Planning a trip to Europe from the UK and wondering where to apply for a Schengen visa?
Whether you’re visiting Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, or any other destination in the Schengen Area, this step-by-step guide will show you where to apply, how to choose the right location, and how to make the entire process easier.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa allows non-EU citizens to travel to 27 European countries for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism, business, or visiting friends/family.
For most non-UK passport holders living in the UK, the visa must be applied for before travel — you cannot just show up at the embassy on your travel date.
Where Do You Apply for a Schengen Visa in the UK?
Here are your main options:
1. At the Embassy or Consulate of Your Main Destination
You must apply at the embassy or visa centre of the country where you will spend the most time — or the first Schengen country you enter if your stay is equal.
For example:
- Visiting France for 5 days and Germany for 3 days → apply to France.
- Visiting Italy and Spain for 4 days each → apply to the country you enter first.
📌 This rule is a key requirement for determining where to submit your application.
2. Through an Official Visa Application Centre
Many Schengen embassies partner with external service providers such as:
- VFS Global
- TLScontact
- BLS International
These centres handle:
✔ Appointment bookings
✔ Biometric data collection (fingerprints & photo)
✔ Document submission
These centres operate in major UK cities like:
- London
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
- Birmingham
Even though you book your appointment online, you must visit in-person to submit documents and biometrics.
What You Must Do Before Applying
When applying in the UK:
✔ Check the correct embassy or visa centre based on your destination
✔ Book your appointment early — slots fill up fast
✔ Prepare the required documents (passport, photos, insurance, itinerary, etc.)
✔ Bring your biometric data to the visa centre
Most UK residents apply at the visa centres for document submission — not directly at embassy counters.
Step-by-Step: Applying for a Schengen Visa in the UK
Here’s a simple process that many travellers follow:
Step 1: Identify Your Main Destination
Decide which Schengen country you are visiting first or staying in the longest.
Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form
Most forms can be filled online but must be printed and brought with you.
Step 3: Book Your Appointment
Use the official visa centre portal (e.g., VFS, TLScontact) to choose a date and time.
Step 4: Attend the Visa Submission Appointment
You’ll submit documents and give biometric data at the centre.
Step 5: Wait for Processing & Collect Passport
Processing usually takes about 7–15 working days, depending on the embassy and season.
How EasySchengenVisa.co.uk Makes It Simpler
Applying for a Schengen visa can be time-consuming and confusing if you’re doing it alone. With Easy Schengen Visa UK, you get:
✅ A dedicated UK-based team guiding you
✅ A simple online form — no embassy queues at first steps
✅ Document checklists and expert review
✅ Appointment booking assistance
✅ Faster turnaround and support if questions arise
We handle the process so you can focus on planning your trip.
Tips to Book Visa Appointments Faster
Getting an appointment is often one of the hardest parts. Here’s what many applicants do:
🔹 Book as far ahead as possible
🔹 Check appointment portals early in the morning
🔹 Consider visa centres in multiple cities (London, Manchester, etc.)
🔹 Avoid peak travel seasons if possible
🔹 Use expert guidance to secure slots confidently
Final Tips Before You Apply
- Always check the latest embassy and visa centre rules for your destination.
- Apply as early as permitted (up to 6 months before travel).
- Use expert support to avoid mistakes that might delay your application.
Ready to apply stress-free? 👉 Visit EasySchengenVisa and let our UK-based visa specialists guide you step by step!