Schengen visas

Which countries are in the Schengen area?

The countries in the Schengen area are:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Do I need a Schengen visa?

Not all European countries are part of the Schengen agreement, and not all nationals need visas to visit some European countries.

Before booking any travel, you should check the embassy website to find out how long you can stay in that country and whether you need a visa. You can find a list of countries whose citizens must hold a Schengen short stay/travel visa when crossing the external borders of the Schengen area on the European Commission website.

When should I apply?

Processing times will vary, but ideally you should apply 4-6 weeks before you travel to give the embassy time to process your application. However, most embassies will require that you apply within 3 months before your travel date. An application cannot be lodged earlier than six months before the start of the intended journey.

If you are required to apply in person, you should book your appointment as early as possible, particularly if you plan to travel during busy holiday periods. Some embassies allow you to book appointments online while with others you may have to phone. Be aware that if you need to ring a premium rate phone line to make an appointment this is often quite expensive.

How do I apply?

If you are planning to travel to more than one country, you should apply to the embassy of the country where you will be spending the most time. If you are spending the same length of time in each country, you should apply to the embassy of the first country that you will be visiting.

If you're planning to travel into the Schengen area during a three-month period, you can choose to apply for a multiple entry visa. You might be required to show evidence of all the travel arrangements and bookings when you apply.

Here are some links to the most popular destinations:

Which documents will I need?

Application form

You can download a Schengen visa application form from the embassy website, or from the website of the nominated visa application company (for example, TLScontact). Be sure to download a new form and the correct guidance from the relevant embassy every time you apply.

Each European embassy has its own list of required documents, so it is very important that you refer to the embassy website directly. We recommend you make copies of all documents submitted and carry them with you when you travel.

• Passport with at least two empty pages containing your UK visa or BRP card (you will usually need 3–6 months remaining on both your visa and your passport)
• Recent photographs
• Proof of sufficient funds to pay for your trip (bank statements)
• Medical insurance to cover your entire trip (check the minimum coverage required)
• Purpose of trip (e.g. itinerary, invitation letter, conference programme)
• Evidence of accommodation bookings for all of your stay in the Schengen countries
• Travel details (airline reservation or Eurostar booking)
• Student status (“To whom it may concern”) letter (you can generate this from the SRS section in MyExeter)

Some embassies require a ‘no objection’ letter which includes information not provided on a student status letter. If this is the case, please send the link to the embassy webpage where the ‘no objection’ letter is listed as a requirement to visaadvice@exeter.ac.uk.

Schengen visa conditions

A Schengen visa is not appropriate if you wish to remain in the Schengen state for more than 90 days (for instance on an Erasmus programme).

It is important that you stick to your proposed itinerary as closely as possible as you may be refused a Schengen visa in the future if you have spent much longer in one country than you had originally stated.

If you are granted a single entry visa, you must not re-enter the Schengen state once you have left it, even if the visa has not yet expired. 

Appointments

We strongly recommend following the instructions you are given by VFS Global or BLS International to book an appointment. If you're having trouble finding an appointment, try amending the location of the centre, as some cities have bigger capacities than others.

In some VFS Global and BLS International centres, walk-in appointments may be available depending on the reason for travel. This option may be limited to business or conference travel only. Check with the embassy of the country you are applying to.

If you choose to turn up without an appointment, there is a risk you won't be seen depending on the time of day, the day of the week and the volume of applications being processed. Be prepared to be turned away if you choose this option.

Previously submitted biometrics for a Schengen visa?

You may be given the option of posting or dropping off your passport without an appointment. Follow the instructions sent to you when you apply.

Here are some examples of the variation across the different embassies:

Austria: Walk-in times are available only at the VFS London centre if you are applying for a Schengen visa to attend a conference.

Spain: Walk-in times are only available in the premium lounge (additional charges apply). The advice is to arrive early in the morning, before the centre opens.

Sweden: If you've provided biometrics for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you'll be given an option to post your passport or drop it off at the London VFS Global centre.