indonesia may have different procedures 🏢 

For example, the French embassy might want different insurance coverage than the Dutch one. If you apply in Bali via VFS Global, make sure you visit the right embassy page and download the correct document checklist. 

A common mistake is using old or outdated forms, which can result in automatic rejection. Keep everything current and follow that embassy’s exact instructions ✅

How to Fix Your Application and Reapply for a Schengen Visa 🔧

If your visa gets rejected, don’t panic! 🧘 Read the refusal letter carefully to understand what went wrong. 

Most of the time, you can correct the issues and reapply successfully. Update your cover letter, fix any document gaps, and double-check your financials. If you need help, work with a visa consultant in Bali—they know what embassies are looking for and can help you build a stronger application next time around 📈 

Applying again with improved paperwork shows seriousness and can turn your no into a yes!

FAQs About Schengen Visa Rejection and Appeal Process ❓

  • Can I apply again immediately after a Schengen visa rejection?

    Yes, you can reapply anytime—but only if you’ve fixed the reason you were rejected.

  • What if I submitted fake documents?

    That’s a serious offense. It may lead to a visa ban. Always use real, verifiable documents.

  • Can I appeal the decision?

    Some embassies allow appeals. Check your rejection letter for appeal instructions.

  • Should I apply to a different embassy next time?

    Only if your main travel destination changes. Stick to the rules based on your travel plan.

  • Do I need to book new flights and hotels again?

    If your old bookings are expired, yes. Use refundable options whenever possible.

Worried about Schengen visa rejection? ⚠️ Chat with us now on WhatsApp to fix your application before it’s too late!

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Syal

Syal is specialist in Real Estate and majored in Law at Universitas Indonesia (UI) and holds a legal qualification. She has been blogging for 5 years and proficient in English, visit @syalsaadrn for business inquiries.

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