Schengen Visa from UK 2026: How to Apply & Requirements

Section A: Who can apply for a Schengen visa from the UK?

The Schengen visa is a uniform short-stay visa (Type C) issued under the Schengen acquis. The Schengen Area is a border-free zone made up of 29 participating European countries that have removed internal border controls for short-stay travel for eligible visitors.

A Schengen visa allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. It is used for temporary visits such as tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, short training courses and similar non-work purposes. A Schengen visa does not permit employment or long-term residence.

In the UK context, the key issue is not whether a Schengen visa exists, but whether an application can be made from within the UK. The critical distinction is between UK residence and nationality. UK immigration permission, including a Skilled Worker visa, student permission, dependant status, indefinite leave to remain or a UKVI eVisa, only confirms lawful residence in the UK. It does not grant entry rights to Schengen states. Whether a Schengen visa is required depends on the passport held, not UK immigration status.

Applications made from the UK are generally accepted where the applicant is lawfully resident in the UK and applies through the Schengen state that is responsible for the trip. Under EU-level rules, short-stay visa applications are normally lodged in the country where the applicant is legally resident, provided the relevant consulate has jurisdiction to accept the application. This is why UK-based residents with passports that are not visa-exempt for Schengen travel can usually apply from the UK rather than returning to their country of nationality.

British citizens are not the primary group affected by this route. UK passport holders do not need a Schengen visa for short stays, although they are subject to the 90-day limit and full border checks. The requirement to apply for a Schengen visa from the UK most commonly affects non-EU nationals who live in the UK and hold passports that are not visa-exempt for Schengen travel.

1. Who can usually apply from inside the UK

Schengen consulates in the UK generally accept applications from individuals who are legally resident in the UK on a long-term or temporary immigration route. This commonly includes people holding UK work visas, student permission, partner or family routes and settlement, provided their UK immigration permission remains valid at the time of application and for the period required by the consulate.

Applicants are expected to show evidence of lawful UK residence and a stable UK base, such as a UK address and ongoing ties. While residence in the UK does not reduce the Schengen visa requirements themselves, it establishes that the UK is the correct place for the application to be lodged and that the consulate has jurisdiction to process it.

2. When applications from the UK are usually not accepted

Difficulties arise where the applicant is in the UK as a short-term visitor, where UK immigration permission has expired or where evidence of lawful residence is unclear. Many Schengen consulates do not accept short-stay Schengen applications from people who are only visiting the UK, even if they hold a valid UK visit visa.

Applications can also be refused at the intake stage where the wrong Schengen state is selected, meaning the consulate is not responsible for the trip under the Schengen Visa Code rules. In those cases, the application may not be examined on its merits at all.

3. ETIAS or Schengen visa?

EU border systems are changing in ways that affect travel from the UK, even where no Schengen visa is required. The Entry Exit System is being introduced in phases from October 2025, with full operation scheduled for April 2026. This system records entries and exits electronically and strengthens enforcement of the 90-day limit.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is also confirmed as an upcoming requirement for visa-exempt travellers, including UK citizens. EU authorities state that ETIAS is expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2026, followed by a transitional approach. ETIAS will be a pre-travel authorisation, not a visa, and will not replace the Schengen visa requirement for those who need one.

For applicants who require a Schengen visa, these changes do not alter the application process itself, but they do increase the importance of accurate travel history, compliance with permitted stay limits and consistency between applications and actual travel.

ETIAS does not replace the Schengen visa and does not apply to travellers who need a visa. It is a pre-travel authorisation for nationals who can otherwise enter the Schengen Area without a visa.

If a traveller is required to obtain a Schengen short-stay visa, ETIAS is not relevant. If a traveller is visa-exempt, ETIAS becomes an additional condition of travel once the system is in force.

ETIAS does not change the 90 days in any 180-day period rule and does not permit work or long-term residence.

Section B: Which Schengen country you apply to from the UK

Selecting the correct Schengen country for your visa application is one of the most important steps in the process and one of the most common points of failure. Schengen visa rules do not allow applicants to choose a consulate based on convenience, faster appointments or perceived approval rates. Responsibility for examining a Schengen visa application is determined by strict rules set out in the Schengen Visa Code.

If an application is submitted to the wrong Schengen state, the consulate may refuse to examine it altogether or refuse the visa on the basis that the application was lodged with the incorrect authority. Repeated applications to the wrong consulate can also undermine credibility in future applications.

1. Applying where there is a single destination

Where the trip involves travel to only one Schengen country, the application should be submitted to that country’s consulate or its appointed visa application centre in the UK. In these cases, responsibility is clear because the sole destination and the main destination are the same.

For example, a trip limited to France for tourism or business purposes should be applied for through the French consulate or its authorised visa centre in the UK. The same principle applies regardless of the length of stay, provided the visit remains within the 90-day short-stay limit.

2. Multi-country travel with a clear main destination

Where travel includes more than one Schengen country, the application should be submitted to the consulate of the country that represents the main destination of the trip. The main destination is usually the country where the applicant will spend the longest period of time.

Length of stay is the primary factor, but it is not the only one. A country may still be treated as the main destination where the core purpose of the trip is based there, even if the stay is shorter than in another country. Examples include attending a business conference, formal training, a medical appointment or a family event, followed by onward leisure travel elsewhere in the Schengen Area.

Consulates routinely assess whether the itinerary and supporting documents genuinely support the stated main destination. Where the evidence points to a different country as the true focus of the trip, the application can be refused or redirected.

3. Multi-country travel with no identifiable main destination

If time spent and purpose are genuinely split evenly between Schengen countries, and no main destination can be identified, responsibility falls to the Schengen country of first entry. This is the country through which the applicant enters the Schengen Area from outside the zone, not the first country visited after internal travel.

In these cases, flight bookings and entry points carry significant weight. If the first external border crossing is into Spain, the Spanish consulate is responsible, even if onward travel within the Schengen Area follows immediately.

4. Why applying to the wrong consulate causes problems

Applying to a consulate that is not responsible for the trip is not a technical error that can always be corrected later. Consulates may reject applications without assessment or refuse visas where they believe the itinerary has been structured to access a particular consulate rather than reflect genuine travel plans.

Patterns of applying to different Schengen states without clear alignment to travel history can also affect future applications. Consulates share information and assess whether an applicant’s declared travel intentions are consistent over time.

For applicants based in the UK, the safest approach is to identify the correct responsible Schengen state first, then book the appointment through that state’s appointed visa centre. Convenience, appointment availability or anecdotal approval rates should not drive consulate selection.

Section C: How to apply for a Schengen visa from the UK

Applying for a Schengen visa from the UK involves submitting an application to the consulate of the Schengen country responsible for the trip, usually via an appointed visa application centre. While visa centres handle the practical steps such as appointments, document intake and biometrics, the legal decision on whether to grant or refuse a visa is made by the relevant embassy or consulate.

For applicants based in the UK, the process is structured but unforgiving of errors. Applications are assessed against the Schengen Visa Code, with close scrutiny of jurisdiction, travel purpose, UK residence status and the credibility of the overall trip. An application that is well presented but lodged with the wrong authority or supported by inconsistent documents can still be refused.

1. The application process from the UK

The process starts with identifying the correct Schengen state under the main destination and first-entry rules. Once that is confirmed, the applicant completes the visa application form required by that state and books an appointment through its designated visa application centre in the UK.

At the appointment, the applicant submits supporting documents, provides biometric data where required and pays the applicable fees. The application is then transferred to the consulate for assessment. If the consulate needs further evidence or clarification, it may contact the applicant through the visa centre before making a decision.

2. Visa application centres in the UK

Most Schengen states outsource application handling in the UK to third-party providers. The two main providers operating in the UK are TLScontact and VFS Global. Each Schengen country chooses which provider it uses, and applicants must apply through the correct centre for their destination.

Visa application centres operate in London and in several regional cities, but not every centre processes applications for every Schengen country. Applicants also need to be aware of any jurisdiction rules imposed by the consulate, which may require attendance at a specific centre based on the applicant’s place of residence in the UK.

3. Biometrics and repeat applications

Most applicants aged 12 and over are required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph. This is usually done at the visa appointment. Biometric data can be reused for a limited period under Schengen systems, but applicants should not assume that an in-person appointment can be avoided. Consulates and visa centres can require fresh biometrics depending on the age of previous data and the individual circumstances.

Applicants who have held Schengen visas before should ensure that previous travel complied with the 90-day limit, as overstays or inconsistencies may be visible to consulates when assessing new applications.

4. Timing and appointment availability

While Schengen rules allow applications to be submitted well in advance of travel, practical timing in the UK is often driven by appointment availability rather than consular processing speed. During peak periods, such as school holidays and summer travel seasons, appointments can be limited.

Applicants should plan early and avoid structuring itineraries around speculative appointment availability. Changing destinations solely to secure an earlier appointment can undermine the credibility of the application and increase refusal risk.

Section D: Documents and requirements for Schengen visa applications made in the UK

A Schengen visa application made from the UK stands or falls on the quality and coherence of the supporting documents. Consulates assess whether the applicant meets the formal entry conditions and whether the trip described is credible, properly funded and time-limited. While individual Schengen states publish their own checklists, the underlying evidential categories are consistent across the system.

For UK-based applicants, particular weight is placed on proof of lawful UK residence and on evidence showing that the applicant has a clear reason to return to the UK after the visit. Submitting documents that are incomplete, inconsistent or poorly aligned with the stated purpose of travel is a common cause of refusal.

1. Passport and UK residence evidence

The applicant’s passport needs to meet the Schengen entry document rules. It should have been issued within the last 10 years, remain valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and contain sufficient blank pages for a visa vignette.

In addition, applicants applying from the UK are expected to provide clear evidence that they are legally resident in the UK. This may be a current Biometric Residence Permit where still held, evidence of digital status from a UKVI account or Home Office correspondence confirming limited or indefinite permission to stay. UK residence evidence is used to confirm that the application has been lodged in the correct country and that the consulate has jurisdiction to examine it.

Where an applicant relies on an eVisa, it is sensible to include a clear printout or screenshot showing current status, expiry details where applicable and personal identifiers, as not all consulates can independently verify UK digital records.

2. Purpose of travel and itinerary

Applicants should provide a coherent travel plan that matches the consulate selected under the Schengen responsibility rules. This includes evidence of intended entry and exit, accommodation for the full stay and documents supporting the stated purpose of the visit.

The itinerary does not need to be prepaid in every case, but it needs to be realistic and internally consistent. For example, a business visit should be supported by invitations or registration details, while family visits may require proof of relationship and accommodation. Discrepancies between the application form, itinerary and supporting letters are often flagged during assessment.

3. Insurance and financial evidence

Travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen Area is required. The policy should be valid for the full duration of the intended stay and meet the Schengen minimum coverage thresholds for emergency medical care and repatriation. Insurance documents should clearly identify the applicant and the coverage dates.

Applicants also need to show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during the visit. This is usually done through recent bank statements, combined where relevant with evidence of employment, self-employment or study in the UK. Each Schengen state sets its own reference amounts for daily subsistence, and consulates assess financial evidence in light of the length and nature of the trip.

4. Common refusal triggers for UK-based applicants

Refusals frequently arise where the consulate is not satisfied that the applicant will leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires. Weak UK ties, limited financial evidence, unexplained gaps in documentation or an itinerary that does not align with the chosen consulate can all contribute.

Another recurring issue is timing. Applications lodged very close to the intended travel date often lead to rushed evidence and inconsistencies. Where additional checks are required, this can result in refusal simply because the consulate is not satisfied within the available timeframe.

Section E: Processing times, fees and what to expect after a decision

Processing times and costs for Schengen visas are largely harmonised across the Schengen Area, but the practical experience for UK-based applicants often depends on appointment availability and whether the consulate requests further checks. Applicants should plan on the basis that timelines are not guaranteed and that travel arrangements should allow for delay.

1. Processing times and when to apply

Under the Schengen rules, short-stay visa applications are generally decided within 15 calendar days from the date the consulate registers a complete application. In practice, that 15-day clock does not start until the application is accepted as complete by the consulate, not when the appointment takes place.

Processing can take longer where additional scrutiny is required, where further documents are requested or where the application is referred for consultation. In those cases, the decision period can extend up to 45 calendar days. There is no guaranteed expedited decision route for Schengen visas.

Most Schengen states allow applications to be submitted up to six months before the intended travel date. Applying early is particularly important for UK-based applicants because appointment availability at visa centres is often the limiting factor, especially during peak travel periods.

2. Visa fees and UK service charges

The standard Schengen short-stay visa fee for adults is €90. Children aged 6 to 11 are charged a reduced fee of €45, and children under 6 are exempt. These fees are set at EU level and apply regardless of which Schengen country is responsible for the application.

In the UK, the visa fee is normally paid in pounds sterling at the exchange rate set by the consulate or visa centre. In addition to the visa fee, applicants pay a service charge to the visa application centre for handling the appointment and documents. This is a separate fee and varies by provider.

Optional services such as courier return, premium lounge access or appointment assistance may be offered, but these do not influence the assessment of the application or the speed of the consular decision.

3. If the visa is granted

If the application is approved, the visa will be placed in the applicant’s passport with specific conditions. These include the validity dates, the number of permitted entries and the maximum number of days allowed in the Schengen Area.

A Schengen visa allows travel in line with those conditions, but it does not guarantee entry. Border officials may still ask for evidence of the purpose of travel, accommodation, funds and onward or return plans. Carrying copies of key supporting documents used in the application is advisable, particularly for first-time travellers or those with limited travel history.

4. If the visa is refused

If a visa is refused, the consulate will issue a written refusal notice explaining the reason. Common grounds include insufficient evidence of the purpose of travel, concerns about intention to leave the Schengen Area or inadequate financial or UK residence evidence.

Applicants have a right to appeal or seek administrative review in line with the procedures of the refusing state. The process, deadlines and prospects vary by country. A refusal does not prevent a fresh application from the UK, but any new application should address the issues identified rather than repeat the same evidence.

5. Compliance after travel

Travellers should monitor the number of days spent in the Schengen Area to remain within the 90-day limit. With the phased introduction of the EU Entry Exit System, overstays and discrepancies in travel history are easier for authorities to identify.

Using a Schengen visa in line with its conditions supports future travel. Overstaying, working without permission or repeatedly presenting inconsistent travel plans can affect later applications, even where previous visas were granted.

Section F: Summary

The Schengen visa rules are straightforward in principle but frequently misunderstood in practice, particularly by UK-based travellers. Whether a visa is required depends on nationality, not UK immigration status. Lawful residence in the UK allows eligible applicants to apply from the UK, but it does not confer any right of entry to the Schengen Area. Choosing the correct consulate, presenting coherent evidence and demonstrating that the visit is genuinely short-term are central to a successful application. British citizens continue to travel visa-free for short stays, subject to the 90-day limit and border checks. Planning ahead and applying correctly remains key to avoiding refusals and disruption.

Section G: FAQs

Can I apply for a Schengen visa from the UK if I have a UK work or student visa?

In many cases, yes. Applicants who are lawfully resident in the UK on a work, student, family or settlement route can usually apply for a Schengen short-stay visa from the UK. The application needs to be made to the correct Schengen state and all consular requirements must be met. UK residence allows the application to be lodged from the UK but does not affect whether a Schengen visa is required.

Do UK residence permits or eVisas allow entry to the Schengen Area?

No. UK residence documents, including Biometric Residence Permits and UKVI eVisas, only confirm permission to be in the UK. They do not grant entry rights to the Schengen Area. Entry is based on nationality and, where applicable, holding a valid Schengen visa.

Which Schengen country should I apply to if I am visiting more than one?

You should apply to the Schengen country that is your main destination. This is usually the country where you will spend the most time or where the main purpose of the visit is based. If no main destination can be identified, the application should be made to the country of first entry into the Schengen Area.

Do British citizens need a Schengen visa or ETIAS?

British citizens do not need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS is not yet operational and is expected to launch in late 2026. Until it goes live, British citizens continue to travel under the existing visa-free rules.

Can I apply for a Schengen visa while visiting the UK?

Often no. Many Schengen consulates expect applications to be made in the country where the applicant is legally resident. Applicants who are in the UK as visitors frequently find that their applications are rejected at intake because the UK is not treated as the correct place to apply.

What happens if my Schengen visa application is refused?

If an application is refused, the consulate issues a written refusal notice setting out the reasons. The visa fee is not refunded. Applicants can usually appeal or submit a fresh application, but any new application should directly address the reasons for refusal rather than repeat the same evidence.

Section I: Glossary

Section J: Additional resources and links