Schengen Visa Requirements and Application Guidelines for the UK Residents
Although the United Kingdom is not a member of the Schengen Area, British citizens can travel across Europe visa-free for a maximum of 90 days. Also, from 9 June 2014, all British Overseas Territories citizens (BOTCs), British Overseas citizens (BOCs), British Protected Persons (BPPs), and British Subjects (BS) are allowed to travel visa-free to the EU Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days.
UK citizens can also apply for Germany Schengen Visa.
Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in the UK?
To apply for a Schengen visa from the UK, your UK residence permit must be valid for at least another three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area. If this condition is not fulfilled, the Consulate where you lodge your Schengen visa application will reject your application immediately.
Nonresidents such as travellers and tourists currently on a visa in the UK, cannot file their visa application at the Schengen embassies in the United Kingdom. Instead, they should apply for a Schengen visa at the appropriate Schengen embassy in their home country.
Use theSchengen visa eligibility checker tool to find out if you qualify to apply for a Schengen visa from the UK.
If you have a 3-month UK visa you can extend it for three more months in order to be eligible to apply for a Schengen visa from within the UK. You must apply for an extension before your visa expires and while you’re still in the UK. Find out moreon how to extend your UK visa.
Please, note that if you are not a resident in the United Kingdom you should apply at the Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence.
Visa Application Documents and Requirementsfor the UK Residents
All Schengen states are represented in the UK by Consulates and Embassies and they might have specific requirements for applicants. However, there are common requirements for each country and visa type.
The following list of documents are required in order to obtain a Schengen visa in the UK:
- A valid passport or Travel document. Please make sure:
- Your passport has been issued within the previous 10 years,
- Your passport has2 full blank pages, one for the visa stamp and an additional spare page,
- Your passport should be valid for at least three (3) months after the date you exit the Schengen Area.
- A valid UK residence permit or other forms of Identity Card. The UK residency permit must be endorsed in the actual passport (or on a new biometric ID card)
- One application form is filled out completely and signed by the applicant.
- One passport format photothat has a light background, is brightly coloured and shows full facial features. The photo must be less than six months old and be glued to the application form. Applications with stapled photographs will be rejected.
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit to the Schengen area
- Proof of travel arrangements: Round trip flight/travel reservations or other proof of intended transport and complete itinerary (if the several Schengen States will be visited or if the trip covers the several Schengen States and non-Schengen countries).
- Schengen travel insurance stating that you are covered in case of a medical emergency and repatriation in the Schengen Area (minimum coverage of € 30.000). The Insurance policy can easily be purchased online from Europ Assistance.
- Hotel reservations or proof of participation in group travel.
- A recent statement of UK current account or traveller’s checks shows funds of a minimum of £55 per person per day spent in the Schengen area. Photocopies of the original documents are also to be submitted. Documents should not be more than one month old. Find more information about proofing financial sufficiency when applying for a Schengen visa.
For UK employees:
- Reference letter of employment in the United Kingdom confirming that specifies:
- Salary
- Hire date
- Position
- Dates of vacation
If the applicant is employed for less than 3 months, then a letter from their employer should clearly state when they started work.
For self-employed:
- A recent letter (less than 3 months old) specifies:
- Professional activity
- Starting date
- Business registration
- Revenues from their solicitor or Accountant Bank Manager or Local Chamber of Commerce
- VAT certificate
For foreign students in the UK:
- An official recent (less than 3 months old) letter from their school, college or university within the UK, that states:
- The type of studies
- Details of the course
- Attendance record.
For retirees:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If unemployed and married to a UK citizen:
- A recent (less than 3 months old) Confirmation of Employment letter from their spouse’s employer that states:
- Position held within the company
- Starting date
- Spouse’s valid passport
- An officially translated marriage certificate. The translation can be in English or the official language of the Embassy of the country where the marriage took place or by the Legalization Bureau of the Foreign Office in the UK
- If the Marriage Certificate was issued outside the European Union, it must be stamped by the Foreign Office of the issuing country or its Embassy in the United Kingdom.
At Which Schengen Country’s Embassy in the UK Should I Apply?
Depending on your purpose and/or length of visit – there are specifications that further clarify at which Embassy or Consulate within the UK you should apply.
- If visiting one Schengen country – you must apply at the Embassy or Consulate representing the particular country of your destination.
- If visiting more than one Schengen country – you must apply at the Embassy or Consulate representing the country of your main destination (the country of longest stay).
- If visiting more than one Schengen country with equal stay duration – you must apply at the Embassy or Consulate representing the Schengen country you will enter first.
- If you intend to stay in the Schengen area for over 90 days you must apply for a residence permit (Long-stay visa), not a Schengen visa. Instructions are on the respective embassy/consulate’s homepage.
Requirements and guidelines for UK residents when applying for a:
- France Visa fromthe UK
- Germany Visa from the UK
- Spain Visa fromthe UK
- Italy Visa from the UK
- Switzerland Visa from the UK
- Netherlands Visa from the UK
- Greece Visa from the UK
- PortugalVisa fromthe UK
- Belgium Visa fromthe UK
- Sweden Visa from the UK
- Norway Visa from the UK
- The Czech Visa from the UK
- Denmark Visa from the UK
- Iceland Visa from the UK
- Malta Visa from the UK
When Should I Apply?
The best time to apply for a Schengen visa in the UK is at least 15 days before the intended visit to Europe. If you can apply even earlier than that, it is even better – although not earlier than 6 months before the intended visit!
Holders of multiple-entry visas may apply six months before the expiry date of the valid visa.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa From the UK?
To apply for a Schengen visa from the UK you must book an appointment with the relevant Consulate or Embassy in London. This can be done in two ways:
- By going to the Consulate/Embassy office in person.
- By applying via accredited agencies like VFS or BLS
How Long Does It Take To Get a Schengen Visa in the UK?
Applications should be made final within 15 calendar days from the date you submitted the visa application to the corresponding Embassy/Consulate in the UK.
This period may be extended up to 30 days, especially in cases when further requirements are made to the applicant.
Consulates advise visa applicants to apply well in advance of their planned trip in order to avoid any unwanted complications.
Note: Holders of multiple-entry visas may apply six months before the expiry date of the valid visa.
There are however some specific individual cases where applicants can obtain visas faster through accelerated procedures:
- Applicants who have an EEA or EU citizen family member
- Cases of an extreme medical emergency
*Caution: When applying for a Schengen visa in the United Kingdom during the summer or winter seasons, be cautious and/or plan your visit earlier, as these are the months when the highest numbers of applications arrive in Embassies – consequently, taking longer to complete the visa processing!
Schengen Visa Fees for UK Residents
The fees of a Schengen visa application in the United Kingdom may vary from 36.5£ for children aged between 6 and 12 to 51 £ for adults (depending on currency fluctuations).
| Schengen Visa Category (by age) | Fee in UK Pound | Fee in Euro |
| Adult | 73 £ | 80 € |
| Children between 6-12 years of age | 36.5 £ | 40 € |
| Children younger than 6 years of age | Free | Free |
Note: Keep in mind that these fees may change depending on currency fluctuations and can be paid only in UK Pounds.
Does the Spouse of a British National With UK Permanent Residence Need a Schengen Visa?
Yes, the non-EU spouse of a UK national requires a visa to travel to the Schengen Area.
Can an Indian Passport Holder Apply for a Schengen Visa From the UK?
IndiancitizensandIndian passport holdersthat have been legally residing inthe United Kingdomfor more than three months can apply for aSchengen visain theUK.
Non-residents such as Indian travellers and Indian tourists who plan on staying in the UK for three months or less should be discouraged from applying for a Schengen visa from within the UK. Instead, they should apply for a Schengen visa in India.
Do I Need a Passport if I Am Travelling From the UK to Europe?
For now, as a UK national, you don’t need a visa to enter any of the EU countries. However, you are required to have a valid UK passport when travelling to any of the EU countries.
As a non-EU citizen, you must have a passport and you might also need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe from the UK. The passport must not be older than ten years. They must hold a validity period of at least three months from the day you will be leaving the Schengen zone.
Children travelling alone, with a legal guardian, or with only one parent from the UK towards the EU, should additionally have a letter of authorization to travel. It has to be signed by either both parents, the legal guardian, or the second parent.
Becoming a British Resident
There are two popular ways of becoming a non-permanent UK resident:
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FAQs
What documents do I need for Schengen visa from UK? ›
- Visa application form. Fully completed and signed.
- Two recently taken photos must be attached. ...
- A valid passport. ...
- Round trip reservation or itinerary. ...
- Travel insurance policy. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Proof of financial means. ...
- Proof of paid visa fee.
As a guide, not including accommodation, funds of around €50 - in addition to what you have paid for your hotel booking - will be enough in most cases to prove means of subsistence. But the more you can save the better - especially as you can then enjoy your extra cash on your trip!
Is it easy to get Schengen visa in UK? ›To apply for a Schengen visa from the UK, your UK residence permit must be valid for at least another three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area. If this condition is not fulfilled, the Consulate where you lodge your Schengen visa application will reject your application immediately.
Why bank statement is required for Schengen visa? ›The Importance Of The Bank Statements For Your Schengen Visa
Your bank balance (as well as the one of your sponsor – if you have one) will show the Visa officers you have enough funds to cover your basic travel expenses and other needs.
You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
Which country is the easiest to apply for Schengen visa? ›In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
How much is a Schengen visa UK? ›The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 (USD 80). Children between the ages of six and twelve pay a reduced fee of €40, whereas children under the age of six are entirely exempt from payment. You pay the fee when submitting the Schengen visa application at the embassy/consulate or a visa application center.
How much bank balance is required for visitor visa? ›The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank.
How old should the bank statement be for Schengen visa? ›This statement shall be no older than 3 months. Min. amount required is different in each country – please verify with the relevant consular authority. Sponsorship Letter by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen.
Can you get a Schengen visa without a personal interview? ›2. Is Your Personal Appearance Mandatory to Apply for a Schengen Visa? If you are not clear whether or not you must appear in person at the Embassy or Consulate to submit your application, the simple answer is yes; you have to apply for a Schengen Visa in person.
How do I prove sufficient funds for Schengen visa? ›
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended journey, recent bank account statements during the last three months (Bank statements must show the name and address of the owner). We cannot accept Travel Money Cards or cash as proof of sufficient funds.
How do I prove sufficient funds for visa? ›How do I prove that I have enough money to travel? It's simple: Get a bank certificate or bank statement or both. A bank certificate is usually a one-page document that certifies that you have an account with that branch. Often, the latest available balance is indicated.
Which is the hardest country to get Schengen visa? ›Which Countries Have The Highest Rejection Rates? According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark. These 4 countries were more likely to reject a visa application than any other Schengen country.
Can I apply for Schengen visa on my own? ›Yes. If you must apply for a Schengen visa in a country where you are not a resident, the justification for why you are applying from that country will suffice.
Which Schengen visa is fastest processing? ›iVisa.com has three available Germany Schengen Visa: Processing Time: the standard one takes 10 business days, the rush one lasts about 6 business days, and the super rush, the fastest one, takes only 4 business days to process your application.
Can I get a Schengen visa in 2 days? ›The Schengen visa processing time around the world is approximately two weeks. Still, depending on your case, your application may take longer to be processed. In specific cases, the embassies take 30 days to process a visa, whereas in extraordinary cases you will have to wait for 60 calendar days.
Can the embassy check my bank statement? ›The embassy will access your bank statement on our portal when the mybankStatement® is submitted as part of your application.
Are payslips enough for Schengen Visa? ›You will have to submit proof of sufficient funds for the entire stay in your destination country, that could be a work contract and bank account statement from your parents or host (if applicable). Evidence of employment – it can be an original signed letter from an employer or recent payslip.
Can Schengen Visa be denied? ›The decision to refuse a Schengen visa and the reasons for the refusal are notified to the applicant using a standard form. The decision to refuse the visa includes the reasons on which the refusal was based. You can appeal the refusal.
Can I get Schengen visa in 7 days? ›You must apply for your India Schengen Visa no more than six months, and no fewer than 15 days, before your trip. It is advised you apply at least three weeks before you leave, however, to allow for any delays in the processing of your application.
Can I go to VFS without appointment for Schengen visa? ›
Walk In Without Appointment*
VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.
In order to make your appointment, you will need to go to the website of the embassy or consulate that you dealing with and use their online booking system and choose a convenient date and time for your appointment. If they do not have an online booking system, you can phone or email them.
Which country rejected visa most? ›| No. | Schengen consulate | Refusal Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RUSSIAN FEDERATION | 1.55% |
| 2 | CHINA | 3.73% |
| 3 | INDIA | 9.34% |
| 4 | TURKEY | 8.45% |
- Russia.
- Cuba.
- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
All applicants will be able to lodge their application fully online (fill in the application form, pay the visa fee, upload supporting documents and check if biometrics are still valid).
How do I get a 5 year Schengen visa? ›- Step 1: Collect All The Required Documents.
- Step 2: Fill In Your Schengen Visa Application Form.
- Step 3: Schedule Your Schengen Visa Appointment.
- Step 4: Attend Your Schengen Visa Appointment.
- Step 5: Wait For Your MEV Visa To Be Processed.
The cost of the VFS service fees is 31.5 EUR per visa applicant (in local currency, this amount is approximately USD $38).
Is bank statement enough for Schengen visa? ›All types of Schengen visas require bank statements, including a medical visa. In the case of a medical visa, you are required to provide documents that show you have enough money to cover your medical treatments.
Does UK Embassy verify bank statement? ›You can provide a download of electronic bank statements as long as it has this information. You do not need to have these stamped by the bank. We may do verification checks with your bank. If we're unable to verify the funds your application may be refused.
Is bank statement required for tourist visa? ›Now a bank statement or bank certificate is the way to show that you have enough bank balance to support yourself when you visit a foreign country. So, yes bank statement necessary for tourist visa but if you are not in a position to do so then you can explore certain other options.
Do I need to submit passport for Schengen visa? ›
The applicant shall present a valid travel document (passport) the validity of which extends at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States (or, in the case of several visits, after the last intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States).
Does Schengen visa require original invitation letter? ›If you are planning to travel for a specific purpose to the Schengen area countries, you must make sure that you have an invitation letter. The letter will make it much easier for the Embassy to grant you the Schengen Visa.
What are the causes of visa rejection? ›An applicant's current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa. If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies.
What do UK visa officers check? ›their previous immigration history, including visits to the UK and other countries. the duration of previous visits and whether this was significantly longer than they originally stated on their visa application or on arrival. their financial circumstances as well as their family, social and economic background.
What is acceptable proof of funds? ›Proof of funds usually comes in the form of a bank security or custody statement. These can be procured from your bank or the financial institution that holds your money. Bank statements are the most common document to use as POF and can typically be found online or at a bank branch.
Which bank statement is required for visa? ›The bank statement must show the exact dates of depositing and withdrawing money. Embassy officials check every cash transaction done by the applicant. It is usually advisable to submit the bank account statement which shows your monthly income in the form of salary, pension etc.
Is there any interview for Schengen tourist visa? ›Once all your paperwork and documentation is completed and set in order, you'll be expected to attend a Schengen Visa interview, which will determine whether you eventually receive your Visa or not. The interviewers are trained to detect hesitation, unwillingness to answer certain questions, etc.
Is Schengen visa interview difficult? ›The Schengen visa interview is the most difficult part of the application process, and applicants must be well-prepared to answer the questions to the satisfaction of the Embassy interviewer.
What are the chances of getting Schengen visa? ›With 97.9% of the applications received, and only 2.1% rejected, you have quite a good chance to get a visa from this country.
How many months bank statement do I need for Schengen Visa? ›You must show evidence that you will be able to financially maintain yourself during your stay in the Schengen territory. You should be able to prove that through a bank statement of the past three months, which must not be older than three days.
How long does it take to get a Schengen Visa from UK? ›
You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
Do UK citizens need to apply for a Schengen Visa? ›Although the UK is now outside the EU, British citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area and stay short-term. Although there are no visa requirements for UK citizens, travellers will need to apply for ETIAS from November 2023.
Do you need a Schengen Visa if you have a UK BRP? ›Info. We are pleased to confirm that British citizens do not require a visa for the Schengen Member States, provided that the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period and provided that no economic activity is being pursued.
Can I get Schengen visa without bank statement? ›If the inviting person (the host) is to cover the applicant's expenses, the host must provide evidence of possession of sufficient financial resources to cover the intended stay (e.g. signed and stamped bank statements last 3 months).
Does embassy check bank statement? ›Get your bank statements attested
Select countries require applicants to submit their bank statements, duly attested. While it is common to submit bank statements, and most travellers are aware of this step, not having these bank statements attested is a common error.
The Schengen visa processing time around the world is approximately two weeks. Still, depending on your case, your application may take longer to be processed. In specific cases, the embassies take 30 days to process a visa, whereas in extraordinary cases you will have to wait for 60 calendar days.
Which is the easiest Schengen visa to get? ›In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
What is the quickest Schengen visa? ›What is the shortest Schengen Visa? The short-stay visa is a Schengen Visa. It allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period - or the length of your trip. It allows you to travel to all countries within the Schengen Area.
Will you need a visa to travel to Europe in 2022? ›Introduction. The European Union have confirmed the introduction of the ETIAS program that will become operational in early 2023. ETIAS stands for EU Travel Information & Authorisation System. Travellers visiting Europe from 2023 onwards will be required to obtain an approved ETIAS online prior to their departure.
Is it possible to apply for Schengen visa online? ›Book a Schengen visa appointment in order to proceed with your application. Most countries give you the chance to book an appointment online. On the other hand, in others, you will need to book the appointment in person, at the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
Can I travel in Schengen with UK residence permit? ›
You do not need a visa if you have a residence document (national residence permit) issued under national rules by a Schengen country and you are travelling to a Schengen country.
Can you enter Europe with UK BRP? ›You cannot use your UK Biometric Residence Permit (“BRP”) to gain entry to Europe. But make sure to bring it with you for re-entry to the UK!