We’ve all been in that situation before, you plan your trip, get your visa sorted, and then suddenly something unexpected happens – maybe a family emergency or a sudden change in your schedule – and you have to cancel your trip.
It’s frustrating, to say the least.
Getting a visa can already be a hassle with all the paperwork and appointments you have to go through.
So, when you have to cancel it after all that effort, it’s like hitting a brick wall.
But hey, there’s a bright side to all of this. Even though this trip might not happen, it doesn’t mean you’ll never get to travel again.
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It’s just a temporary setback. And who knows? Maybe the next trip will be even better.
If you plan to travel to a Schengen country and have applied for a visa but due to a change in plans, your trip won’t hold again, you need to cancel your Schengen visa application.
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This guide will walk you through how to cancel your Schengen visa.
Can I cancel my Schengen visa?
Yes, you can cancel your Schengen visa, if you applied for a visa to visit any Schengen country but wish to cancel your application, you are free to do just that.
All you have to do is inform the consulate or embassy that issued it and provide a reason for the cancellation.
Reasons you may want to cancel your Schengen visa
As mentioned earlier, there are many reasons why you may want to cancel your Schengen visa.
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It could be:
- Due to changes in your travel plans: Sometimes, despite our best intentions, circumstances change, and our travel plans must adapt accordingly – there is nothing you can do about it.
- Maybe you have an urgent obligation: An unexpected family emergency or professional commitment that requires immediate attention can make you want to cancel your trip.
- It can be health issues: If you or a family member falls ill unexpectedly, travelling may not be the best option – you may want to be there for your sick family member.
- Travel restrictions or bans: In rare cases, unforeseen travel restrictions or bans can be imposed by the country you are travelling to compelling you to cancel your visa.
How to cancel your Schengen visa
To cancel your Schengen visa, you need to reach out to the issuing authority and submit a request.
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Contact the issuing authority
When you applied for a Schengen visa, you submitted your details at the Embassy/Consulate of the country of your main destination.
This goes for cancellation as well. The first step you need to take in cancelling your Schengen visa is to contact the consulate or embassy that issued the visa.
You can do this via email or by scheduling an appointment through their official website.
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When you reach out to them, you need to provide them with your passport details, visa number, and the reason for cancellation.
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Submit a cancellation request
Once you’ve contacted the issuing authority, submit a formal request for visa cancellation.
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Your request should be in writing and include all relevant details such as:
- Your full name
- passport number
- visa number, and
- the date of cancellation.
Additionally, you should provide a brief explanation of the reasons for the cancellation.
It can be due to a change in travel plans or unforeseen circumstances.
You need to ensure that all the necessary information you will provide is accurate.
It makes the cancellation process easier.
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Wait for confirmation
After submitting your cancellation request, you will receive an acknowledgement notification from the issuing authority.
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They will inform you that they have received your request and proceeded to review your application and process the cancellation.
This may take a few days to complete. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive notification via email or postal mail.
If you’ve cancelled your Schengen visa due to a change in travel plans, make sure you update your itinerary accordingly.
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Return the visa sticker (If required)
In some cases, the consulate or embassy will ask you to return the visa sticker from your passport once the cancellation process is complete.
Follow any instructions they will provide to ensure compliance with their procedures.
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Check your visa status
After cancelling your Schengen visa, you need to verify its status to ensure that the cancellation has been processed successfully.
Simply contact the issuing authority or check online through their visa tracking system, if available.
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It’s just a step to ensure that everything went well and avoid issues.
If my visa is cancelled, can I apply again?
Yes, you can apply for another visa in the future if your visa is cancelled, but it will depend on the specific circumstances and policies of the issuing authority.
If I withdraw my visa application, do I get a refund?
If you withdraw your visa application, whether or not you receive a refund depends on the policies of the issuing authority. Most issuing authorities do not offer you a refund for withdrawing your visa application.
Before you withdraw your application, check with the issuing authority regarding their refund policy in such cases.
What will happen if a visa is cancelled?
If your visa is cancelled, you will lose your authorization to stay or enter the country for which the visa was issued. If you are already in the country, you will be required to leave the country immediately or within a specified timeframe.
Depending on the circumstances, you may still be allowed to obtain future visas or travel permissions for that country.
Conclusion
If you applied for a Schengen visa but due to circumstances beyond your control, your trip won’t hold anymore, you can cancel your application.
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To do this, you need to reach out to the issuing authority and submit a cancellation request.
Upon receiving your request, they will start the cancellation process immediately.