Schengen visa information

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What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa allows you to visit any of the 26 Schengen countries in Europe. These 26 countries together are known as the 'Schengen area':

Most non-European nationals will need a Schengen visa to visit Europe. The following nationalities do not need a Schengen visa provided that they will be visiting only for tourism and have valid medical insurance. If your nationality is not on this list, you will need a Schengen visa.

Your visa entitles you to travel to Northern Ireland but not the republic of Ireland. See Ireland visa information. 

What type of Schengen visa do I need?

Short stay visa

If you wish to visit a Schengen country for a holiday, to see the sights and experience the culture, you will need a short stay visa. This visa will allow you to visit any country in the ‘Schengen Area’. This visa can be given as a 'single' or 'multiple' entry visa.

Single entry visa

The single entry visa will allow you to travel to the 'Schengen area' and visit any of the countries within it. However, you can only enter the 'Schengen area' once with this visa. When you leave the 'Schengen area' (for instance, by returning to the UK) you will not be able to travel to the 'Schengen area' again using that visa.

Multiple entry visa

The multiple entry visa will allow you to travel to the 'Schengen area' and visit any of the countries within it. However with this visa you can leave the 'Schengen area' and then return to it using the same visa (if it has not expired). This visa is useful if you will travel within Europe a lot but need to leave the 'Schengen area' for reasons such as work or study.

Transit visas

The two transit visas are usually only used when entering the Schengen country briefly to pass through into another country outside of the Schengen area. Airport transit allows you through international transit zones in an airport while Transit allows for no more than 5 days on land through a Schengen state to a non-Schengen state.

Which country should I apply through for my visa?

Travelling to one country

If you are travelling to just 1 country, you must submit your application to that country’s Embassy in the UK.

Travelling to two or more countries

If you are travelling to more than one country, you should submit your application to the Embassy of the country where you will spend the majority of your time.

If you plan to spend an equal amount of time in several countries, you should submit your application to the Embassy of the country you will visit first.

When should I apply?

It is important that you apply for your Schengen visa in advance of your travel. You must apply so that the Embassy has enough time to process your application.

Most Schengen Embassies can process applications within 15 working days but in peak periods this can be extended. Schengen Embassies will not accept an application more than 3 months before the intended date of travel.

It is therefore recommended that you apply 4-6 weeks before you intend to travel but please check with the individual Embassy for any delays or their recommendation.

What documents do I need?

Including documents to support your Schengen visa application is important. Below you will find a list of the most common documents to submit but we advise that you check the required documents on the Embassy website of the country you wish to visit as these can vary.