Applying for a Schengen Visa from the UK

Post-Brexit, British citizens must have the following documents to travel to the EU:

• Valid passport*.
• Travel health insurance (such as private travel insurance or an EHIC/GHIC).
• Enough money to cover your stay in the EU.
• Return or onward travel ticket.
• ETIAS Authorization (Starting from April 2027).

* UK Passport Validity

Your UK passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area.

Currently, UK citizens do not need to apply for an ETIAS authorization as the system has not been implemented yet. However, starting in April 2027, British passport holders will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization known as ETIAS.

If you have a British Travel Document with either a blue or red cover (under the Conventions of July 28, 1951, and September 28, 1954), you may be able to visit certain Schengen member countries. However, since regulations frequently change, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate of the EU/Schengen country you intend to visit before making any travel arrangements.

If you possess a British certificate of travel featuring a black or grey cover, you must apply for a visa before travelling to Europe.

Additionally, ensure that your travel document remains valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the EU/Schengen Area.

If you are not a resident of the United Kingdom, you should apply at the Schengen/EU Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.

If you’re traveling to just one Schengen country, you should apply through that country’s visa authority (e.g., for France, apply for a French Schengen visa).

If your trip includes multiple countries, follow these guidelines:

• Main Destination: Apply through the country where you’ll spend the most time. (e.g., If you plan to spend a week in Spain and two days in Germany, apply for a Spanish visa.
• Entry Point: If your stay is evenly split across countries, apply through the country you’ll enter first.

Once you’ve determined the appropriate country, locate the Visa Application Centre (VAC) nearest to your residence in the UK. VACs are often managed by partners like VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International, depending on the destination country.

The Austrian Embassy in the United Kingdom has partnered with VFS Global to manage its visa application services. Please note that all visa applications will continue to be assessed by the Austrian Embassy London.

To book your Austrian visa appointment in the UK, click the following link: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/aut/book-an-appointment

Once you’ve booked your appointment, submit your application at one of the following Visa Centers:

• Edinburgh: 1 Rennie’s Isle, Edinburgh-Leith EH6 6QT
• London: 66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
• Manchester: 50 Devonshire Street North, Manchester M12 6JH

Alternatively, you may lodge your application directly at the Austrian Embassy London, though appointments are limited and reserved for specific cases like family members of non-Austrian EU citizens, work visas, and diplomatic visas. These appointments are in high demand and fill up quickly.

To request an appointment at the Embassy, email: visa.london-ob [at] bmeia.gv.at.

Austrian Embassy London Address:

18 Belgrave Mews West, London SW1X 8HU

Contact Information

For general inquiries about visas and appointment scheduling, contact VFS Global:

• Phone: 0871 376 2101 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
• Email: info.schengen [at] vfshelpline.com

For updates on pending visa applications, contact the Visa Section of the Austrian Embassy London via email: visa.london-ob [at] bmeia.gv.at.

Note: The Visa Section is closed on Austrian public and bank holidays.

The Belgian Embassy in the UK collaborates with TLScontact to handle visa applications. All applications are assessed and processed by the Belgian Embassy in London.

To book your Belgian visa appointment in the UK, visit the TLScontact portal – https://visas-be.tlscontact.com/visa/gb

Once your appointment is booked, submit your application at one of the following TLScontact Centers:

• Edinburgh: Argyle House, 3 Lady Lawson street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DR
• London: 18 Ryeland Boulevard (Ram Quarter / Ram street), Wandsworth, London SW18 1UN
• Manchester: 1 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3BE

Belgian Embassy London Address:
17 Grosvenor Cres, London SW1X 7EE, UK

Note: The Visa Section observes Belgian and UK public holidays and is closed on those days.

The Croatian Embassy in the UK collaborates exclusively with VFS Global in London for handling Croatian visa applications. Please ensure to book your appointment only through the official VFS Global platform, as no other agents are authorized by the Embassy.

To book your Croatian visa appointment in the UK, use the following link – https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/hrv/book-an-appointment

If you face issues booking an appointment online, contact VFS Global at [email protected].
For urgent concerns or if you do not receive a response within 48 hours, you can notify the Croatian Embassy via email at [email protected].

Appointments for the upcoming month typically open on the 15th of each month.

After booking your appointment, you can submit your application at the following address:

• London:
  VFS Global UK Ltd
  66 Wilson Street
  London EC2A 2BT

For family members of Croatian/EU nationals, you may also apply at the Croatian Embassy directly:

• Croatian Embassy London:
  21 Conway Street
  London W1T 6BN
  Email: [email protected]
  Phone: 0207 387 1144 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–10:00)
  Note: There is currently a long waiting list for appointments at the Embassy.

Czech visa applications must be submitted at the VFS Global Centre in London.

Book your appointment here: Book Appointment for Czech Republic

The Danish Embassy in the UK processes visa applications for Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. VFS Global operates Danish Visa Application Centres in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, where applications are submitted. All applications are assessed by the Danish Embassy in London.

Booking Your Danish Visa Appointment

1. Apply Online: Complete your application and pay the visa fee through the ApplyVisa portal. Print your cover letter and payment receipt.
2. Book an Appointment*: Once your online application is complete, schedule your appointment with VFS Global at one of their UK centres through this link.

* Allow up to 24 hours after submitting your online application before booking.

Submitting Your Danish Visa Application

At your VFS Denmark Visa Application Centre appointment:

• Submit your printed application, payment receipt, and all required documents.
• Provide your passport.
• Expect to have your biometrics recorded.

Danish Visa Application Centres in the UK:

• London: 1 Rennie’s Isle, Edinburgh-Leith EH6 6QT
• Manchester: 66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
• Edinburgh: 50 Devonshire Street North, Manchester M12 6JH

Embassy of Denmark, United Kingdom
55 Sloane Street
London SW1X 9SR

Visa Section

Telephone opening hours:
Tuesday from 13:00-14:00
Thursday from 10:00-11:00

Telephone  – press 4:
+44 (0)20 7333 0200

E-mail: [email protected]

(ApplyVisa-ID needed for enquires about specific visa applications).

Short-term visa applications for Estonia must be submitted through VFS Global service centers in the UK. The Embassy of Estonia does not handle visa submissions directly.

To book your appointment for an Estonian Schengen visa, visit the VFS Global portal.

Estonian Visa Application Centres in the UK:

• Birmingham: 5 -14 South Road, Smethwick, Birmingham, B67 7BN
• Cardiff: 19 Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, CF24 0AA
• London: 1 Rennie’s Isle, Edinburgh-Leith EH6 6QT
• Manchester: 66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
• Edinburgh: 50 Devonshire Street North, Manchester M12 6JH

For more information, refer to the guidelines provided by VFS Global or contact their support for assistance.

Estonian Embassy in London

44 Queen’s Gate Terrace LONDON SW7 5PJ

• +44 (0) 20 75893428
• [email protected]

Submit Finnish visa applications at VFS Global Centres in Edinburgh, London, or Manchester.

Book your appointment here: Book Appointment for Finland

French visa applications must be submitted at a TLScontact Centre.

Book your appointment on this link.

Applications for a German visa must be submitted at TLScontact Application Centres located in Edinburgh, London, or Manchester.

For more details, visit Determine Where to Lodge Your German Visa Application in the UK!

Book your appointment on this link.

Book your appointment on this link.

Book your appointment on this link.

Book your appointment on this link.

Book your appointment on this link.

Book your appointment on this link.

For more details, visit: Luxembourg Embassy in London

Book your appointment on this link: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/mlt/book-an-appointment

Book your appointment on this link: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/nld/book-an-appointment

Book your appointment here: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/nor/book-an-appointment

Book your appointment here: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/prt/book-an-appointment

Slovakian visa applications must be lodged at the Slovakian Embassy in London. Appointments can be booked online through this link https://ezov.mzv.sk/e-zov/

Book your appointment here: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/svn/book-an-appointment

Book your appointment here: https://uk.blsspainvisa.com/

Book your appointment here: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/swe/book-an-appointment

Book your appointment here: https://visas-ch.tlscontact.com/visa/gb

You should schedule your Schengen visa appointment in the UK at least 15 days before you plan to travel to the Schengen Area.

However, please note that 15 days is the minimum amount of time required for submitting your application. We suggest that you take into account delays in visa processing or a lack of available appointment slots from the UK and start your application as soon as possible.

The earliest you can apply is six months before you plan to travel.

You can reschedule or cancel your appointment through the relevant visa application centre where you originally scheduled it.

If you are applying for a Tourist visa, you need to submit the following additional documents:

• A Travel Itinerary: A day-by-day breakdown of your travel plans, including destinations, activities, and sightseeing spots.

If you are applying for a Schengen visa to visit friends or relatives, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Invitation Letter: From your friend or relative residing in the Schengen Area, stating your relationship, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of your stay.
• Proof of Relationship: Documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or photos that prove your relationship with the person you are visiting.
• Host’s Passport or Residence Permit: A copy of your host’s ID, passport, or residence permit in the Schengen Area.

For those applying for a Business visa, the following additional documents are needed:

• Invitation Letter from the Host Company: A letter from the company you will visit in the Schengen area, stating the purpose of your trip, the nature of the business relationship, and the duration of your stay. The letter must contain the following information:
  • Your personal information.
  • Travel data.
  • Your company’s information.
  • Purpose of visit.
  • The individual or company responsible for covering the financial expenses.
  • Detailed schedule of your business meetings.
• Proof of Employment: Your employment contract and a letter from your employer granting you leave for the trip.
• Proof of Business Relationship: Documents showing previous business engagements between your company and the host company.
• Trade fair documentation. If you’re attending a trade fair, please provide the following:
  • A trade fair ticket.
  • An invitation letter from an exhibitor.

If you are applying for a Schengen Transit Visa, the following additional documents are needed:

• Flight Itinerary: Proof of onward travel, including confirmed flight bookings showing your entry and exit from the Schengen Area within a short period.
• Visa for the Final Destination: If required, a valid visa for the country you are traveling to after transiting through the Schengen Area.

If you are seeking medical treatment in the Schengen Area, you will need to provide the following additional documents:

• Medical Diagnosis from Your Local Doctor: A letter from your doctor stating the diagnosis and the need for medical treatment in the Schengen Area.
• Acceptance Letter from a Schengen Medical Institution: A document from the medical facility in the Schengen Area confirming your treatment, the duration, and the expected medical costs.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or sponsorship letters showing you have sufficient funds to cover medical costs, stay, and related expenses.

If applying for a Schengen visa for study purposes, the following additional documents are needed:

• Proof of Enrollment: A letter from your school or university confirming that you are enrolled in a course of study.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, scholarships, or sponsorship letters proving you have the funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
• No Objection Letter: If you are on a student exchange program, your home university must provide a letter indicating there is no objection to your studies abroad.

If you are applying to attend a cultural, sports, or religious event in the Schengen Area, you will need the following documents:

• Invitation Letter: From the event organizers or host, detailing the purpose of your trip, the event’s dates, and your role (e.g., as a participant, performer, or spectator).
• Event Program: An official schedule or itinerary of the event, including venues and activities.
• Proof of Participation: Documents proving your involvement in the event, such as registration forms, contracts, or confirmation of participation.

Journalists traveling to the Schengen Area for work-related assignments must provide these additional documents:

• Letter from the Media Organization: A letter from your employer confirming your journalistic assignment, purpose of the trip, and length of stay.
• Press Accreditation: A valid press pass or accreditation for the event or country you are visiting.
• Proof of Previous Work: Samples of published articles or video content related to your journalism work.

If you are applying for a Schengen Visa for an official visit, such as government or diplomatic missions, you will need to provide the following additional documents:

• Official Invitation Letter: Issued by the government, embassy, or diplomatic body of the destination Schengen country, stating the purpose of the visit, official meetings, and itinerary.
• Note Verbale: This is a diplomatic note issued by your government confirming your status, purpose of visit, and guarantees that your expenses will be covered by the government.
• Proof of Government Employment: A document showing your employment with your country’s government, including your position and duration of service.

To apply for a Schengen Visa from the UK, you must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support your visit to the Schengen area. The required minimum bank balance varies depending on the specific Schengen country you’re applying to, ranging from £13 to £90 per day.

Learn more about proving your financial sufficiency and check the required balances for each Schengen country here.

Visa Fee for the UK Residents

The standard fee for a Schengen visa is 90 EUR (appx. GBP 75). If applying through a visa application centre, you have to pay an additional service fee.

You can pay the fee in cash, through a credit or debit card, or through a payment slip (depending on which visa centre or embassy you apply to).

On your appointment, you will need to submit a biometric visa photo as well as scans of your fingerprints. Your biometric information is taken for security and identification reasons and is stored in the Visa Information System (VIS).

If you have applied for a Schengen visa in the last five years, your information is still stored in VIS, and you may be exempted from submitting fingerprint scans again.

Since most applications in the UK are submitted through a visa application centre (VAC), you can typically track the status of your application through the VAC’s website.

To see your application status, you just need to enter your visa reference number (usually found on the application fee slip) and your last name.

If you applied through a Schengen embassy or consulate, it may not be possible to track your application.

If your visa is granted, the Schengen visa will be affixed to your passport, and you will be able to travel to the Schengen Area within the dates specified on the visa sticker.

If your visa is rejected, the reason for the rejection will be stated in the decision letter. You can either re-apply for the visa or try to appeal the decision. Whether you can appeal a decision (and how) will also be stated on the visa decision letter.

Having a UK student visa (BRP) permits you to study and live in the UK, but it doesn’t automatically allow you to travel to other European countries.

If you’re visiting the U.K. as a tourist and don’t hold a U.K. residence permit, you’re unable to apply from within the U.K. You must apply from your home country instead.

Yes, Indian citizens and passport holders who have been legally residing in the United Kingdom for more than three months can apply for a Schengen visa in the UK.

Non-residents, such as Indian travellers and 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 go back and apply from India.

Yes, if the non-EU spouse of a UK national holds a passport from a country that hasn’t reached visa liberalization with the EU, they will need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area.