How To Check Schengen Visa Status Using Passport Number?

Europe is one of the top of every India’s dream travel list. But getting its visa on time can be tricky. Keeping a track on your visa is essential so you can plan your trip properly.

Here’s how to check Schengen visa status online and offline for Indian tourists. A short guide on how to handle potential delays or rejections.

What Details Do I Need To Check My Schengen Visa Status?

To check your Schegen visa application status, ensure that you have the following information ready:

Application Number

Application reference number provided on your VFS Global submission receipt, typically a 16-digit alphanumeric code that serves as your primary tracking identifier.

Last Name

Your last name exactly as written in your passport, including any special characters or multiple surname components.

Passport Number

Complete your passport number used in the visa application is also essential for tracking your visa.

Date of Birth

Date of birth formatted according to official requirements (DD/MM/YYYY), matching your application form.

Official Email

Email address used during visa application submission, as this serves as a secondary verification method.

How To Check Schengen Visa Status Online?

Tracking your Schengen visa status is straightforward and can be done online or offline. Let’s break it down:

How to Check Schengen Visa Status Online

The VFS Global online portal is the primary digital platform for checking your Schengen visa status. Follow these detailed steps to know your visa status:

Step 1: Navigate to the official VFS Global website portal specific to your chosen Schengen country. For example, if applying to France, locate the France-specific VFS portal for Indian applicants.

Step 2: On the homepage, identify and click the “Track Your Application” button in the main navigation menu.

Step 3: Enter your unique 16-digit application reference number from your VFS receipt into the designated tracking field. Pay attention to include any hyphens or special characters.

Step 4: Type your surname exactly as it appears in your passport in the last name field. This must match your application details precisely.

Step 5: Complete any additional verification steps presented, such as a security captcha or date of birth confirmation.

Step 6: Click the “Submit” button to retrieve your application status from the VFS database.

Step 8: Review the status message displayed, which may include detailed information about your application’s current processing stage.

How to Check Schengen Visa Status with Passport Number

You cannot use your passport number to Schengen visa status online. Here are some alternative ways to track Schengen visa application status:

• Visit the online portal to check your Schengen visa status with reference number and last name.
• You can use the reference number and your date of birth to know the status.
• You can use your registered email address or SMS.

How to Check Schengen Visa Status Offline?

Here how to go about it:

Step 1: Locate your nearest VFS Global application center using the official center directory for your Schengen country.

Step 2: Prepare your original passport, application submission receipt, and a valid photo ID for verification purposes.

Step 3: On working days, visit the VFS center during operational hours between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Step 4: Approach the information desk and request assistance checking your visa application status.

Step 5: Present your documents to the VFS staff member, who will verify your identity and application details.

Step 6: Note down the status information and any additional instructions provided by the visa officer.

Step 7: If applying through an embassy in Delhi, visit their visa section between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM with your documents.

Step 8: For status checks via email, compose a formal inquiry to the embassy’s visa section with your reference number.

Step 9: When calling the VFS helpline, keep your application details ready for quick verification.

Suggested Read: Schengen Visa Photo Requirements for Indian

What Are The Common Issues Related To Checking Schengen Visa Status Online?

Here are some challenges you may face while checking your Schengen visa status:

Incorrect Information

The tracking portal frequently displays “Invalid Inputs” error messages despite correct information entry. Try manually typing your details instead of copy-pasting, and ensure strict adherence to the format shown on your receipt.

Peak Hour Traffic

Peak-hour system slowdowns affect access between 10 AM and 2 PM IST, particularly during high travel seasons. Consider checking your status during early morning hours (before 9 AM) or evening periods (after 6 PM) when server load is minimal.

Holiday Season

During European holiday periods, real-time status updates may be temporarily unavailable. While application processing continues, visible status changes might pause until the next working day.

Suggested Read: How to Book Visa Appointment of Schengen

What Should I Do If My Schengen Visa Is Delayed?

Follow these comprehensive steps to address the delay:

1. Monitor your application through once the initial 15-day processing period concludes. Document the status shown on each platform and note any discrepancies between different tracking methods.
2. Submit a formal inquiry through the VFS Global helpline after day 15, include your reference number and submission date to enquire about the delay.
3. Compose a detailed email to the embassy’s visa section explaining your application timeline and including copies of all tracking attempts.
4. Visit your VFS submission center in person if no response is received after 20 working days. Bring all original documents and previous correspondence regarding your delayed application for comprehensive review.

Suggested Read: Schengen Visa Extension for Indian

What Should You Do After Schengen Visa Rejection?

You can either appeal the decision or reapply for your Schengen visa application:

Appeal the Decision

• Write an Appeal Letter: Address the reasons for rejection and attach any additional supporting documents.
• Submit the Appeal: File your appeal through the designated system.
• Track Your Appeal: Consult the Embassy to track your application.

Reapply for the Visa

If an appeal isn’t feasible, reapply for the visa:

• Correct Errors: Address any issues from your old application.
• Submit a Complete Application: Gather all necessary documents and ensure accuracy when applying for your Schengen visa application online.

Suggested Read: Schengen Visa Appeal for Indian

Can I Appeal If My Schengen Visa Is Rejected?

The Schengen visa appeal process requires you to submit the appeal letter within 14 days of visa refusal. You must submit the appeal letter in person or through mail. Make sure to address the reason for the rejection in your letter. Visit this guide to understand the visa appeal process clearly.

Can I Reapply For A Schengen Visa After Rejection?

Review the reasons behind your visa rejection, correct your errors, gather all the required documents, and reapply for a new Schengen visa. Submit a new application with accurate details to improve your chances of visa approval.

Suggested Read: Schengen Visa Rejection For Indian

Frequently Asked Question About How To Check Schengen Visa Status Online?

How to track your Schengen visa application?

You can track your Schengen visa application through the official portal of your primary country. Example, if you are applying from France, visit the official portal for France visa.

Can you check Schengen visa status online?

Yes, you can check your visa status online. Use your reference number and last name to get the status.

Can you track your Schengen visa application using your passport number?

No, you cannot use your passport to get your visa status. You need your reference number and personal details like last name or DOB. You can get updates on your SMS and email too.

How long does it take to process a Schengen visa application?

The standard processing time for Schengen visas is 15 working days from the submission date,

What should you do if your Schengen visa application gets denied?

Following a visa rejection, you have two options: file an appeal within 30 days of receiving the rejection notice or reapply for your visa.

What is VFS Global’s role in the visa process?

VFS Global serves as the official visa application center for Schengen countries in India, managing application submission, biometric collection, and status tracking services.

What information do you need to check your Schengen visa application status?

Here’s how to check Schenge visa status online:

• Visit your primary country’s VFS portal
• Go to track your application
• Enter reference number and last name
• Know the status