What else do I need to know?

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after returning from your intended travel. You also must ensure you have 2 blank pages in your passport.
• Most Schengen countries require that your immigration permission to be in the UK should last for a certain period after you return from your trip (if applying in the UK). Some countries insist on as long as six months, but it is usually 3 months. We advise that you check directly with the Embassy or website of the country you will apply to.
• You can only submit your visa application within 3 months of your intended departure date.
• Depending on the country you intend to travel, it is likely that you will submit an online application and be asked to attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
• Some students may need a Schengen visa to attend a conference/workshop/school trip; therefore, they should provide a document related to the purpose of their trip.
• You may want to include any bookings for future travel within the Schengen area in support of your visa application.
• Processing times vary between Embassy/Consulate (2 to 3 weeks in general – the applicant nationality can also delay the process (10 additional working days for further checks).
• Visa fee are around £50. There will be service fees when applying to a VAC. The fee is not reimbursed if the visa is refused.
• It is advised to bring copies of every document you are providing with your visa application.
• This document gives a list of contacts for various Embassies.
• UKCISA has published a very useful guide about Travel in Europe.
• Useful link for comprehensive Information about Schengen Visa: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/

What documents I am required to provide?

The list of documents may vary depending on the Embassy/Consulate you are applying to but find an informative list of documents below.

• Completed application form (that you can download on the Embassy/Consulate’s website)
• Required amount of recent passport photograph(s)
• Original passport (some countries may ask for your previous passports if you still hold them)
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)/vignette (sticker in your passport)
• Itinerary (if you intend to visit several Schengen countries)
• Enrolment letter (available on the RISIS portal) and dated less than 3 months old
• A 'No Objection Letter' from your school containing: the date of writing the letter, address of the Visa Application Centre, your name, name of your supervisor/academic adviser and a paragraph stating that you have the University's permission to apply for a Schengen visa and that your school has no objections to your travel.
• Proof of financial subsistence (generally 3 months bank statements or traveller’s cheque in Euro) or scholarship certificate specifying amount and duration. Check the website of country you are applying to for a Schengen visa for information on the amount you are required to demonstrate.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or rental agreement showing your name and surname + address and dates of the intended stay)
• Proof of travel (confirmed return ticket)
• Travel insurance valid for the whole Schengen area and repatriation costs minimum 30,000 euros. Websites that provide insurance include: the Post Office, MAWISTA Visum by ALLIANZ WorldWide (recommended by the Schengen visa info website) and AXA Schengen.

The Embassy/Consulate may contact you further to ask for additional document in support of your application.

Where should I apply?

Even though the Schengen area is a common travel area, it is important to know where to submit your visa application. This will depend on your travel plan:

1/ If you are visiting one Schengen country, you must apply to the Embassy/Consulate of that particular country.

2/ If you are visiting more than one Schengen country, you must apply to the Embassy/Consulate of the country in which you spend most of your time (known as “main destination”).

3/ If you are spending the same amount of time in several Schengen countries, you should apply to the Embassy of the country where you will first enter the Schengen area.

Do I need a Schengen visa?

Whether you need to apply for a Schengen visa will depend on your nationality. Below is a list of nationalities who are not required to apply for a Schengen visa (provided they travel for tourism for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period).

What is the Schengen area?

The Schengen area is a zone comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished internal border control. This area must not be confused with the European Union, which is a political and economic union of 28 member states.

Losing your BRP whilst travelling to Europe

Many students lose their BRP whilst travelling to Europe. Losing your BRP abroad can be costly and time-consuming. The International Student Advisory Team advises that you take good care of your travelling documents (passport and visa) and recommend to make photocopies that you can carry with you (making electronic copies and storing them on your phone is also a good option). You should leave your original documents in a secure place (e.g. in a safe, if staying in a hotel). If you are asked by the authorities to show your original documents, you normally have 24 hours to produce them.

If you have lost your BRP whilst abroad, please refer to our article on Lost, stolen or damaged BRP?.