Do You Need to Reapply for a Schengen Visa After Getting a New Passport?

Many travelers wonder if they need to reapply for a Schengen visa if they obtain a new passport. The answer depends on various factors, including changes in personal information and the purpose of travel.

Overview of the Passport and Visa Relationship

The primary requirement for a Schengen visa is that it must be valid and placed in a valid passport. If you change your name, or if your passport expiries, additional considerations come into play. Here, we will explore the rules and additional scenarios where you might need to reapply.

Change of Name and Travel Validation

If you have changed your name or your new passport has a different name, you must update your visa records. However, if you merely replace your passport due to a natural expiration or loss, you typically do not need to reapply for the visa.

The US Context and Practical Advice

Let's consider the US context. In the United States, a visa is not linked to the passport validity in which it is placed. Therefore, if you get a new passport, you can still use the original visa as long as it is valid.

Moreover, you should take both your original passport and the new one when traveling to the US. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will likely stamp the new passport with an admission stamp and write "VIOPP," which stands for "Visa in Other Passport."

Other Countries and Visa Policies

Similar rules apply to most other countries, including Canada, the UK, and the Schengen Area. These countries generally allow traveling with both passports if the visa is valid and has not been invalidated, punched, altered, or damaged.

Specific Case: Refusal of Schengen Visa

If you have been refused a Schengen visa, it's imperative to understand the specific reasons for the refusal. In your case, the refusal might have been due to an unsatisfactory travel purpose or a lack of truthfulness in your application.

Explanation and Next Steps

After being called by the embassy and providing truthful answers, you received a refusal letter. The refusal could be due to the purpose of your travel not being satisfied, or discrepancies in your application. It's important to carefully review the refusal letter for specific reasons.

For example, if the refusal was due to an unsatisfactory purpose of travel, you might need to modify your application or provide additional justification. If it was due to truthfulness, you might need to explain any discrepancies more clearly.

Reapplication Considerations

Based on the information you provided, it's unclear whether you need to reapply for the Schengen visa or just apply for a French visa again. However, since it was a Schengen visa application, you may need to resubmit a new application for the Schengen area.

Ensure that you provide clear and complete information in your application, addressing any concerns the embassy had during the initial application. If you need to travel with your boyfriend, make sure your cover letter and supporting documents reflect this intention clearly.

Conclusion

While a new passport may not always require a reapplication for a Schengen visa, specific circumstances, such as name changes or altered travel purposes, may necessitate a new visa. Always review refusal letters carefully and provide clear, complete information in your application to avoid further refusals.