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UK Application Guide

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from the UK

Complete guide for UK-based applicants. From choosing the right VAC provider to collecting your passport with visa.

15 Days
Processing
€90
Adult Fee
3 Providers
VFS, TLS, BLS
Biometrics
Required

Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Determine your main destination

Identify the Schengen country where you'll spend the most time. This determines which consulate or VAC handles your application.

2

Check which VAC provider handles your country

Different countries use different providers: VFS Global, TLS Contact, or BLS International. Some countries accept applications directly at their embassy.

3

Gather your documents

Collect all required documents including passport, photos, travel insurance, flight bookings, accommodation proof, bank statements, and employment letter.

4

Book your appointment

Schedule an appointment at the appropriate VAC or embassy. Popular times book weeks in advance, so plan accordingly.

5

Attend your appointment and submit biometrics

Visit the VAC with all documents. You'll submit your application, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay the visa fee.

6

Wait for processing

Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. You can track your application through the VAC's tracking system.

7

Collect your passport

Once processed, collect your passport from the VAC or receive it by courier if you opted for that service.

VAC Providers in the UK

VFS Global

UK Locations: London, Manchester, Edinburgh
Countries handled: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, Czech Republic, Croatia
Largest Schengen visa provider in the UK. Premium lounge and courier services available.

TLS Contact

UK Locations: London, Manchester
Countries handled: Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Switzerland, Malta
Specialises in Spanish and Lusophone country applications. Online application tracking.

BLS International

UK Locations: London
Countries handled: Greece, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
Handles Eastern European and Baltic state applications from the UK.
View All VAC Locations →

Documents for UK-Based Applicants

Identity & Residence

✓Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond departure
✓BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) — if you're not a British citizen
✓Proof of legal residence in the UK (for non-British nationals)

Financial Proof

✓UK bank statements (last 3 months) showing salary credits
✓P60 or payslips (last 3 months)
✓HMRC tax return (if self-employed)
✓Council tax bill as proof of address

Employment

✓Employment letter on company letterhead (with salary, job title, leave approval)
✓Business registration (Companies House) if self-employed
✓University enrollment letter if student

Travel Arrangements

✓Return flight booking (UK departure and return)
✓Hotel bookings or invitation letter
✓Schengen-compliant travel insurance (€30,000 minimum)
✓Day-by-day travel itinerary

Processing Times & Fees

Category Processing Time Fee Notes
Standard 15 calendar days €90 (adults) Most applications are processed within this period.
Extended Up to 45 days €90 (adults) May apply during peak season (summer) or if additional checks are needed.
Children 6-11 15 calendar days €45 Reduced fee for children.
Children under 6 15 calendar days Free No visa fee required.

Biometrics Requirements

All Schengen visa applicants aged 12 and over must provide biometric data:

  • ✓10 fingerprints — scanned digitally at the VAC
  • ✓Digital photograph — taken at the appointment
  • ✓Stored for 5 years — in the Visa Information System (VIS)
  • ✓Reusable — if biometrics are already in VIS from a recent application, you may not need to provide them again

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a Schengen visa if I'm not a British citizen but live in the UK?
Yes. You can apply from the UK if you are legally resident here. You'll need to provide your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or proof of immigration status along with your application. Apply at the VAC/embassy in the UK for your destination country.
How far in advance should I apply?
You can apply up to 6 months before your trip and should apply at least 15 working days before departure. During summer (June–August) and holiday seasons, we recommend applying 4–6 weeks in advance due to higher demand and longer processing times.
Do I need to provide biometrics every time?
Biometric data (fingerprints) is stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) for 5 years. If you provided biometrics within the last 5 years for a Schengen visa, you may not need to provide them again — but you still need to attend the appointment in person for document submission.
Can I apply by post?
No. Schengen visa applications must be submitted in person at the VAC or embassy. You need to attend the appointment for document verification and biometrics. However, some VACs offer courier return of your passport after processing.
What if there's no VAC for my destination country near me?
Some countries only have a London-based VAC. If travel is difficult, check if the country offers appointments at their embassy directly. Our service can also submit applications on your behalf in some cases — contact us for details.
Embassy or VAC — what's the difference?
VACs (Visa Application Centres) are outsourced service providers that handle document submission and biometrics collection on behalf of embassies. The embassy/consulate makes the actual visa decision. Most countries now use VACs in the UK, though some still accept applications directly at the embassy.

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