✅ Myth vs Fact: Schengen Visa — What UK Travellers Must Know in 2025
By Aviva Visas • Saturday, November 29, 2025
Applying for a Schengen Visa can feel overwhelming — especially with the amount of misleading information online. From “guaranteed visas” to “travel history ensures approval,” there are countless myths that misguide UK applicants and lead to unnecessary confusion.
To help you apply confidently, we’ve broken down the most common Schengen visa myths and replaced them with clear, accurate facts you can trust.
⭐ Myth 1: “A Schengen Visa Guarantees Entry to Europe.”
Fact: Only border officers decide entry at arrival.
Even with a valid visa, your final entry is determined by the border officer. If you fail to justify your purpose of visit, lack travel funds, or provide incorrect information, you can still be refused entry.
Tip: Always carry supporting documents during travel.
⭐ Myth 2: “A strong travel history guarantees visa approval.”
Fact: Travel history helps, but approval depends on your current application.
Your financial stability, documents, travel purpose, and ties to the UK matter more. Even frequent travellers may be refused if their documents are incomplete or unclear.
⭐ Myth 3: “Visa consultants can guarantee your Schengen visa.”
Fact: No agency can guarantee approvals — only consulates decide.
Any consultant claiming 100% approval is misleading. A professional visa service (like Aviva Visas) can help prepare accurate documents, but the decision is entirely with the embassy.
⭐ Myth 4: “More documents mean higher chances of approval.”
Fact: Only relevant and required documents matter.
Submitting extra, unnecessary papers can confuse the visa officer and delay processing. Stick to the official checklist provided by the consulate for your jurisdiction.
⭐ Myth 5: “Booking flights and hotels guarantees approval.”
Fact: You don’t need fully paid bookings before applying.
Embassies accept refundable reservations or tentative bookings. Paying for a non-refundable ticket before your visa decision is risky and unnecessary.
⭐ Myth 6: “All Schengen visas are the same.”
Fact: Each visa type has different rules.
Business, tourism, medical, and family visit visas have different documentation and travel conditions. Applying under the wrong category often leads to rejection.
⭐ Myth 7: “EU and Schengen are the same thing.”
Fact: They are different zones.
Not all EU countries are in Schengen (e.g., Ireland), and non-EU countries like Switzerland and Norway are in Schengen.
This is a common misunderstanding among UK applicants.
⭐ Myth 8: “Bank statements alone are enough proof of funds.”
Fact: You must show consistent, legitimate financial activity.
Large cash deposits, unexplained transactions, and low savings can cause rejection — even if you submit the required statement.
⭐ Myth 9: “Once you get a Schengen visa, renewals are automatic.”
Fact: Each application is reviewed independently.
Your previous visa helps, but you must still provide fresh documents, proof of travel, and financial evidence.
⭐ Myth 10: “The first country you land in must issue your visa.”
Fact: You must apply to the country where you spend the most time.
This is called your main destination rule.
If you’re spending most of your trip in Italy but landing in France, you must apply to Italy, not France.
💡 Final Thoughts — Stay Informed, Stay Approved
Understanding the difference between myths and facts helps UK travellers avoid mistakes and submit strong, accurate Schengen visa applications.
📞 Contact Aviva Visas — Get Expert Help with Your Visa Application
- Office Address: 341 B, Regents Park Road, Finchley Central, London, N3 1DP, UK
- Phone: 020 8099 6657
- Email: avivavisa@visaenquiry.co.uk
- Office Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Saturdays by appointment only.
- Telephone Enquiry Hours: Every day — Weekdays 8:00 AM–7:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM–6:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM–5:30 PM.
- Online Enquiry - www.avivavisa.com/contact-us
Feel free to call, email, or visit (by appointment on weekends) — Aviva’s team will guide you step-by-step through your visa journey.