The Schengen visa is known for being one of the more challenging visas to get approved. In fact, as of 2023, Schengen countries have rejected around 1.6 million applications, which was 16% of all applications submitted that year. So, getting your visa approved is a big win, especially since it allows you to explore multiple European countries within the Schengen Area.

One thing that often worries travellers during the visa process is the INTERVIEW. Many people think the Schengen visa interview is mandatory for everyone, but that's false. Interviews are only scheduled if the visa officer has doubts about your application or needs further clarification on your documents or travel plans.

If you're asked to attend an interview, don't panic, but be well-prepared. So, let’s dive into how you can confidently answer Schengen visa interview questions and boost your chances of getting the visa approved!

To boost your chances of getting a Schengen visa approved, start your application with Atlys. From handling your documents to helping you prepare for the visa interview, Atlys supports every step of your Schengen visa journey.

Schengen Visa Interview Questions and Answers

If you’ve been called in for a Schengen visa interview, don’t worry. It’s just a way for the visa officer to clarify details from your application. You might be asked questions about your background, finances, education, travel plans, and more during the interview.

To make your preparation easier, we’ve categorised the questions into clear sections so you can focus on each area one step at a time:

1. Personal Background

Can you introduce yourself?

How to answer it:
Keep it short and clear. Mention your name, age, profession, and where you live. Avoid going into too much personal detail unless asked.

Example Answer:
My name is Riya Sharma. I’m 29 years old, and I live in Mumbai. I work as a marketing executive at Brightworks, a digital agency.

Tips: Speak confidently as if you're introducing yourself to a colleague. There's no need to memorise a script. Just be natural and genuine in your response. If you're currently unemployed or a student, be honest about your situation and clearly explain your plans or intentions after your trip.

Have you travelled before?

How to answer it:
Be honest. If you’ve traveled abroad, name the country and purpose. If not, say it’s your first international trip.

Example Answer:
Yes, I visited Dubai in 2022 for a vacation. This will be my first time visiting Europe.

Tips: If you’ve never traveled before, that’s okay. Just explain why this trip is important to you. Stay consistent with the travel history on your passport.

2. Employment & Education

What do you do for a living?

How to answer it:
State your job title, company name, and how long you’ve worked there. If you're a student or self-employed, explain that clearly.

Example Answer:
I work as a software engineer at Infosys and have been employed there for the past 4 years.

Tips: Keep your explanation short and aligned with your submitted documents. Mention your role only; discussing work projects is unnecessary unless asked.

What’s your highest qualification?

How to answer it:
Mention your most recent or highest completed degree and the institution.

Example Answer:
I completed my Master’s in Business Administration at Delhi University in 2021.

Tips: If relevant, bring the original and a copy of your degree certificate. Keep the answer formal and factual.

Do you plan to take leave or continue working during your trip?

How to answer it:
Explain your leave arrangement or remote work plan.

Example Answer:
My leave has been approved from May 10 to May 25. I’ve submitted a leave approval letter from my manager with my application.

Tips: Show your leave approval if applicable. If you’re working remotely, ensure your job flexibility is explained.

3. Financial Status

How will you finance your trip?

How to answer it:
Mention if you’re self-funded or sponsored. Refer to your bank statements or sponsor’s documents.

Example Answer:
My father is sponsoring my trip. He provided a sponsorship letter, income tax returns, and bank statements.

Tips: Be specific about who is sponsoring you. Carry a printed copy of financial proof and highlight the balance that covers your estimated expenses.

Do you have travel insurance?

How to answer it:
Say yes, and make sure your policy meets Schengen requirements.

Example Answer:
Yes, I’ve purchased travel insurance from ICICI Lombard that covers medical expenses up to €30,000 for the trip.

Tips: Carry a printout of the policy summary. Ensure your policy is valid for the whole trip and meets embassy requirements.

4. Travel Plans

Why are you visiting a Schengen Country?

How to answer it:
Mention the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, family). Be specific.

Example Answer:
I’m visiting France for tourism. I’ve always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower and explore the museums in Paris.

Tips: Be genuine. Avoid vague answers like “just to explore.” Align your answer with your travel itinerary.

Can you explain your travel itinerary?

How to answer it:
Mention your travel dates, destinations, and general plan. Keep it short.

Example Answer:
I’ll arrive in Paris on May 10, stay until May 15, travel to Amsterdam and return home on May 20. I’ve booked accommodation in each city.

Tips: Keep a printed copy of your itinerary with you. Make sure it matches your flight and hotel bookings.

Please note: Make sure your travel itinerary, including hotel bookings and flight tickets, accurately matches your stated travel plans. Any mismatch can lead to a visa rejection. For example, if your flight shows arrival on the 14th but your hotel booking starts from the 15th, the visa officer may deny your application, as it raises questions about your accommodation plans. No traveller is expected to arrive without a place to stay.

Have you already booked your flight tickets and accommodation?

How to answer it:
Say yes and refer to your submitted booking confirmations.

Example Answer:
Yes, I’ve booked a round-trip flight to and from Amsterdam and hotel stays in each city. All booking confirmations are included in my application.

Tips: Carry printed confirmations of bookings. If using temporary bookings, make sure they appear realistic and complete. 

Please note: Booking confirmed flight tickets is not compulsory for Schengen visa applications, as travel plans can change.

Do you plan to visit other Schengen countries?

How to answer it:
Be transparent about any plans to visit multiple countries.

Example Answer:
Yes, I plan to visit Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. I have included a day-wise itinerary and hotel bookings for all locations.

Tips: List all countries clearly in your itinerary. Make sure your insurance and bookings cover all destinations.

5. Ties to Home Country

What guarantees you will return to your country?

How to answer it:
Emphasise strong reasons like job, family, education, or property ownership.

Example Answer:
I have a full-time job and a return date of June 5 confirmed with my employer. I also live with and support my parents.

Tips: Mention any job or family obligations that tie you to your home country. Carry proof, such as a leave letter, property papers, employer confirmation, NOC, etc.

6. Documentation & Sponsorship

Who is sponsoring your trip, and can you provide proof?

How to answer it:
Name the person sponsoring you and refer to the attached documents.

Example Answer:
“My cousin, who lives in Germany, is sponsoring me. He has provided a signed sponsorship letter, residence permit, and financial documents.”

Tips: Make sure all details in the sponsorship letter match your application. Organise your documents for quick access if asked.

How to Prepare for Schengen Tourist Visa Interview?

Preparing for a Schengen visa interview is about honesty, organisation, and confidence. The interview usually lasts 10–15 minutes and is used by visa officers to verify the information in your application. Here’s how to prepare effectively:

1. Know your application inside out: Be familiar with your application's details, including travel dates, itinerary, financial documents, and sponsorship letters. The officer may ask questions to confirm the accuracy of your information.

2. Practice answering common questions: Prepare responses for frequently asked questions about your background, employment, purpose of travel, and ties to your home country. Keep your answers clear, confident, and consistent with your documents.

3. Organize your documents properly: Carry a neat file with all required documents, originals and copies, sorted by category. Use separators for easy access during the interview.

4. Dress appropriately: Appear presentable and professional. You don’t need formal wear, but business casual is usually ideal.

5. Be punctual and polite: Arrive early for your appointment, speak respectfully to the visa officer, and stay calm, even if you're nervous. First impressions matter.

6. Be honest: Never lie or exaggerate. Visa officers are trained to spot inconsistencies, and dishonesty can result in immediate rejection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Schengen Visa Interview

While the Schengen visa interview isn't difficult, many applicants make simple mistakes that lead to rejection. Here are some of the most common ones and how you can avoid them:

1. Giving inconsistent answers: If your answers don’t match your application or documents, this raises red flags. Always double-check what you submit and ensure your responses align.

2. Fumbling through documents: Struggling to find documents when asked can make you seem unprepared. Keep your paperwork organised and easy to access.

3. Over-explaining or being vague: Stay focused on the question being asked. Avoid giving long, unnecessary explanations or vague responses like “I just want to explore.”

4. Being too nervous or defensive: Feeling nervous is normal, but staying calm is important. Take a deep breath before answering. If you’re unsure about a question, asking for clarification is okay.

5. Forgetting important documents: Not carrying the original copies of your financial proof, sponsor letters, travel bookings, or insurance can delay or harm your application.

6. Appearing unsure about your trip: If you don’t know your travel dates, itinerary, or accommodation details, it can seem like your trip isn’t genuine or well-planned.

7. Trying to impress with false information: Exaggerating income, faking bookings (using cancelable bookings is recommended), or giving incorrect details can lead to instant rejection or even a travel ban.