Under a key EU policy, all 29 countries in the Schengen area apply the same visa rules. The Schengen Visa Scheme is a scheme that allows those wishing to visit certain countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) (and Switzerland) to travel between these countries using only one visa.
Together, the following countries all make up the Schengen space: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Non-EU nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area for a visit of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. When someone enters a country in the Schengen area, the 180-day period starts. They can enter Schengen area countries as many times as they want, but only stay for a total of 90 days, every 180 days.
You can only apply for a Schengen visa if you are in the UK on a Student visa. Students on a short-term study visa (such as a Standard Visitor) cannot usually apply for a Schengen visa. A ‘short stay’ Schengen visa allows a visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you are travelling to any of the Schengen member states as a tourist or to attend a conference, you will need to apply for an EU Schengen visa.
European commission-Schengen visa process
The application process varies between countries, so check with the embassy or consulate of each country you wish to travel to.
| If you are travelling to one country only | Apply to that country's embassy/consulate |
| If you are travelling to several countries | Apply to the embassy/consulate of your main destination - the country in which you will spend most time |
| If you are travelling to more than one country but do not have a main destination | Apply to the embassy of the country you plan to visit first |
You should apply as soon as possible but no more than 3 months before your intended travel date. You will need to think about possible delays to the application process when considering your travel plans. Most embassies recommend that you apply at least 4 weeks before travelling.
You will need to have at least 6 months left on your passport as well as 90 days left on your UK visa (some Schengen countries require 180 days) on the day you plan to travel back to the UK. The embassy of the country you wish to travel to can provide you with further information on this requirement.
The passport must have been issued no more than 10 years prior to when you will leave the Schengen area. It must have at least two blank pages.
The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days.
This period may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination of the application and/or additional documents are required.
The cost varies depending on the applicant and the country you plan to travel to, but generally will be a 90 euro fee.
Costs:
- €90 for adults
- €45 for children aged 6-12
- €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus
- €67,50 for applicants from Cabo Verde.
An additional fee may apply if you go through visa service centres, which collect applications on behalf of consulates in some cases.
Refer to the Europa Commission website for up-to-date information on the Schengen process.
You will need the following documents (they all need to be originals):
- An application form
- You can obtain this from the relevant embassy
- You should ensure that your application is well-prepared and that your handwriting is legible
- Your original passport and UK visa
- Two recent passport-sized photos (may vary)
- Evidence of the purpose of your visit and planned activities. For example, a flight/hotel reservation details and/or invitation letter
- Evidence of your return flight to the UK
- Evidence of funds to support you during your trip
- Not all countries require this, but it is wise to have bank statements available
- As a general guide, you should allocate around £30 for each day of your trip
- A student status letter
- A student status letter can be obtained here: Certificate of Matriculation. If you require a No Objection letter this might be provided by your School.
- Proof of medical insurance to cover your trip
- This should cover all the countries that you are visiting
- If you hold a visa for the UK and can get access to your eVisa online account, you will need to share proof of your eVisa status.
It is advisable to bring these documents when travelling as they might be requested at the port of entry.
EU - Schengen visa application steps and guidance
Get access to your eVisa online account for the UK
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) coming in 2025
There is a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for the EU starting in 2025. EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. It will automate border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying. EES is part of wider work the EU is doing to strengthen their border security.
In 2025, the EU will introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) as part of this system. The ETIAS system will be comparable to similar systems in the UK(ETA), USA (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and Australia (eVisitor).
ETIAS travel authorisation is a pre-travel requirement (not a visa) for visa-exempt nationals, that wish to travel to any of the 30 european countries. Visa-exempt travellers will need to fill out an online ETIAS form and pay a small fee before being able to travel to the Schengen Area.
Once issued, it's linked to your passport and lasts for three years (or until passport expiry date, whichever date comes first). If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
Travel to non-Schengen countries
If you plan to travel to a country outside the Schengen area, you should contact the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit for information on the visa you will need.
Advice for travelling abroad
Remember to keep your travel documents safe when you are travelling abroad. Look out for opportunist thieves, who often target students for their passports and visas.
It is best to leave your documents locked in a hotel safe if possible. If you must carry them with you when you are out and about, guard them carefully, especially on public transport or when you are in busy areas.
It is a good idea to carry a copy of your visa and passport with you as it will be easier to apply for replacements if you need them.
It is advised for you to have valid travel insurance for all countries you will visit.
Lost or stolen passport or visa