Applying for a Schengen Visa in the UK - Requirements & Guidelines (2023)

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.

(Video) How to apply for a Schengen Visa from the UK

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.

(Video) APPLYING FOR A SCHENGEN VISA AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN THE UK | ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

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!

(Video) Schengen Visa for Filipinos in the UK - Requirements

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 PoundFee in Euro
Adult73 £80 €
Children between 6-12 years of age36.5 £40 €
Children younger than 6 years of ageFreeFree

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.

(Video) How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in the UK and Elsewhere

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:

FAQs

Is 3 months bank statement enough for Schengen visa? ›

Sponsorship Letter by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.

Is it easy to get Schengen visa if you have UK visa? ›

Yes, if you possess a UK visitor permit, you can apply for the Schengen. In fact, you will have a higher chance of approval for your Schengen if you already possess the British permit. However, you cannot apply for the Schengen while you are in the UK. You must be in your home country while making the application.

How much bank statement is required for Schengen tourist visa? ›

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).

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.

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. Here is a list of the 30 most common interview questions that are routinely asked during the Schengen interview. 1.

What documents do I need for Schengen visa from UK? ›

Schengen Visa Application Requirements
  • 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.

What is the easiest way to get Schengen visa? ›

  1. Figure out which Schengen visa type you need.
  2. Find out where you need to apply for a Schengen visa.
  3. Find the most suitable time to apply for a Schengen visa.
  4. Book an appointment.
  5. Fill the Schengen visa application form.
  6. Gather the required documents.
  7. Attend the visa interview.
  8. Pay the visa fee.

How long does Schengen visa take 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.

Can I get Schengen visa without 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.

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.

What is proof of sufficient funds for travel Europe? ›

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 show strong ties to home country for Schengen Visa? ›

Here are 6 ways to prove your rootedness or strong family and social ties to your home country:
  1. Submit proof of property ownership.
  2. Submit your marriage certificate.
  3. Submit your children's birth certificates.
  4. Write a detailed cover letter.
9 Aug 2022

How can I impress my visa officer? ›

When your turn for the interview comes, enter the room with a smile, greet the officer with a warm hello or hi. S/he may ask you 'how are you doing'. Reply politely and thank them for asking. If your visa is granted, thank them politely and leave.

Why does Schengen Visa get rejected? ›

According to Schengen Visa Info, there are 12 reasons for which visa applications are rejected most frequently, including here a criminal past of the applicant, a damaged passport, the invalidity of one of the documents submitted, and insufficient financial means to support travel, etc.

How much bank balance is required for UK visa? ›

You'll need to show you have enough money to support yourself - unless you've been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application. How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You'll need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London.

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.

How can I introduce myself in visa interview? ›

Start by stating your full name, where you live, and your professional aspirations. Next, you can mention your immediate family, where they live, your permanent residence, your current residence, as well as your place of birth.

How can I impress in visa interview? ›

The tips below are intended to help you prepare for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in your home country.
  1. Ties to Home Country. ...
  2. English. ...
  3. Speak for Yourself. ...
  4. Know the Program and How it Fits Your Career Plans. ...
  5. Be Concise. ...
  6. Supplemental Documentation. ...
  7. Not All Countries Are Equal. ...
  8. Employment.

Which country rejected visa most? ›

Applicantion Refusals
No.Schengen consulateRefusal Rate
1RUSSIAN FEDERATION1.55%
2CHINA3.73%
3INDIA9.34%
4TURKEY8.45%
67 more rows
14 Feb 2020

How much is a Schengen visa UK? ›

Once you have established where you need to pay a processing fee of €80 (€40 for minors), you will need to book an appointment at your nearest visa center, embassy, or consulate - these are located in London or a major city in each region.

Can I get Schengen visa in 2 weeks? ›

Please note that it can take up to two weeks to process your Schengen visa, and even longer in individual cases.

Which is the hardest country to get Schengen visa? ›

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 walk in for Schengen visa? ›

Walk In Without Appointment*

If you need to submit your visa application on an urgent basis, walk into our Visa Application Centre and opt for this service. VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.

Which country processes Schengen visa fastest? ›

Lithuania. This country is the easiest one to get a Schengen visa. As per the reports, officials grant visas to almost 98.7% of applicants.

Can I get Schengen visa in 1 week? ›

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 I get Schengen visa online? ›

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 embassies verify documents? ›

It is a legalization process to verify the genuinity of a person or a company. The process is carried out after the verification done from the MEA. The document that is received by the embassy is stamped by the MEA which previously was verified by state government departments.

What do visa officers check? ›

Through the CCD, the consular officer can see whether you have applied for a visa in the past, and whether the visa was granted or denied. The officer can also see any comments that the prior officer made about the application.

Can I get a Schengen Visa without 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.

Does UK embassy verify documents? ›

Verification & Interview

Home Office will verify the information & documents that you submit. Normally, the decision is taken on the basis of documents submitted, but they may be called for an interview.

How many months banks statement do I need to give to the embassy? ›

bank statements must cover 28 days (and printed no more than 31 days before the date of your application). You can use your bank statements or your parents' / legal guardian's statements.

How many times can you apply for a Schengen visa? ›

3-year multiple-entry Schengen visa

This visa gives the right to its holder to enter the Schengen Area as many times as they wish within a period of three years.

What all documents are required for Schengen visa? ›

When applying for a Tourist Schengen Visa, you must submit the following documents:
  • Visa application form. ...
  • Two recent photos. ...
  • Valid passport. ...
  • Roundtrip reservation or itinerary. ...
  • Travel Health Insurance. ...
  • Proof of accommodation. ...
  • Letter of tour organizer. ...
  • Proof of financial means.

What is supporting evidence for visa? ›

Sponsor's details (passport/Government issued identification/bank accounts/employment letters/payslips/accommodation/sponsor's declaration/support letter etc.)

How do you prove you will return to your country? ›

Copies of bank statements showing that you maintain accounts in your home country. Keeping an open bank account at home can prove a financial tie to your home country, especially if you are young and don't have a job or a history of employment.

How can I avoid rejection of Schengen visa? ›

Not Having All The Correct Documents

Before you fill out your Schengen Visa application form, you need to ensure that you have all the required documents. If you do not provide the correct documents, there is a big possibility that your visa application might be refused.

What are your ties to your home country answer? ›

"Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your current place of residence (examples include: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc.).

What questions are asked in UK visa interview? ›

Visa interview questions
  • Could you please tell your name and date of birth?
  • Where will you be studying?
  • When does the course start?
  • Why did you choose this university?
  • Why did you choose this course?
  • Why did you choose the UK as your study destination?
  • Where will you be staying?
22 May 2022

How do you answer why should I give you visa? ›

For 'why' you can answer as one of the following: I am passionate about that *subject* and want to gain more knowledge in it. There are not many experts in this *field* in India, The knowledge I gained while studying in *college name* will help me stand out once I return to India.

Do visa officers check bank statements? ›

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.

How much bank balance is required for Schengen Visa? ›

The overall amount required for an Italy Schengen visa for stays up to 5 days for one person is EUR 269.60 (equivalent to INR 22,812.89)*, while for stays up to 10 days for one person, you'll need EUR 44.93 per day. Additional amount required for each additional applicant travelling with you.

How much money do you need to show for Schengen Visa? ›

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!

Which Schengen country is easy to get visa in 2022? ›

7. Which Schengen Visa is the easiest to obtain? The easiest country to get a visa to is Lithuania. Almost 98.7% of short-term visa applications for a Schengen Visa to Lithuania received a positive response in 2018.

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.

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.

Do you need 3 months bank statements? ›

Two months' worth of bank statements is the norm because any credit or deposit accounts older than that should have shown up on your credit report. One uncommon exception is for self-employed borrowers who hope to qualify based on bank statements instead of tax returns.

Can I get Schengen visa without bank statement? ›

Proof of financial means.

The statement shall be no older than 3 months. Sponsorship Letter – by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.

Is credit card statement required for Schengen visa? ›

Some Embassies/Consulates require the statements of the last 3 months while some others require the statements of the last 6 months. Whether you are going to cover all the expenses yourself or someone else is going to pay for your trip to the Schengen Area, you have to submit the statements related to your account.

How do embassies verify bank statements? ›

mybankStatement® is a one page ticket generated by your bank to replace traditional paper based bank statements that are normally submitted in visa applications. It contains a unique ticket number and passcode that can be used by Embassies to efficiently verify your account holdings are genuine.

Can UK embassy check your bank account? ›

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.

Why does Schengen visa get rejected? ›

According to Schengen Visa Info, there are 12 reasons for which visa applications are rejected most frequently, including here a criminal past of the applicant, a damaged passport, the invalidity of one of the documents submitted, and insufficient financial means to support travel, etc.

Can I show my savings account for Schengen visa? ›

The only recognized way to prove your financial sufficiency are recent bank account statements during the last three months. Attention, bank statements must show the name and address of the owner. The embassies cannot accept Travel Money Cards or cash as proof of sufficient funds.

How do I know if my bank statement is edited? ›

#1 – Look for inconsistencies on the bank statement

Is the bank logo on the statement of low resolution or different than the logo on the bank's website? Someone creating fake bank statements may get lazy or sloppy with any or all of these details. Then, look at financial inconsistencies.

How do you explain a large deposit? ›

How to explain large cash deposits during the mortgage process
  1. The cancelled check that was deposited.
  2. A letter from the person who gave you the money explaining why, especially if it's a down payment gift.
  3. A third-party estimate of the item's value, such as the Kelly Blue Book value for a vehicle.
11 Aug 2022

How much bank statement is required for UK? ›

Bank or building society statements must cover a 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before the date of your application. The Home Office would normally expect a banking or building society record to: be on official stationery or an electronic record. be printed or electronic (not hand written)

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