UK residents · Country guide
Schengen visa from the UK for UK residents
In brief
You apply to the Schengen state of your only destination; with several destinations, to the main one by days or purpose; if there is no main destination, to the state whose external border you cross first.1 The visa fee is EUR 90, EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, and waived for children under 6.1 A visa centre (external service provider) may charge a service fee of at most half the adult visa fee, i.e. EUR 45.1
In the UK, 17 of the 29 states take applications through VFS Global; others use TLScontact, Global Visa Center World and BLS International. Slovakia names both VFS Global and BLS International. Luxembourg and Poland take applications at the embassy. For Czechia, France, Liechtenstein, Lithuania and Romania, the official pages we could read don't confirm where.
Checked 1 Nov 2026Source: EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, consolidated text of 11 June 2024Report a change
Independent reference, not a government website. We don't issue visas or sell visa services.
ContentsIn brief
Where to apply in the UK, state by state
Most Schengen states take applications in the UK through a visa centre: you book an appointment, hand in your documents and give fingerprints there, and the consulate decides. Amounts are as each state's mission or visa centre states them; the visa fee itself is set by EU law.
| State | Where you apply | Centres | Visa fee, adult | Service fee | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VFS Global3 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh4 | GBP 77.90 (EUR 90)4 | GBP 28.804 | bmeia.gv.atBook | |
| TLScontact5 | London, Edinburgh, Manchester5 | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | unitedkingdom.diplomatie.belgium.beBook | |
| VFS Global7 | London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh7 | GBP 77 (EUR 90)7 | GBP 29.707 | vfsglobal.comBook | |
| VFS Global8 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh8 | GBP 78.288 | EUR 33 (London) / EUR 36 (Manchester, Edinburgh)8 | vfsglobal.comBook | |
| Not confirmed on the official pages we read | — | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | mzv.gov.cz | |
| VFS Global10 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh10 | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | vfsglobal.comBook | |
| VFS Global11 | London12 | EUR 9012 | GBP 10.3512 | london.mfa.eeBook | |
| VFS Global13 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh13 | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | EUR 20.0013 | vfsglobal.comBook | |
| Not confirmed on the official pages we read | — | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | uk.diplomatie.gouv.frBook | |
| TLScontact15 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh15 | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | uk.diplo.deBook | |
| Global Visa Center World (GVCW)16 | London, Edinburgh, Manchester17 | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | mfa.grBook | |
| VFS Global18 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh18 | GBP 80.00 (EUR 90)18 | GBP 25.0018 | vfsglobal.comBook | |
| VFS Global (applications decided by the Embassy of Iceland in London)19 | Edinburgh, London, Manchester19 | GBP 78 (EUR 90)20 | EUR 4020 | island.isBook | |
| VFS Global21 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh21 | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | conslondra.esteri.itBook | |
| VFS Global22 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh22 | EUR 9022 | GBP 29.5622 | vfsglobal.comBook | |
| Not confirmed on the official pages we read | — | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | schweiz-vereinigteskoenigreich.eda.admin.ch | |
| Not confirmed on the official pages we read | — | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | uk.mfa.lt | |
| The embassy in London (appointment by email)24 | London24 | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | None (no visa centre) | londres.mae.luEmail for an appointment | |
| VFS Global25 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh25 | GBP 77 (EUR 90)25 | GBP 27.3825 | vfsglobal.comBook | |
| VFS Global26 | Birmingham, Edinburgh, London, Manchester26 | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | EUR 18.0027 | netherlandsworldwide.nlBook | |
| VFS Global28 | London, Edinburgh28 | EUR 9029 | EUR 2729 | norway.noBook | |
| The embassy in London (no visa centre)30 | London30 | GBP 7930 | None (no visa centre) | gov.plBook | |
| VFS Global31 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh31 | EUR 9031 | GBP 32.8531 | vfsglobal.comBook | |
| Not confirmed on the official pages we read | — | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | londra.mae.ro | |
| VFS Global and BLS International32 | London, Edinburgh32 | Paid in GBP cash (amount not stated)32 | Not stated | mzv.sk | |
| VFS Global33 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh33 | EUR 9033 | GBP 18.2533 | vfsglobal.comBook | |
| BLS International34 | London34 | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | exteriores.gob.esBook | |
| VFS Global (Sweden e-application portal)35 | London, Edinburgh35 | EUR 90 (EU fee)1; pound amount not stated | Not stated | vfsglobal.comBook | |
| VFS Global36 | London, Manchester, Edinburgh37 | GBP 76.00 (EUR 90)37 | GBP 2037 | schweiz-vereinigteskoenigreich.eda.admin.chBook |
Which state you apply to
You don't choose the state with the easiest process: the EU Visa Code decides.
You apply to the Schengen state of your only destination; with several destinations, to the main one by days or purpose; if there is no main destination, to the state whose external border you cross first.
The Member State competent for examining and deciding on an application for a uniform visa shall be: (a) the Member State whose territory constitutes the sole destination of the visit(s); (b) if the visit includes more than one destination, or if several separate visits are to be carried out within a period of two months, the Member State whose territory constitutes the main destination of the visit(s) in terms of the length of stay, counted in days, or the purpose of stay; or (c) if no main destination can be determined, the Member State whose external border the applicant intends to cross in order to enter the territory of the Member States.
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, consolidated text of 11 June 2024 · checkedA Schengen state may represent another in a country, either fully (examining and deciding) or only for collecting applications and biometrics.
A Member State may agree to represent another Member State that is competent in accordance with Article 5 for the purpose of examining and deciding on applications on behalf of that Member State. A Member State may also represent another Member State in a limited manner solely for the collection of applications and the enrolment of biometric identifiers.
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, consolidated text of 11 June 2024 · checked
Apply where you live
The application is decided by the consulate of that state in whose jurisdiction the applicant legally resides; someone legally present but not resident must justify applying there.
An application shall be examined and decided on by the consulate of the competent Member State in whose jurisdiction the applicant legally resides. … A consulate of the competent Member State shall examine and decide on an application lodged by a third-country national legally present but not residing in its jurisdiction, if the applicant has provided justification for lodging the application at that consulate.
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, consolidated text of 11 June 2024 · checked
Fees
The visa fee is EUR 90, EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, and waived for children under 6.
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, consolidated text of 11 June 2024 · checkedThe fee may be charged in euro or local currency at the ECB reference rate, regularly reviewed, and is not refundable (save the cases in Articles 18(2) and 19(3)).
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, consolidated text of 11 June 2024 · checkedThe Commission lists EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children, and says an additional fee may apply at visa service centres.
European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs · checkedA visa centre (external service provider) may charge a service fee of at most half the adult visa fee, i.e. EUR 45.
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, consolidated text of 11 June 2024 · checked
The visa fee is the same in every Schengen state; each mission converts it into pounds, so the amounts in the table differ. A visa centre's service fee comes on top.
When to apply and how long it takes
Applications can be lodged no more than 6 months and, as a rule, no later than 15 calendar days before the trip; an appointment should as a rule be given within 2 weeks of the request.
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, consolidated text of 11 June 2024 · checkedThe consulate decides within 15 calendar days of an admissible application, extendable to at most 45 days in individual cases.
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, consolidated text of 11 June 2024 · checkedThe Commission states a normal processing time of 15 days, extendable to 45 days.
European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs · checked
Documents
The passport must be valid at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area; applicants need the form, an ICAO photo, travel medical insurance and documents on purpose, means, accommodation and intention to return; fingerprints are taken.
European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs · checked
Each state adds its own items for applicants in the UK: check the checklist on its official page, linked in the table and below.
Notes by state
Austria
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: bmeia.gv.at.
The Austrian Embassy in London sends Schengen visa applicants to book an appointment with VFS Global.
Austrian Embassy London · checkedThe VFS fee page names centres in Manchester and Edinburgh besides London (cash is not accepted there).
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Austria in the UK · checkedThe embassy gives a general processing time of about 15 days and advises applying at least 15 calendar days ahead, no more than 6 months before the trip.
Austrian Embassy London · checkedTourist, family-visit and business visas cost EUR 90, charged as GBP 77.90, plus a VFS service fee of GBP 28.80.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Austria in the UK · checkedChildren aged 6 to 12 pay EUR 45 (GBP 39.00).
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Austria in the UK · checkedThe VFS service fee is GBP 28.80 per application, on top of the visa fee.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Austria in the UK · checked
Belgium
Where you apply: TLScontact. Official page: unitedkingdom.diplomatie.belgium.be.
Belgian Schengen visa applications are submitted at TLScontact visa application centres, not at the embassy, with centres in London, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Embassy of Belgium in the United Kingdom · checkedGeneral visa enquiries (applications, processing times, appointments, documents) go to TLScontact.
Embassy of Belgium in the United Kingdom · checked
Bulgaria
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: vfsglobal.com.
Bulgaria's VFS centre is in London, with satellite centres in Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh that add 2 days to processing.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Bulgaria in the UK · checkedChildren under 12 are exempt from the Bulgarian visa fee.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Bulgaria in the UK · checkedTourist, business and family visits: EUR 90, charged as GBP 77, plus a VFS service fee of GBP 29.70.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Bulgaria in the UK · checkedVFS service fee per application.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Bulgaria in the UK · checked
Croatia
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: vfsglobal.com.
Children up to 12 are exempt from the visa fee.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Croatia in the UK · checkedThe Croatian visa fee is GBP 78.28.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Croatia in the UK · checkedThe service fee is EUR 33 in London and EUR 36 in Manchester and Edinburgh, paid in local currency cash.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Croatia in the UK · checked
Czechia
Where you apply: not confirmed on the official pages we read. Official page: mzv.gov.cz.
The Czech Embassy's visa section is in London; it handles Schengen visas for family members of EU citizens by appointment.
Embassy of the Czech Republic in London · checked
Denmark
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: vfsglobal.com.
Every applicant, children included, submits the Schengen application in person by appointment booked online, after filling in the form and paying the visa fee online.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Denmark in the UK · checkedApplications made in London reach the Danish Embassy in 1 working day; Manchester and Edinburgh add 3 working days.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Denmark in the UK · checked
Estonia
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: london.mfa.ee.
All short-term Schengen visa applications for Estonia are submitted at VFS Global centres.
Embassy of Estonia in London · checkedApplications made at VFS satellite centres go first to VFS London, adding 2-3 working days.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Estonia in the UK · checkedTourist, business and family visits: EUR 90 plus a VFS service fee of GBP 10.35.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Estonia in the UK · checkedVFS service fee per application.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Estonia in the UK · checked
Finland
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: vfsglobal.com.
Every applicant applies in person by appointment booked online.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Finland in the UK · checkedApplications submitted in Edinburgh and Manchester take extra days for the courier to London and back.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Finland in the UK · checkedThe VFS service charge for Finland is EUR 20.00.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Finland in the UK · checked
France
Where you apply: not confirmed on the official pages we read. Official page: uk.diplomatie.gouv.fr.
Applicants first use the France-Visas wizard and online application, then submit the file at their local visa centre; France-Visas says where and how.
Embassy of France in the United Kingdom · checkedFrance has a Consulate General in London and a Consulate General in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Embassy of France in the United Kingdom · checked
Germany
Where you apply: TLScontact. Official page: uk.diplo.de.
German Schengen visas (type C) can only be applied for through the external service provider TLScontact, which has centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh.
German Embassy London and Consulate General Edinburgh · checkedThe German missions accept visa applications only from UK residents, including foreign residents holding a UK BRP or a UK short-term study visa; the place of residence decides whether London or Edinburgh is competent.
German Embassy London and Consulate General Edinburgh · checkedBecause demand exceeds capacity, the embassy runs a waiting list through TLScontact in London and Manchester from 1 June 2026.
German Embassy London and Consulate General Edinburgh · checked
Greece
Where you apply: Global Visa Center World (GVCW). Official page: mfa.gr.
The Greek Embassy in London has outsourced the collection of visa applications and biometrics to Global Visa Center World (GVCW); applications must be submitted through its offices.
Embassy of Greece in London · checkedGVCW lists visa application centres in London, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Global Visa Center World (GVCW), visa application centre for Greece in the UK · checkedUK residence does not remove the visa requirement: nationals who need a visa for Greece need a Schengen visa even with a UK residence permit.
Embassy of Greece in London · checkedUK residence permit holders must provide a copy of their UK eVisa and a share code for visa purposes.
Global Visa Center World (GVCW), visa application centre for Greece in the UK · checkedApplications are made in person by appointment, at most 6 months before travel.
Global Visa Center World (GVCW), visa application centre for Greece in the UK · checkedThe embassy page still states a visa fee of EUR 80 plus the service fee (the EU fee has been EUR 90 since 11 June 2024).
Embassy of Greece in London · checked
Hungary
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: vfsglobal.com.
The Hungarian Consulate in London receives applications from VFS London the next working day and from Edinburgh and Manchester after three working days.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Hungary in the UK · checkedMinimum processing time is 15 calendar days from receipt at the Hungarian Consulate in London.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Hungary in the UK · checkedOne fee table on the VFS page lists the Schengen visa at EUR 90 / GBP 80.00 plus a GBP 25.00 service fee.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Hungary in the UK · checkedChildren 6 to 12: EUR 45 / GBP 40.00.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Hungary in the UK · checked
Iceland
Where you apply: VFS Global (applications decided by the Embassy of Iceland in London). Official page: island.is.
Island.is lists, for the United Kingdom, VFS Global offices in Edinburgh, London and Manchester, with the Embassy of Iceland in London as the competent mission.
Government of Iceland (Island.is), Directorate of Immigration information · checkedEUR 90, charged as GBP 78.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Iceland in the UK · checkedChildren 6 to 12: GBP 39.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Iceland in the UK · checkedVFS service fee of EUR 40 per application.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Iceland in the UK · checked
Italy
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: conslondra.esteri.it.
Appointments are managed exclusively by VFS Global, with centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh (joint visa application centre).
Consulate General of Italy in London · checkedVisa fees at the VFS centres are paid in cash or by card, in British pounds only; VFS adds a service charge.
Consulate General of Italy in London · checkedSince 28 June 2024, holders of a valid UK BRP card no longer need an Italian airport transit visa; a UK visa alone does not exempt.
Consulate General of Italy in London · checked
Latvia
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: vfsglobal.com.
UK residents come under the Embassy of Latvia in London and can apply at the VFS Latvia centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Latvia in the UK · checkedEUR 90 plus a VFS service fee of GBP 29.56.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Latvia in the UK · checkedVFS service fee per application.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Latvia in the UK · checkedSome nationals may need a video-conference interview at a VFS office, which costs GBP 35.00.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Latvia in the UK · checked
Liechtenstein
Where you apply: not confirmed on the official pages we read. Official page: schweiz-vereinigteskoenigreich.eda.admin.ch.
The Swiss embassy explains that where a Schengen state has no visa section, visa issuance can be delegated to another Schengen state by agreement.
Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom · checked
Lithuania
Where you apply: not confirmed on the official pages we read. Official page: uk.mfa.lt.
Not stated by the official sources we read.
Luxembourg
Where you apply: The embassy in London (appointment by email). Official page: londres.mae.lu.
The Luxembourg Embassy in London takes visa applications by prior appointment only; appointment requests go strictly by email.
Embassy of Luxembourg in London · checked
Malta
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: vfsglobal.com.
Applications at the Manchester or Edinburgh satellite centres go first to VFS London and then to the Maltese mission in London, adding 2 days.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Malta in the UK · checkedEUR 90, charged as GBP 77, plus a GBP 27.38 service fee.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Malta in the UK · checkedChildren 6 to 12: GBP 39.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Malta in the UK · checked
Netherlands
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: netherlandsworldwide.nl.
Schengen visa applications are made at the VFS Global centre in Birmingham, Edinburgh, London or Manchester, only by people who live in the UK.
Netherlands Worldwide · checkedApplicants book the VFS appointment online themselves; the ministry warns against intermediaries.
Netherlands Worldwide · checkedVFS charges a service fee of EUR 18.00 including VAT.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Netherlands in the UK · checked
Norway
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: norway.no.
In the UK, Norwegian visa applications are made through VFS Global, at joint visa application centres in London and Edinburgh, by appointment booked on the VFS website.
Royal Norwegian Embassy in London · checkedCase handling time is counted as 15 days from receipt at the embassy in London.
Royal Norwegian Embassy in London · checkedThe passport must be valid at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen area.
Royal Norwegian Embassy in London · checkedEUR 90 visa fee and EUR 27 VFS service fee for tourist, family and business visits.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Norway in the UK · checked
Poland
Where you apply: The embassy in London (no visa centre). Official page: gov.pl.
Applications are submitted in person at the Consular Section of the Polish Embassy in London (10 Bouverie Street); no other Polish consular office in the UK issues visas.
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London · checkedAppointments are booked through the e-Konsulat system; new slots are released every Sunday at 11:00 and registration is free.
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London · checkedThe UK residence permit must be valid at least one month after the visa expires; extra Home Office proof (letter or printed eVisa) is needed if status runs beyond the BRP card.
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London · checkedThe visa fee is GBP 79, paid on the day of the appointment, non-refundable.
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London · checkedChildren aged 6 to 12 pay GBP 40.
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London · checked
Portugal
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: vfsglobal.com.
Applicants are split by county between the Consulate of Portugal in London and the Consulate in Manchester, and may only apply at the VFS centre of their jurisdiction.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Portugal in the UK · checkedThe Edinburgh satellite centre sends applications to VFS Manchester first, adding 2 days.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Portugal in the UK · checkedEUR 90 visa fee plus a VFS service fee of GBP 32.85.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Portugal in the UK · checked
Romania
Where you apply: not confirmed on the official pages we read. Official page: londra.mae.ro.
Not stated by the official sources we read.
Slovakia
Where you apply: VFS Global and BLS International. Official page: mzv.sk.
The embassy page lists visa centres of VFS Global and BLS International, which accept applications in London and Edinburgh.
Embassy of the Slovak Republic in London · checked · read from an archived copy of 7 Apr 2026Applicants need a UK residence permit or visa valid at least 3 months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area.
Embassy of the Slovak Republic in London · checked · read from an archived copy of 7 Apr 2026The visa fee is paid in cash only, in GBP, on the day of application.
Embassy of the Slovak Republic in London · checked · read from an archived copy of 7 Apr 2026
Slovenia
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: vfsglobal.com.
Applications at the Manchester or Edinburgh satellite centres go first to VFS London, adding 2 days.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Slovenia in the UK · checkedEUR 90 visa fee plus a GBP 18.25 VFS service fee.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Slovenia in the UK · checked
Spain
Where you apply: BLS International. Official page: exteriores.gob.es.
Schengen applications for Spain are submitted at the BLS International visa application centre, by appointment.
Consulate General of Spain in London · checkedApplicants must prove residence in the consular district.
Consulate General of Spain in London · checkedThe visa fee is paid in local currency when the application is submitted and changes with exchange rates.
Consulate General of Spain in London · checked
Sweden
Where you apply: VFS Global (Sweden e-application portal). Official page: vfsglobal.com.
Swedish applications are submitted through the Sweden e-application portal and biometrics are given at VFS; VFS London currently accepts only Schengen visa applications for Sweden.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Sweden in the UK · checkedFees can be paid in cash except in Edinburgh, which shows a centre there besides London.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Sweden in the UK · checkedMinimum processing time is 15 days; leave enough time between appointment and travel.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Sweden in the UK · checked
Switzerland
Where you apply: VFS Global. Official page: schweiz-vereinigteskoenigreich.eda.admin.ch.
The Swiss embassy says the visa application must be submitted in the country of residence.
Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom · checkedApplications at the Edinburgh and Manchester satellite centres go first to VFS London, adding 2 days.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Switzerland in the UK · checkedEUR 90, charged as GBP 76.00.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Switzerland in the UK · checkedChildren 6 to 12: GBP 40.00.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Switzerland in the UK · checkedVFS service fee of GBP 20 per application.
VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Switzerland in the UK · checked
FAQ
Does the UK have a Schengen visa?
No. The UK is not one of the 29 Schengen states listed on this page, so it issues no Schengen visas. UK residents who need one apply in the UK, to a Schengen state's consulate or its visa centre. You apply to the Schengen state of your only destination; with several destinations, to the main one by days or purpose; if there is no main destination, to the state whose external border you cross first.
How much does a Schengen visa cost from the UK?
The visa fee is EUR 90, EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, and waived for children under 6. A visa centre (external service provider) may charge a service fee of at most half the adult visa fee, i.e. EUR 45. The amounts in pounds that each state's mission or visa centre states are in the table above.
Which countries are in the Schengen area in 2026?
The 29 states in the table above: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
How can I get a Spain visa from the UK?
Schengen applications for Spain are submitted at the BLS International visa application centre, by appointment. Applicants must prove residence in the consular district. The visa fee is paid in local currency when the application is submitted and changes with exchange rates.
Can I enter the Schengen area with a UK residence permit?
UK residence does not remove the visa requirement: nationals who need a visa for Greece need a Schengen visa even with a UK residence permit. Since 28 June 2024, holders of a valid UK BRP card no longer need an Italian airport transit visa; a UK visa alone does not exempt.
How long does a Schengen visa take from the UK?
The consulate decides within 15 calendar days of an admissible application, extendable to at most 45 days in individual cases. The Commission states a normal processing time of 15 days, extendable to 45 days.
Sources
Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.
- EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, consolidated text of 11 June 2024 (Publications Office of the EU): where to apply, fees, timing and processing time
- European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs: fees, processing time and documents
- Austrian Embassy London: Austria
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Austria in the UK: Austria
- Embassy of Belgium in the United Kingdom: Belgium
- Embassy of Belgium in the United Kingdom: Belgium
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Bulgaria in the UK: Bulgaria
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Croatia in the UK: Croatia
- Embassy of the Czech Republic in London: Czechia
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Denmark in the UK: Denmark
- Embassy of Estonia in London: Estonia
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Estonia in the UK: Estonia
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Finland in the UK: Finland
- Embassy of France in the United Kingdom: France
- German Embassy London and Consulate General Edinburgh: Germany
- Embassy of Greece in London (Consular Office): Greece
- Global Visa Center World (GVCW), visa application centre for Greece in the UK: Greece
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Hungary in the UK: Hungary
- Government of Iceland (Island.is), Directorate of Immigration information: Iceland
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Iceland in the UK: Iceland
- Consulate General of Italy in London: Italy
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Latvia in the UK: Latvia
- Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom: Liechtenstein
- Embassy of Luxembourg in London: Luxembourg
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Malta in the UK: Malta
- Netherlands Worldwide (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands): Netherlands
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Netherlands in the UK: Netherlands
- Royal Norwegian Embassy in London: Norway
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Norway in the UK: Norway
- Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London (Consular and Polish Diaspora Section): Poland
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Portugal in the UK: Portugal
- Embassy of the Slovak Republic in London: Slovakia
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Slovenia in the UK: Slovenia
- Consulate General of Spain in London: Spain
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Sweden in the UK: Sweden
- Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom: Switzerland
- VFS Global (official visa application centre operator for the mission), Switzerland in the UK: Switzerland
More: Schengen area entry rules by nationality · Schengen visa from Dubai · all visa guides.