Can UK eVisa Holders Visit Europe? Schengen Visa Guide 2026
Table of Contents
- UK eVisa and European Travel
- What Is the Schengen Area?
- Do I Need a Schengen Visa?
- Which Embassy to Apply Through
- How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
- Required Documents
- Costs and Processing Times
- All 29 Schengen Countries
- Tips for Getting Approved
- The 90/180-Day Rule
- Schengen After Brexit
- Frequently Asked Questions
UK eVisa and European Travel
One of the most common misconceptions among UK residents is that holding a UK eVisa (formerly a BRP card) allows visa-free travel to European countries. This is not the case.
Your UK eVisa is proof of your immigration status in the United Kingdom only. It confirms your right to live, work, or study in the UK. It has absolutely no bearing on your right to enter any other country, including Schengen zone countries in Europe.
Whether you can visit Europe without a visa depends on one thing: your nationality. Citizens of some countries (such as the United States, Canada, Japan, and Brazil) can enter the Schengen area visa-free for short stays. Citizens of many other countries (including most African, South Asian, and Middle Eastern nations) require a Schengen visa.
If your passport requires a visa to enter the Schengen area, you must apply for and obtain a Schengen visa before travelling, regardless of how long you have lived in the UK or what type of UK immigration status you hold.
What Is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders. Once you enter any Schengen country, you can move freely between all member states without further border checks.
The Schengen Area is not the same as the European Union. Some Schengen countries are not EU members (such as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein), and some EU members are not yet in the Schengen Area (such as Ireland, Cyprus, and Romania, though Romania joined in 2024 for air and sea borders).
A single Schengen visa grants you access to all Schengen member states. You do not need separate visas for each country you plan to visit within the zone.
Do I Need a Schengen Visa?
You need a Schengen visa if your nationality is on the Schengen visa-required list. This includes citizens of most countries in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Central and South America.
Common nationalities of UK residents who DO need a Schengen visa include:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Egypt
- Philippines
- China
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
- Kenya
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- Iran
Common nationalities that do NOT need a Schengen visa (can visit for up to 90 days in 180 days):
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Brazil
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Argentina
If you are unsure, check the official European Commission website or contact the embassy of the Schengen country you plan to visit.
Which Embassy to Apply Through
This is a common source of confusion. The rules are straightforward:
- Single destination: Apply to the embassy of the country you are visiting
- Multiple destinations: Apply to the embassy of the country where you will spend the most nights
- Equal time in multiple countries: Apply to the embassy of the country you will enter first
For example:
- Visiting only France → Apply to the French embassy
- Visiting France (5 nights) and Italy (3 nights) → Apply to the French embassy
- Visiting Germany (3 nights) and Austria (3 nights), entering Germany first → Apply to the German embassy
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
Determine the Correct Embassy
Use the rules above to identify which country's embassy to apply through. Check their website for UK-specific application procedures.
Book an Appointment
Visit the embassy's website or their outsourced visa centre (VFS Global, TLS Contact) to book an appointment. During peak season, appointment slots can fill up weeks in advance, so book early. You can apply up to 6 months before your planned travel date.
Complete the Application Form
Fill in the Schengen visa application form. This is a standardised form used by all Schengen countries. You can usually complete it online through the embassy or visa centre website, then print and sign it.
Gather Your Documents
Prepare all required documents (see the detailed list in the next section). Ensure all photocopies are clear and all documents are current.
Attend Your Appointment
Go to your appointment with all documents, payment for the visa fee, and your passport. You will submit your application, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and pay the fee. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Wait for Processing
Processing takes 15 calendar days on average, but can take up to 45 days. You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection, or it may be posted back to you.
Collect Your Passport
Collect your passport with the visa sticker (if approved). Check that all details on the visa are correct, including your name, passport number, validity dates, and number of entries.
Required Documents
While exact requirements may vary slightly between embassies, the standard Schengen visa application requires the following documents:
Application Form
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Must be filled in using Latin characters (English alphabet).
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Must have at least 2 blank pages. Must have been issued within the last 10 years.
Passport Photographs
Two recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm), taken within the last 6 months, with a white or light grey background.
Proof of UK Immigration Status
A printout of your UK eVisa status page or a share code that the embassy can use to verify your UK residence. Some embassies may also accept a letter from UKVI confirming your status.
Travel Itinerary
Flight booking confirmations (round trip). You can use a confirmed booking or a reservation — some travel agents offer hold-without-payment bookings for visa applications.
Accommodation Proof
Hotel bookings, Airbnb confirmations, or an invitation letter from a host in the Schengen country. Must cover the entire duration of your stay.
Travel Insurance
Must cover medical expenses up to at least €30,000. Must be valid for all Schengen countries. Must cover the entire duration of your trip plus a few extra days.
Proof of Financial Means
Bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay. As a guideline, budget approximately €100 per day. Some embassies also accept payslips, a letter from your employer confirming your salary, or a sponsorship letter.
Employment Evidence
A letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and approved leave dates. If self-employed, provide business registration documents and recent accounts. If a student, provide an enrolment letter from your institution.
Cover Letter
A brief letter explaining the purpose of your visit, your itinerary, and your ties to the UK that ensure your return. This is not always mandatory but is strongly recommended.
Costs and Processing Times
Visa Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults (12 years and over) | €80 (~£68) |
| Children (6-11 years) | €40 (~£34) |
| Children (under 6) | Free |
| Service centre fee (VFS/TLS) | £20–£40 additional |
Note: Some nationalities have reduced or waived fees due to bilateral agreements. Check with the specific embassy. All fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
Processing Times
| Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days |
| Extended processing | Up to 45 calendar days |
| Earliest you can apply | 6 months before travel |
| Latest you should apply | 15 working days before travel |
| Recommended | 6–8 weeks before travel |
All 29 Schengen Countries
A Schengen visa grants access to all of the following countries. As of 2026, the Schengen Area includes 29 member states (Bulgaria and Romania joined for full land borders in 2025):
Tips for Getting Approved
Schengen visa refusal rates vary by nationality and embassy. Here are practical tips to maximise your chances of approval:
Show Strong Ties to the UK
Embassies want to see that you will return to the UK. Evidence of employment, property ownership or a tenancy agreement, family ties, and ongoing financial commitments all help demonstrate this.
Show Sufficient Funds
Bank statements should show a healthy balance and regular income. Avoid large unexplained deposits just before your application, as these may raise questions. Consistent salary payments are ideal.
Have a Clear Itinerary
Present a detailed, realistic travel plan. Include flight bookings, hotel reservations, and a day-by-day outline of what you plan to do. A well-organised itinerary shows you have genuinely planned your trip.
Travel History Helps
If you have previously travelled to Schengen countries and returned to the UK on time, this works in your favour. Include copies of previous Schengen visas and entry/exit stamps in your application.
Double-Check Everything
Incomplete applications are a common reason for refusal. Check every document against the embassy's requirements. Ensure all photocopies are legible, all forms are signed, and no required documents are missing.
Apply Early
Do not leave your application to the last minute. Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before travel. This gives you time to address any issues and, if necessary, appeal a refusal or reapply.
The 90/180-Day Rule
The Schengen visa operates on a strict 90/180-day rule. You can spend a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area. This applies to all short-stay Schengen visas.
Key points about the 90/180-day rule:
- The 180-day period is a rolling window, not a fixed calendar period
- Both your entry and exit days count as full days
- Time spent in any Schengen country counts towards your total — you cannot reset the clock by moving between Schengen states
- Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen area
- Use the European Commission's short-stay calculator to check your remaining days before each trip
Schengen After Brexit
Since Brexit, UK residents who are not British citizens face the same Schengen visa requirements as they would if they were living in any non-EU country. The key changes that affect you:
- No more free movement: Even if you previously had EU free movement rights through a family member, these no longer apply in the Schengen area after Brexit (your rights in the UK may be preserved through the EU Settlement Scheme)
- ETIAS: The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is being rolled out for visa-exempt travellers. If your nationality does not require a Schengen visa, you will eventually need ETIAS pre-authorisation (similar to the US ESTA). Check the latest ETIAS status before travelling.
- UK eVisa is not recognised: Schengen countries assess your visa requirement based solely on your nationality and passport, not your UK immigration status
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UK eVisa allow me to visit Schengen countries?
No. A UK eVisa (digital immigration status) only confirms your right to live in the UK. It does not grant you access to Schengen countries or any other country. Whether you need a Schengen visa depends on your nationality. If your passport requires a visa to enter the Schengen area, you must apply for a separate Schengen visa regardless of your UK immigration status.
How long does a Schengen visa take to process?
Processing times vary by embassy and time of year. The standard processing time is 15 calendar days from the date your application is received. However, it can take up to 45 calendar days in some cases. During peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas), processing times tend to be longer. It is advisable to apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before your planned travel date. You can apply up to 6 months in advance.
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
The standard Schengen visa fee is approximately €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6 to 11. Children under 6 are exempt from the fee. Some nationalities may have reduced fees based on bilateral agreements. There may also be a service charge if you apply through an external visa application centre (such as VFS Global or TLS Contact), typically ranging from £20 to £40. Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is refused.
Which embassy should I apply to for a Schengen visa?
You should apply to the embassy or consulate of the country that is your main destination, meaning the country where you will spend the most nights. If you are spending equal time in multiple Schengen countries, apply to the embassy of the country you will enter first. For example, if you are visiting France for 4 days and Germany for 3 days, apply to the French embassy. If visiting both for 3 days each, apply to whichever country you enter first.
Can I work in a Schengen country with a Schengen tourist visa?
No. A standard Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) is for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or transit only. It does not permit you to take up employment or perform paid work in any Schengen country. If you need to work in a Schengen country, you must apply for a national work visa or permit from that specific country. Working on a tourist visa can result in deportation, a ban from the Schengen area, and legal consequences.