Apply for a Schengen visa

A Schengen visa is an entry permit allowing you to make a short visit to countries in the Schengen area. It allows visits of a maximum of 90 days within a 6-month period. A Schengen visa allows you to visit all 29 Schengen countries. There are few border checks between countries within the Schengen zone.

Most Europeans countries are covered by the Schengen visa. You can find the list on the UKCISA website.

Before you apply

Before making arrangements to travel or applying for a Schengen visa, you will need to

Submit an absence request:

1. Submit an absence request via eVision. You can find this form under International Students, Submit Absence
2. Wait for your school to approve your absence
   • You will be emailed with an outcome to your eVision absence request
3. Request a student status letter

Request a student status confirmation letter

You can request a ‘Confirmation of Student Status (for Travel & Schengen Visa/Embassy/Government/Conference)’ letter. Your letter will not be issued until your absence request has been approved by your school.

Please allow two working days for letter requests to be processed. Staff may not be available to accommodate requests on a more urgent basis. If your absence request has not been approved the request will take longer.

Please ensure that the dates on your absence request and your letter request match

When and where to apply

Apply at least two weeks before your planned travel.

If you want to visit only one Schengen country

• You apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of that particular country

If you intend to visit several Schengen countries with a main destination

• You apply at the Embassy or Consulate of the country you will be spending the most nights on your trip

If you plan to visit several Schengen countries without a main destination

• You should apply at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your first entry point

When travelling, keep your belongings safe at all times. Keep all important documents (Passport, travel documents, money etc.) on your person securely. Do not leave your bags unattended.

Fees

Visa fees and required documents vary depending on the Schengen country you are applying to visit. See Schengen Visa fees for details.

You should contact the relevant embassy for further details. Here is a list of embassies in the UK.

Documents you may need

• Valid passport (valid for three months after your planned return date and with at least 2 empty pages)
• Evidence of current UK immigration permission. Most Schengen countries insist that your UK visa is valid for at least 3 months after you return from your trip
• Signed application form
• One copy of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
• Travel health insurance covering the entire Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergencies such as illness, accidents, or repatriation.
• Personal covering letter with your travel plan (itinerary)
• Student status letter (sometimes called a No Objection certificate) from the University
• Flight reservation, rail tickets, etc.
• Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in the Schengen area
• For children:
  • birth certificate
  • if travelling unaccompanied by parent(s), consent letter signed by both parents & applicant
  • application form signed by both parents
• Relevant proof of financial status:
  • Personal bank statement of the past three months with sufficient funds
  • Sponsorship Letter (if another person will be financially supporting your trip). This letter must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.
• Relevant Proof of civil status: (if applicable)
  • Marriage certificate
  • Birth certificate of children
  • Death certificate of spouse
• Two passport photographs, See Visa Guide website for Schengen Visa photo requirements.

Further information

A Schengen visa application usually takes 15 days to process. This could be extended up to 45 days if the consulate requires additional documents or if there is a high volume of applications.

You can find out more information from Schengen Visa Information and UKCISA.