What Is a Schengen Visa?
Schengen visas are issued by the following 25 countries:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary
The issue of such a visa is discretionary and depends on examination of each individual case, including purpose of visit and intention to return. If you intend to visit one of the Schengen countries for business, as a tourist or for a personal/private visit, you must first obtain a Schengen visa, which is valid in all Schengen countries. This normally enables you to visit any, several or all above mentioned countries and move freely in all of the Schengen countries during one trip within the validity of the visa. A Schengen visa is not appropriate if you wish to remain in a Schengen member state for longer than 3 months or take up employment or establish a business or trade or profession.
Where to apply for a Schengen visa:
If you are not resident in the UK you must apply to the Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
Please note: As of 20 January 2003 applications from non-UK residents (UK tourist/business or C visa) will no longer be accepted!
- If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, apply to the Embassy or Consulate of that country.
- If you intend to visit several of the Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country in which your main destination is situated (longest duration of stay).
- If you intend to visit several of the Schengen countries without having a main destination, you should apply for the visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the first Schengen country on your travel itinerary that requires you to have a visa.
You must apply in person to the Embassy or Consulate during the opening hours to lodge your application.
Processing time: Your application should be lodged at the Embassy or Consulate at least several weeks before the proposed journey is undertaken.
Requirements for a Schengen visa may vary slightly between the different Schengen missions. Please note that only applications with all supporting documents will be accepted. In some cases further documents and guarantees may be required with your application.
If you require information about visas to other Schengen countries in the UK, please telephone their visa information lines:
Belgium: 09065 508 963
Denmark: 09065 508 975
France: 09065 508 940
Germany: 09065 508 922
Greece: 09065 508 983
Italy: 09065 508 984
Luxembourg: 020 7235 6961
The Netherlands: 09065 508 916
Portugal: 09065 508 948
Spain: 09065 508 970
Sweden: 09001 600 110
