The 26 Schengen member countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
A Schengen visa allows its holder to travel for tourism or business purposes freely within the Schengen zone.
UK passport holders can travel to and stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days per every 180-day period without a visa.
If you are planning to study, work, or live in one of the Schengen countries for more than 90 days, you must apply for a national visa of that European country. This also applies for UK nationals.
Travel Visa Agency can help with most types of Schengen and national European country visas.
When should you apply?
Please apply at least 2 months before you plan to travel to allow enough time to prepare your documents and have your visa processed.
Which country should you submit your application for a Schengen visa at?
You need to apply for a Schengen visa at the country where you plan to travel to. If you plan to visit more than one Schengen country, you need to apply at the country of your main destination - where you will spend most days. If you will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, you have to apply at the country where you will enter first.
What do you need to prepare?
- Your passport. Check that your passport has at least 6 months’ validity after the expiry of the visa you are applying for and that you have at least 2 blank visa pages. Your passport will not be accepted for visa processing if is damaged.
- Your UK visa/residence permit (for non-UK nationals). The validity of your UK residence permit must exceed that of the requested visa by more than 3 months.
- Copies of all previous Schengen visas. If issued in an old passport, a copy of the old passport too.
- Return flight booking confirmation (must show applicant’s name and dates must correspond to the travel dates listed on the application form).
- Accommodation booking confirmation (hotel, Airbnb, rental agreement, etc., must show applicant’s name and dates must correspond to the travel dates listed on the application form).
- Travel insurance valid in the Schengen zone for the period of your stay.
- Proof of employment – a letter from your employer confirming that you are employed in the UK with copies of the last three months’ payslips. If you are a student – a letter from your university. If you are self-employed – last year tax return.
- Your bank statements for the last at least 3 months – originals plus copies.
For business visas additionally:
- Copy of the invitation letter from the company you will visit in the Schengen zone, stating your passport details, the purpose of the trips, date of first trip, the number of entries for the visa required and the expected frequency of the proposed business trip(s).
Covid-19 restrictions
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions for entry into the EU & Schengen Area from many countries apply. You may check the latest entry requirements for each country using this link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
How much will it cost?
The standard cost of a Schengen visa fee is €80 per adults but may be lower depending on your age or nationality. Visa application centres charge additional fees ranging between £30 and £70 usually. Our service fee is £100. Please note that fees are charged for consideration of your application and are non-refundable
Appointments
We may be able to arrange priority appointments for France or Spain for an additional fee. Please e-mail us for more details.
How to apply?