Let’s be honest: applying for a Schengen visa can feel like preparing for a job interview with no guarantee of fairness. You submit a solid bank statement, book your hotel, and even get a leave letter from your employer. Then… rejection. And the reason?
“Lack of travel history.”
But how do you get travel history if no one gives you a chance to build it?
At Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd, we’ve helped first-time travelers crack this frustrating cycle. In this article, we’ll teach you how to build a credible profile, choose the right embassy, and improve your chances of getting that golden Schengen visa—even if you’ve never left your country before.
Why Does Travel History Matter for Schengen Visas?
Embassies use your past travels to judge your:
- Likelihood of returning home after the trip
- Familiarity with international travel rules
- Overall credibility as a genuine visitor
No travel history = higher risk in their eyes.
It’s not a fair system—but it’s the reality.
Why Many First-Time Applicants Get Rejected
- You applied through a strict embassy (France, Belgium, Germany are known to be tougher)
- Your purpose of visit seemed vague or unnecessary
- Your documents were good, but you had no prior visa stamps or exit records
- You couldn’t prove ties to your home country (family, job, business, school)
Smart Ways to Build Travel History (Even Before Applying for Schengen)
1. Start with Easy-Entry Countries
Build your credibility with countries that issue visas more easily:
- Turkey
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Qatar or UAE
- Gambia, Senegal, Mauritius
Even one international trip (with a stamped passport and return flight) makes a big difference in your next Schengen application.
2. Apply Through the “Right” Schengen Embassy
Some Schengen countries are more flexible for first-time applicants:
- Spain
- Italy
- Greece
- Hungary
- Portugal
Avoid starting with embassies known for high rejection rates unless your profile is very strong.
3. Use Group or Sponsored Travel if You Can
Tour groups, conferences, family invitations, or academic events help justify your purpose of travel—especially if you’re not a frequent traveller.
You’re seen as more credible when part of a structured trip.
4. Show Strong Local Ties
Convince the embassy you’ll return by submitting:
- Work ID or business registration
- Leave approval letter with return date
- Evidence of family (spouse, kids)
- Proof of property or ongoing study
The more rooted you are, the safer you look.
Bonus: Your Application Cover Letter Can Change Everything
Your cover letter isn’t just a formality. It’s your one chance to explain:
- Why you chose that country
- Why you’re travelling now
- What steps you’ve taken to prepare
- Why you’ll return (with proof)
Don’t skip it. A strong letter often softens a hard officer’s judgment.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t submit fake visas, stamps, or travel records. You will be banned, not just rejected.
- Don’t apply through multiple embassies at the same time—it shows desperation.
- Don’t give up after one rejection. You just need to change strategy.
How Loyalty Travels Can Help
We assist first-time travellers to:
- Choose embassies with better approval history
- Book legal short trips to build travel record
- Craft winning application packages with cover letters
- Avoid red flags that lead to unnecessary refusals
We understand embassy psychology—and we’ll help you beat the “no travel history” barrier.
Final Word
Everyone has to start somewhere. And just because you haven’t travelled before doesn’t mean you’re not credible.
It simply means you need a smart strategy—and the right guidance.
At Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd, we help first-time travelers go from zero to Schengen… and beyond.