- Visa Info for International Students

Non UK & EU passport holders & international student groups

If you are an International Student you may have to apply for a Schengen Visa in order to pass through the dreaded border control when leaving the UK!

So... what are the Schengen Countries?

The name "Schengen" originates from a small town in Luxembourg. In June 1985, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there are 15 Schengen countries, all in Europe. The 15 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union members.

Tell me more... what is a Schengen Visa?

Traveling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen Visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area, you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. With a Schengen Visa, you may enter one country and travel freely throughout the Schengen zone. Internal border controls have disappeared; there are no or few stops and checks. This means that internal air, road and train travel are handled as domestic trips.

So how do I apply for a Schengen Visa?

It all depends on the place(s) you want to visit. If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the embassy or consulate of that particular country. Most countries will have an embassy or consulate in London but also there may have them in other UK cities and the waiting times can vary. If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country which is your main destination.

Using the Embassy links below you can download or apply for a visa application form. All the instructions on what is required when making an application is given on the appropriate Embassy website; you will generally need to submit your passport (valid for at least 3 months), a signed application form, 1 recent photograph, payment (£40 approx) and proof of travel in the form of a visa letter.

A visa letter may be downloaded from your booking online. This letter contains confirmation of all details that the embassy will request such as purchase of insurance, port of entry, travel dates and where you will be staying. It is highly advisable that you make your application as early in advance as possible, giving yourself at least 4 weeks. Please be aware that at some times during the year certain embassies can have a backlog in applications.

Step1: Call the appropriate embassy before you book the trip to see if it is possible to obtain a visa in time for the trip departure date. You MUST tell them what type of Visa your are studying on in the UK when making the appointment - some Type "C" Visa's make it very difficult to obtain a Schengen Visa due to the amount of time required for processing and Outgoing cannot be held responsible if you are declined on this basis.

Step 2: Book online and pay in full for the trip - you must be paid in full in order to download the visa letter online from your booking.

Step 3: Usually you need to visit the embassy in person so take this letter and other necessary documentation to the appointment.

When calling for a visa appointment you may be asked if you have paid for the trip in order to book the appointment - tell them yes - it only takes 5 mins to actually book and pay after the phone call.  What we dont want to happen is that you pay in full and then find out you cannot get an appointment in time.  Please understand that it is each student’s responsibility to arrange a visa in time for the trip.

Hope this helps!

Embassies