3

I had a Schengen visa issued by France but did not visit France; instead, I visited Norway. I was under the impression that holding a Schengen visa from any member country allows travel to any country within the area. (This is against visa rules. I couldn't conduct proper research and applied based on my relatives' advice, which may fall under visa shopping. Another reason I chose France was that I was told it's easier to get a visa from the French embassy).

Now, I want to know if I apply for a Schengen visa again, will I face rejection? If so, under which category would the rejection fall? Could it result in a ban? I am concerned about this because I need to travel to Schengen countries for work in the future.

JonathanReez
  • 82,178
  • 90
  • 394
  • 764
usman faleel
  • 31
  • 2

1 Answers1

1

The rules are little more nuanced (or even confusing), see Should my first trip be to the country which issued my Schengen Visa? or Should my first trip be to the country which issued my Schengen Visa?

In your case, I wouldn't worry too much. Remember that the authorities don't have a full record of your travels. Your passport should bear Norwegian entry and exit stamps but the authorities have no easy way to see whether you stayed there or travelled onwards to another Schengen country afterwards and I don't think France is especially concerned about it.

With that said, it's possible to get in trouble for changing plans and cancelling a booking. However, if something like that was happening to you, you would have noticed (because it requires cancelling the visa).

Relaxed
  • 117,712
  • 10
  • 249
  • 436