Schengen Visa Interview Questions
Prepare for your Schengen visa interview with questions from French, German, Italian, and other European embassies
Not all Schengen embassies require interviews. Many process visas based on documents alone. However, you may be called for an interview, especially for first-time applicants or complex cases.
Travel Purpose & Itinerary
Questions about your travel plans across Europe
Q1 Why do you want to visit [Country/Schengen area]?
Sample Answer:
"I want to visit France and Italy for tourism. I have always been fascinated by European art and architecture. I plan to visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum in Paris, and then travel to Rome for the Colosseum and Vatican City."
Tips:
- Be specific about places
- Show genuine interest in culture/tourism
- Match with your itinerary
Common Mistakes:
- Vague answers
- Not knowing your itinerary
- Mentioning work on tourist visa
Q2 Why did you choose to apply at this embassy?
Sample Answer:
"I am applying at the French Embassy because France is my main destination where I will spend the most nights - 6 out of 12 days. Paris is my primary reason for this trip."
Tips:
- Apply at embassy of main destination
- If equal days, apply at first entry country
- Know the rules
Common Mistakes:
- Applying at wrong embassy
- Not knowing why you chose this embassy
Q3 What is your complete travel itinerary?
Sample Answer:
"I will arrive in Paris on March 15, spend 6 days visiting the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, and Montmartre. Then I will take a train to Rome for 5 days to see the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain. I depart from Rome on March 27."
Tips:
- Know day-by-day plans
- Mention transport between cities
- Be specific about attractions
Common Mistakes:
- Not knowing your own itinerary
- Unrealistic travel plans
Q4 Have you booked your flights and hotels?
Sample Answer:
"Yes, I have booked return flights with Air France. I have hotel reservations at [Hotel Name] in Paris and [Hotel Name] in Rome through Booking.com. I have all confirmation emails."
Tips:
- Have booking confirmations ready
- Refundable bookings are acceptable
- Know your hotel names
Common Mistakes:
- No bookings made
- Inconsistent with application
Financial Capability
Questions about funding your European trip
Q1 Who is sponsoring your trip?
Sample Answer:
"I am self-sponsoring this trip from my personal savings. I have ₹8 lakhs in my savings account and earn ₹1.2 lakhs per month. I have sufficient funds for the entire trip."
Tips:
- Self-sponsored is best
- Have bank statements ready
- Calculate €100/day minimum
Common Mistakes:
- Insufficient funds
- Recent large deposits without explanation
Q2 How much will the trip cost and how will you cover expenses?
Sample Answer:
"The total trip will cost approximately €3,000-3,500 including flights (€800), hotels (€1,200), food and transport (€500), attractions (€300), and emergency buffer. I have sufficient savings to cover this."
Tips:
- Research actual costs
- Know Schengen requires €100/day proof
- Show you planned finances
Common Mistakes:
- Underestimating costs
- Not knowing daily requirements
Q3 Do you have travel insurance?
Sample Answer:
"Yes, I have purchased travel insurance from [Company Name] with €30,000 medical coverage, which covers all Schengen countries for my entire stay plus extra days."
Tips:
- Insurance is mandatory for Schengen
- Minimum €30,000 coverage required
- Must cover all Schengen states
Common Mistakes:
- No insurance
- Insufficient coverage
- Wrong dates
Employment & Ties
Questions about your job and reasons to return
Q1 What do you do for a living?
Sample Answer:
"I work as a Senior Analyst at Deloitte India. I have been with the company for 4 years. I handle financial consulting projects for major clients."
Tips:
- Clear job title and company
- Mention tenure
- Show career progression
Common Mistakes:
- Vague job description
- Not knowing your responsibilities
Q2 Have you taken leave approval for this trip?
Sample Answer:
"Yes, my manager has approved my 14-day leave. I have a letter from HR confirming my employment and approved leave. My job is secure and I will return to work immediately after the trip."
Tips:
- Have leave approval letter
- Mention you will return to work
- Show job is waiting
Common Mistakes:
- No leave approval
- Job seems uncertain
Q3 Why will you return to India after the trip?
Sample Answer:
"I have strong reasons to return. My career at Deloitte is growing - I am up for promotion next quarter. My parents and family are in India. I own an apartment in Bangalore. My entire life is here."
Tips:
- Mention multiple ties
- Career, family, property, investments
- Sound committed to India
Common Mistakes:
- Weak ties
- Only mentioning one reason
Q4 Do you have any relatives or friends in Europe?
Sample Answer:
"My college friend lives in Paris. We might meet for dinner one evening, but I will stay in hotels as planned. My trip is primarily for sightseeing."
Tips:
- Be honest about contacts
- Clarify you have independent plans
- Don't hide relationships
Common Mistakes:
- Hiding relatives
- Saying you'll stay with friends (looks suspicious)
Travel History
Questions about your previous travels
Q1 Which countries have you visited before?
Sample Answer:
"I have visited Singapore, Thailand, UAE, and the UK in the past 5 years. I have valid stamps in my passport and returned on time from each trip."
Tips:
- Mention developed countries
- Emphasize timely returns
- Bring previous passports if relevant
Common Mistakes:
- Forgetting countries
- No travel history (explain why)
Q2 Is this your first Schengen visa?
Sample Answer:
"Yes, this is my first Schengen visa application. However, I have traveled to the UK and other countries without any issues."
Tips:
- If first time, mention other travels
- If repeat, mention compliance history
- Be honest
Common Mistakes:
- Lying about previous applications
- Not mentioning previous Schengen visas
Q3 Have you ever been refused a visa?
Sample Answer:
"No, I have never been refused a visa. / Yes, I was refused a UK visa in 2020 due to insufficient funds. I have since increased my savings significantly and have a stable job."
Tips:
- Be completely honest
- If refused, explain what changed
- Show improvement
Common Mistakes:
- Hiding refusals
- Not explaining changes
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these mistakes to improve your chances
Ready to Apply for Your Schengen Visa?
Now that you know the interview questions, get the complete step-by-step guide with document checklist, fees, and processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Schengen countries require interviews?
No, most Schengen visa applications are processed based on documents alone. You may be called for an interview for first-time applications, complex cases, or if the embassy needs clarification.
Which Schengen embassy should I apply to?
Apply at the embassy of your main destination (where you spend most nights). If you spend equal time in multiple countries, apply at the embassy of your first entry country.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visa?
Yes, travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage is mandatory. It must be valid for all 27 Schengen countries and cover your entire stay plus a few extra days.
Can I visit multiple Schengen countries with one visa?
Yes, a Schengen visa allows you to visit all 27 Schengen member countries. You can travel freely within the Schengen area once you enter.