What is the Schengen area?
The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 29 European countries that have abolished passport and border controls at their mutual borders. If you hold a valid Schengen visa, you can travel freely between member states for the duration of your visa without additional border checks.
As of 2026, member countries include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Iceland, Croatia, and Liechtenstein.
Important note for UK residents: Following Brexit, British citizens and UK residents (including those on BRPs) are no longer EU citizens and must apply for a Schengen visa to visit most of Europe for stays exceeding 90 days or for certain purposes. Short visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period remain visa-free for British passport holders.
Do you actually need a Schengen visa?
Your need for a Schengen visa depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your trip:
- British citizens: Visa-free for tourist/business visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A visa is needed for longer stays, study, or work.
- Non-EEA nationals residing in the UK: Must apply for a Schengen visa for any visit to the Schengen zone, regardless of the purpose or duration.
- Students and workers: Even if visa-free for tourism, a separate national visa may be required for studying or working in a specific country.
ETIAS reminder: The EU’s new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to launch in 2025β2026. British citizens who are currently visa-free for short stays will need to obtain an ETIAS authorisation before travelling. Check the latest ETIAS status before your trip.
Types of Schengen visa
| Visa type | Purpose | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
| Type C (short-stay) | Tourism, business, family visits, medical, transit | 90 days / 180-day period |
| Type D (national visa) | Long-stay, study, work, family reunification | Over 90 days |
| Airport transit visa | Transiting through a Schengen airport | Duration of transit |
Application process
Determine the right embassy
Apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time, or your first point of entry if spending equal time in multiple countries.
Book your appointment
Most embassies require an online appointment. Book early – slots fill up quickly during summer and holiday seasons.
Gather your documents
Compile all required documents (see full checklist below). Incomplete applications are the most common reason for refusal.
Complete the application form
Fill in the Schengen visa application form online or in person. Ensure all details match your passport exactly.
Attend your appointment
Attend in person to submit documents, pay the visa fee, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
Wait and track your application
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days. Apply at least 6 weeks before your travel date to allow for any delays.
Required documents checklist
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay; issued within the last 10 years; and have at least 2 blank pages |
| Completed application form | Signed and dated; one form per person including children |
| Passport-size photos | 2 recent photos (35mm x 45mm); white background; taken within the last 6 months |
| UK visa / BRP / settled status | Proof of lawful residence in the UK |
| Travel insurance | Minimum β¬30,000 cover; valid in all Schengen countries; covers medical emergencies and repatriation |
| Flight itinerary | Confirmed or dummy bookings showing entry and exit from the Schengen area |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel bookings, Airbnb reservations, or invitation letter if staying with a host |
| Bank statements | Last 3β6 months; demonstrating sufficient funds (approx. β¬50β100/day as a guideline) |
| Employment / student letter | Letter from employer stating leave approval and job title, or enrolment letter from your institution |
| Cover letter (recommended) | Brief letter explaining the purpose and itinerary of your trip |
Visa fees in 2026
Schengen visa fees are set by the EU and are consistent across all member states, though service charges from visa application centres (VFS, TLS, BLS) may vary.
| Applicant category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | β¬90 (approx. Β£77) |
| Children aged 6β11 | β¬45 (approx. Β£38) |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Holders of diplomatic / service passports | Free (varies by country) |
Note: Visa fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.
Processing times and when to apply
Standard processing time is up to 15 calendar days from the date your application is accepted. In busy periods this can extend to 30-45 days. You may apply up to 6 months before your travel date, but no later than 15 days before departure.
- Best practice: Apply 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date.
- Urgent applications: Some embassies offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Check with the specific embassy.
- Peak season tip: Summer (JuneβAugust) and Christmas holidays see extremely high demand – book your appointment and apply early.
Where to apply in the UK
You can apply through the embassy or consulate of your destination country, or through an authorised visa application centre. Major operators in the UK include:
- VFS Global – handles applications for many European countries including France, Germany, and Italy.
- TLS Contact – primarily for French visa applications.
- BLS International – handles applications for Spain and several other countries.
Application centres are located in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and other major UK cities. Some embassies accept applications by post – check the relevant embassy website for their specific policy.
Common reasons for refusal and how to avoid them
- Insufficient bank balance or inconsistent financial documents
- No return or onward travel tickets demonstrating intent to leave
- Inadequate or missing travel insurance coverage
- Failure to establish ties to the UK (home, family, employment)
- Previous immigration violations or overstays
- Incorrect or incomplete application form
- Applying at the wrong embassy when visiting multiple countries
Tip: A well-prepared cover letter explaining your itinerary, purpose of visit, and ties to the UK can significantly strengthen your application – even when it is not strictly required by the embassy.
What to do if your visa is refused
If your application is refused, the decision letter must provide reasons. You have the right to appeal. The appeal process and timelines vary by country – for example, French visa refusals can be appealed with the Commission de Recours Contre les DΓ©cisions de Refus de Visa (CRRV) within 2 months.
You may also reapply with a stronger supporting package that directly addresses the reasons for refusal. Consulting a qualified immigration adviser at this stage can meaningfully improve your chances of success.
Contact Lawsentis – we are here to help
Navigating visa applications can be stressful, especially after a refusal or when your situation is complex. At Lawsentis, our qualified immigration advisers help in Schengen visa applications, refusal appeals, and a wide range of UK immigration matters. We provide honest, expert advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Get in touch today for a consultation and let us take the stress out of your visa application.
Top 10 frequently asked questions
1. Can I apply for a Schengen visa from the UK if I am not a British citizen?
Yes. Any person legally residing in the UK – whether on a BRP, spouse visa, student visa, or with settled/pre-settled status – can apply for a Schengen visa from a UK-based embassy or consulate. You will need to provide proof of your lawful UK residence alongside the standard documents.
2. How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
Standard processing takes up to 15 calendar days. During peak season (summer, Christmas, Easter) it can take 30-45 days. Always apply at least 6 weeks before your travel date. Some embassies offer priority or urgent processing services for an extra fee.
3. Which embassy should I apply to if I am visiting multiple Schengen countries?
Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most nights. If you are spending equal time in two or more countries, apply at the embassy of the first country you will enter. Applying at the wrong embassy is a common mistake that leads to refusal.
4. Do I need to book flights before applying?
Most embassies require a flight itinerary as part of the application. However, they do not always require a fully paid, non-refundable ticket. Many applicants use dummy or provisional bookings for the visa application and only confirm once the visa is approved. Always check the specific requirements of the embassy you are applying to.
5. How much money do I need to show in my bank account?
There is no single universal figure, but a commonly used guideline is β¬50-β¬100 per day of your intended stay. Your bank statements should demonstrate a consistent income and savings pattern. A large, unexplained lump sum deposited shortly before the application may raise concerns with the consular officer.
6. Can I extend a Schengen visa while I am in Europe?
Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances – such as a documented medical emergency, force majeure, or personal reasons beyond your control. They are not granted simply because you wish to stay longer. If you need a longer stay, apply for the appropriate national visa before travelling.
7. Do children need their own Schengen visa?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, must have their own individual Schengen visa. Children under 6 are exempt from the fee. You must also provide consent letters if only one parent is travelling with the child, or if the child is travelling with a guardian other than their parents.
8. What travel insurance is required for a Schengen visa?
Your travel insurance must provide a minimum of β¬30,000 coverage, be valid in all 29 Schengen countries (even if you are visiting only one), and cover medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation. The policy must cover your entire intended stay. Always check that the certificate of insurance confirms these requirements.
9. What happens if my visa application is refused?
You will receive a written decision explaining the reason(s) for refusal. You have the right to appeal – the process typically must be submitted within 1β3 months of the refusal, depending on the country. You can also reapply with a stronger, more complete application. Seeking advice from a qualified immigration adviser after a refusal is strongly recommended.
10. Will ETIAS affect my Schengen visa requirements?
ETIAS is a separate system from the Schengen visa. It applies only to nationals of countries that are currently visa-exempt – such as British citizens – for short tourist and business visits. ETIAS does not replace the Schengen visa. If you already need a Schengen visa, ETIAS does not affect you.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and visa requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the relevant embassy or a qualified immigration adviser before applying. Lawsentis accepts no liability for decisions made based solely on the information provided in this article.