Schengen visa annulment, revocation and extension: Articles 33 and 34 explained
An issued visa is not the end of the legal story. Three articles govern what can happen to it afterwards.
Extension (Article 33)
Article 33(1): validity or duration of stay "shall be extended" where the holder proves force majeure or humanitarian reasons preventing departure before expiry; "such an extension shall be granted free of charge". Article 33(2): it "may be extended" for "serious personal reasons", for a fee of EUR 30. Article 33(4): the competent authority is that of the state where you are when you apply, and Article 33(6) says the extension takes the form of a new sticker. Extensions do not create a right to exceed the 90/180 limit; they deal with situations inside it, such as illness, a cancelled flight or a strike.
Annulment (Article 34(1))
A visa "shall be annulled where it becomes evident that the conditions for issuing it were not met at the time when it was issued, in particular if there are serious grounds for believing that the visa was fraudulently obtained". In principle the issuing state annuls; another state may, and then informs the issuer. Annulment is the mechanism behind border refusals for visas obtained on false documents.
Revocation (Article 34(2))
A visa "shall be revoked where it becomes evident that the conditions for issuing it are no longer met": for example the purpose disappears, or new information about security or means emerges. Article 34(3): a visa may also be revoked at the holder's request (ground 17 on the Annex VI form is exactly that). Annulment and revocation are notified on the same Annex VI form as refusals, and Article 34(7) gives the same right of appeal.
Border reality (Article 30)
"Mere possession of a uniform visa or a visa with limited territorial validity shall not confer an automatic right of entry." Border guards apply the Schengen Borders Code entry conditions on the day: purpose, means, insurance, no alert. Carry the same evidence you gave the consulate.
FAQ
Can I extend my Schengen visa if I fall ill?
Yes. Article 33(1) requires extension free of charge for force majeure or humanitarian reasons, applied for in the state where you are.
Can I extend a Schengen visa just to stay longer?
Only under Article 33(2) for serious personal reasons, at the authority's discretion and for EUR 30, and never beyond 90 days in 180.
Can a visa be cancelled at the border?
Yes, by annulment or revocation under Article 34 if the conditions were never met or are no longer met; the decision is notified on the standard form with a right of appeal.
Questions this page answers
Can I extend my Schengen visa if I fall ill?
Yes. Article 33(1) requires extension free of charge for force majeure or humanitarian reasons, applied for in the state where you are.
Can I extend a Schengen visa just to stay longer?
Only under Article 33(2) for serious personal reasons, at the authority's discretion and for EUR 30, and never beyond 90 days in 180.
Can a visa be cancelled at the border?
Yes, by annulment or revocation under Article 34 if the conditions were never met or are no longer met; the decision is notified on the standard form with a right of appeal.