Schengen Visa for UK eVisa Holders

Q: Do UK eVisa holders need a Schengen visa to visit Europe?

Yes. Holding a UK eVisa does not grant visa-free access to the Schengen Area. You must apply for a separate Schengen Type C visa through the embassy of the country you plan to visit, unless your nationality independently allows visa-free travel to the Schengen zone.

Q: How much does a Schengen visa cost?

The standard fee is 80 euros for adults, 40 euros for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. Some nationalities have reduced fees under bilateral agreements. VFS or TLS centres charge an additional service fee of around 20 to 30 pounds.

Q: How long does Schengen visa processing take?

Standard processing takes 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. However, it can take up to 45 days in complex cases or during peak periods. Apply as early as possible, up to 6 months before your travel date.

Q: Can I visit multiple Schengen countries on one visa?

Yes. A Schengen visa allows you to travel freely across all 29 member states. Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time, or your first entry point if visiting countries equally.

Q: What if my Schengen visa is refused?

You will receive a written reason for refusal. Common reasons include insufficient funds, missing documents, or weak ties to the UK. You can appeal the decision or reapply with a stronger application addressing the stated reasons.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?

Yes. Travel insurance with minimum 30,000 euros medical coverage across the entire Schengen Area is mandatory. The policy must cover the full duration of your trip. See our travel insurance guide for recommendations.

Complete 2026 guide to visiting Europe with a Schengen visa as a UK resident

UK eVisa holders need a Schengen visa to visit most of Europe

Holding a UK eVisa does not grant visa-free access to Schengen Area countries. You must apply separately. This guide walks you through the entire process.

What Is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders. Once you have a Schengen visa, you can travel freely between all member states. The area includes popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland.

For UK eVisa holders whose nationality requires a visa, you need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa, also known as a Type C visa. This allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen zone. The visa is typically valid for single or multiple entries depending on your application and travel history.

Schengen Visa at a Glance

Detail	Information
Visa type	Type C short-stay
Maximum stay	90 days in any 180-day period
Cost	€80 adults, €40 children 6-12, free under 6
Processing time	15 calendar days typical, up to 45 days
Apply to	Embassy of your main destination country
Application window	6 months to 15 days before travel

Required Documents

Gathering the right documents is the most important part of your Schengen visa application. Missing or incorrect documents are the most common reason for rejection. Here is the complete checklist:

Completed application form — available from the embassy website or VFS/TLS centre
Valid passport — at least 2 blank pages, valid for 3+ months after planned return, issued within last 10 years
Proof of UK immigration status — printout from the View and Prove service showing your eVisa
Two passport photos — 35x45mm, white background, recent within 6 months
Travel insurance — minimum €30,000 medical coverage across the Schengen Area. See our travel insurance guide
Flight itinerary — round-trip booking or reservation showing entry and exit dates
Accommodation proof — hotel bookings, Airbnb confirmation, or host invitation letter
Bank statements — last 3 months showing sufficient funds, typically €60-100 per day
Employment letter — from your UK employer confirming job, salary, and approved leave. Self-employed applicants need company registration and accounts
Cover letter — explaining the purpose of your trip, itinerary, and why you will return to the UK

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Determine Which Embassy to Apply To

Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at the embassy of your first entry point. Most countries use VFS Global or TLS Contact as their visa application centres in the UK.

2. Book an Appointment

Book your appointment as early as possible — slots fill up quickly, especially during summer. You can apply up to 6 months before your travel date. Appointments are available in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other cities depending on the embassy.

3. Attend Your Appointment

Bring all documents, both originals and photocopies. You will submit your application, provide biometric data if not already on file, and pay the fee. The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Wait for Processing

Standard processing takes 15 calendar days but can take up to 45 days. You can track your application online through VFS or TLS. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.

5. Collect Your Passport

Once processed, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the application centre or opt for courier delivery. Check the visa sticker for correct dates, number of entries, and duration.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval

Show strong ties to the UK — employment, property, family, and financial commitments demonstrate you will return
Provide a detailed itinerary — day-by-day plans show legitimate travel purpose
Maintain healthy bank balances — avoid large unexplained deposits; consistent income is best
Include a strong cover letter — explain your trip clearly and why you will return to the UK
Apply early — last-minute applications signal poor planning and increase refusal risk

European Countries You Can Visit Without a Schengen Visa

If you want to visit Europe without the hassle of a Schengen application, several non-Schengen European countries offer visa-free entry for UK residents:

Albania — 90 days visa-free
Serbia — 90 days visa-free
Montenegro — 90 days visa-free
North Macedonia — 90 days visa-free
Georgia — 1 year visa-free
Turkey — 90 days with e-visa

For non-European visa-free options, see our full visa-free countries list or explore guides for Dubai, Morocco, Egypt, and Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do UK eVisa holders need a Schengen visa to visit Europe?

How much does a Schengen visa cost?

How long does Schengen visa processing take?

Can I visit multiple Schengen countries on one visa?

What if my Schengen visa is refused?

Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?

Last updated: February 2026. Always verify entry requirements with the relevant embassy or official government website before booking travel.