Years back, I applied for a Schengen visa and it was granted after a long list of processes.
I was excited because it’d be my first time visiting some Schengen countries.
The thought of relaxing by the canals in Amsterdam, or enjoying the architecture of Rome was all I could think of
But, all that later didn’t happen.
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Life happened. I had a family emergency which ensured I didn’t travel.
While I was sad, family is certainly more important, so I stayed.
If you’re like I was; you applied for and have gotten your Schengen visa but plans changed, you can no longer use your visa.
Here’s exactly what will happen if you don’t use it.
What happens if I don’t use my Schengen visa?
If you don’t use your Schengen visa, it will simply expire, and there are no direct penalties for not using it. However, if you frequently get the visa without using it, I can assure you that, it’ll raise concerns about the genuineness of your intention, as authorities will question your intentions.
As you already, the Schengen visa is a short-stay visa with which – you can travel to any of the 27 countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days.
As a short-stay visa, it’s easy to get. However, when issued to you, the authorities expect you to use it.
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Now, if you don’t use it, there is no problem – no one cares!
There is no direct penalty or consequences for not using your Schengen visa. The visa is a permission to enter the Schengen Area, not an obligation.
If your plans change and you don’t travel, nothing will happen immediately, and you won’t be fined or punished just because you didn’t use your visa.
You won’t wake up to a group of armed soldiers knocking on your door.
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But when it happens continuously, you’re giving the authorities a reason to question your intention.
When I didn’t use mine, nothing happened, the next one I applied for, I got it and used it.
If you didn’t use yours, expect the same.
Will not using your Schengen visa affect your future Schengen visa applications?
Directly, it won’t affect your future Schengen visa applications, but there will be a little issue when next you apply.
I faced this when I applied for another Schengen visa after I didn’t use my previous visa.
You see, when you apply for a Schengen visa, one of the things that consulates consider is your travel history.
If you’ve previously been granted a Schengen visa and didn’t use it, this could raise red flags with the consulate – not in a terrible way!
However, they’ll ask questions about your commitment to your travel plans or whether you truly needed the visa in the first place.
They’ll scrutinize you more than should – just to be sure that you’re genuine.
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If you’re unlucky or unable to defend yourself and prove that you’re genuine, this can get your application refused.
For example, if you apply for another Schengen visa and the consulate sees that you didn’t use your previous visa, they’ll ask for additional documents or explanations – to be sure that, you’ll use this one.
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You have to provide more evidence of your travel plans, like confirmed flight tickets, hotel bookings, or a detailed itinerary.
Does this mean you won’t get approval?
Not at all.
But, chances are, if you fail to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you’re a genuine traveller and that you’ll use the visa, your visa will be refused.
After all, there is evidence to support their doubts about your genuineness.
Will not using your Schengen visa affect your credibility?
Sure. Not using your Schengen visa will also affect your credibility in the eyes of the consulate.
When you apply for a visa, you’re essentially making a promise that you’ll use it for the purpose stated in your application.
And, you provided evidence to that effect.
Sometimes, you’ll be asked to provide evidence of hotel bookings, itinerary, and where you plan to go – evidence that you have everything you want to do in the Schengen zone planned out.
If you don’t follow through on that promise, it’ll make the consulate less likely to trust you in the future.
Except you provide a convincing reason for not using your visa.
For instance, if you applied for a tourist visa to visit France but never made the trip, the next time you apply for a Schengen visa, the consulate will doubt whether you intend to travel.
Read also: What happens after my visa is approved?
Especially when you’re applying from the same country as the last one you didn’t use.
This means a more stringent review of your application and travel intentions.
Schengen visa rules and obligations
While there is no specific rule that requires you to use your Schengen visa once it’s issued, do not forget that the visa is granted based on the information you provided during your application.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer use the visa, you can decide to be the good sheep and inform the consulate or visa centre.
While this isn’t compulsory or a form of rule, it shows good faith and responsibility on your part.
For example, if you planned to travel to Italy for a business trip but the event got cancelled, you can notify the consulate that issued your visa.
This won’t cancel your visa or remove it from your passport, but it will help maintain a positive relationship with the consulate for future visa applications.
What will you lose if you don’t use your Schengen visa?
Aside from trust on the part of the consulate, you’ll lose money.
If you’ve purchased travel insurance, booked flights, or made hotel reservations, not using your Schengen visa means everything is gone – unless you find a way to salvage it.
Depending on the terms of your travel insurance (if you have one), you may or may not be able to get a refund for your expenses.
This is why it’s always better to use travel insurance with cancellation coverage for your bookings and other travel expenses.
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For example, some travel insurance policies will cover trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, like illness or a family emergency.
If you use this type and this happens – you’ll lose nothing.
However, if you change your mind about travelling, your insurance will unlikely cover it.
What can I do if I don’t use my Schengen visa?
If you don’t use your Schengen visa, there’s no formal action required. However, if you know in advance that you won’t use it, you can inform the embassy or consulate that issued the visa.
This demonstrates good faith and will help you avoid potential scrutiny in future visa applications.
If you get a Schengen visa and don’t use it, you don’t need to worry – there is no punishment for not using your visa.
Read also: What happens if you overstay your visa?
It’s your choice to use or not use a visa after getting it
However, avoid making it a consistent act – it can raise concern about your intentions.
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