The Schengen Visa Scheme

What is a Schengen visa? 

If you are not a citizen of the European Economic Area and intend to travel to Europe, you might need to apply for a Schengen visa prior to your journey.

The Schengen Visa Scheme enables individuals who wish to visit specific countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to travel between these countries using a single visa. It's important to note that the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are not part of the Schengen space.

The Schengen space includes the following countries:

Where to apply

If you are visiting a single country within the Schengen area, you should apply to the Embassy of that specific country located in London.

If you plan to visit multiple countries within the Schengen area, you must apply to the Embassy of the country that serves as your main destination. This refers to the country where you intend to spend the majority of your time. Alternatively, if you don't have a main destination, you should apply to the Embassy of the country where you will make your first entry into the Schengen area.

When to apply

It is recommended to apply at least 15 days before your planned journey. However, please note that processing times may vary, so it is advisable to allow for a 60-day timeframe. Keep in mind that you cannot apply more than six months in advance of your intended journey.

If you plan to make multiple trips to the Schengen area within a three-month period, you have the option to apply for a multiple entry visa. Nevertheless, you may be asked to provide proof of all your travel arrangements and bookings along with your application.

How to apply 

Eligibility criteria and documentation requirements may differ depending on the embassy where you submit your Schengen visa application. Therefore, it's important to check the website of the respective embassy or contact them directly to check what documents are necessary for your application.

Here are the general steps to follow:

• Identify the embassy of the country you wish to apply to and submit your application directly to that embassy/consulate or their designated agency (such as TLS or VFS)

• Schedule an appointment either by phone or online and attend an in-person appointment at the embassy.

• Take the following documents to your appointment:

• confirmation of appointment
• completed application form
• all relevant supporting documents

• Submit your application and make the payment. Please note that the application process can be either online or via a paper form, depending on the specific embassy's requirements. Some embassies only accept cash payments, while others may accept debit card, credit card, or postal order payments.

Supporting documents 

• A completed application form

Please note that it is mandatory to submit the correct application form when applying for a Schengen visa. Each country has its own specific form, even though the questions asked may be similar. It is crucial to use the appropriate application form for the country you are applying to and to check the specific fee required by that country.

• Original passport or official travel document

• Evidence of current UK immigration permission (Biometric Residence Permit)

Most Schengen countries insist that your immigration permission to be in the UK should last for at least 3 months after you return from your trip.

• A photograph that meets ICAO standards

• Proof of purpose of the visit

When providing invitation letters from friends, it is important to note that they may need to be verified by the local town or city hall where your friends reside. This verification process can take time, so it is advisable to start making arrangements as early as possible. Additionally, you may be required to show bookings and reservations for accommodation or tours to support the purpose of your visit. It is essential to gather and present these documents accordingly.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to complete the trip

To meet the requirement of supporting yourself during your stay, you must provide evidence of your financial capacity. This can include recent bank statements and credit card statements that indicate your available credit limit.

• Visa fee

Visa fees vary among different embassies, so it's essential to verify the current fee and acceptable forms of payment before submitting your application.

• Evidence of your student status

You can request a Schengen Visa letter/an embassy letter from the Student Centre confirming that you are enrolled and attending a programme of study.

• Travel medical insurance policy

This policy must be valid for the entire Schengen area and throughout the duration of your stay.

Is it possible for the University to provide me with a letter of "no objection" for my Schengen visa application?

An Embassy letter which you can request from the student centre should suffice for this purpose. If you have been requested to provide additional evidence, please get in touch with the International Student Advice Service team for guidance and advice.

Travel safety tips

• Make copies of your passport and student visa. Keep these duplicates separately from your travel documents.

• Email scan images of your travel documents, including visas to yourself so that you can easily access this information if required.

• If your hostel or hotel offers a safe, consider utilizing it to store your passport, BRP, and extra funds for added security.

• Be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave your bags and belongings unattended. Also, make sure you keep your suitcases and bags locked.

• Losing your passport or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) while you're outside the UK can be a problem. It means you won't be able to return until you apply for new permission, which is both expensive and time-consuming.