Schengen Visas

Phill Wilcox and Tanya Todman International Student Office

University of Leeds

What this presentation will coverWhat is a Schengen VisaWho can applyHow and where to applyRequirementsSafety Advice

What is a Schengen Visa?o Visitor visa issued to citizens of countries who are

required to obtain a visa before entering Europe.

o Can be used to travel to any (or all) member countries using one single visa.

o Purpose of visit must be leisure, tourism or business.

o Able to travel freely throughout the Schengen are for a maximum 90 days in a 6 month period.

o Not allowed to live permanently or work in Europe.

Types of Schengen Visa Short stay visa – this is the visa most

students will require to travel within the Schengen space as tourists or to attend conferences

Airport transit

Short stay transit

Schengen Visa CountriesThe following 25 countries are Schengen visa

members:Austria Hungary Poland Belgium IcelandPortugalCzech Republic Italy SlovakiaDenmark Latvia SloveniaEstonia Lithuania Spain Finland LuxembourgSwedenFrance Malta SwitzerlandGermany The NetherlandsGreece Norway

Who needs a Schengen Visa?Most non-European nationals will need a Schengen Visa to visit Europe.The following nationalities do not need a Schengen Visa, providing they will be visiting only for tourism and have valid medical insurance:

Who doesn’t need a Schengen Visa?Albania Costa Rica Mauritius SingaporeAndorra Croatia Mexico South KoreaAntigua & Barbuda El Salvador Monaco TaiwanArgentina EU Nationals Montenegro USAustralia Guatemala New Zealand UruguayBahamas Honduras NicaraguaVatican CityBarbados Hong Kong Panama Venezuela Bosnia & Herzegovina Israel ParaguayBrazil Japan St Kitts & NevisBrunei Macau San MarinoCanada Macedonia SerbiaChile Malaysia Seychelles

How do I apply?o Complete the visa application form, which

can be downloaded from the relevant Embassy website.

o Submit the application with the fee and supporting documents at the relevant Embassy.

o Most applications are made in person but this will depend on the Embassy you will apply to.

o Apply 4-6 weeks before planned travel date.o https://www.axa-schengen.com/downloads/e

n_SCH_visa_form.pdf

Where do I apply? If visiting only one country in the Schengen space,

you should apply to the embassy of that country.

If visiting several of the 25 countries, you should apply to the embassy of whichever country is your 'main destination' - the country in which you plan to spend the most time during your trip.

If visiting several countries in the Schengen space without having a main destination, you should submit an application to the embassy of the country where you will first enter the Schengen space.

What supporting documents will I need to provide?1. A completed application form.

2. Original passport or official travel document.

3. Recent photograph(s).

4. Proof of purpose of the visit.

5. You should check that your current UK student immigration permission will allow you to return to the UK after your trip.

Supporting documents…con’t6. Evidence of sufficient funds to complete the

trip.

7. Visa fee.

8. Evidence of student status: You will have to show documentary evidence from your institution explaining that you are a full-time student.

 9. Medical insurance to cover the period: Most

Schengen countries require proof of medical insurance which covers the entire trip.

Safety AdviceWhilst travelling in Europe can be great fun and give you an opportunity to experience new cultures and see historic sights. It is important to keep yourself and your possessions safe while travelling. The following guide will assist you:Before you travelDuring your stayIf your passport is lost or stolen

Before you travel Keep a copy of your passport and visa in

the UK and on you. Also keep an electronic version by email.

Tell friends in the UK where you will be going and staying

Take out comprehensive travel insurance Travel with few valuable possessions Put contact details inside your luggage

During your stay Stay with friends Never leave bags unattended Keep your passport in a safe at the hotel If you are carrying your passport, keep it

on you at all times Beware of pickpockets

What to do if your passport is stolen

Report the loss or theft of your passport to the police as soon as possible and ask them for a reference number.

Apply for a replacement passport at the nearest embassy for your country

Once you have your replacement passport, take it to the nearest UK embassy and apply for a Tier 4 visa. The fee for this application will be £298 from 6th April 2013.

Do not attempt to travel until you have your new passport and new visa.

What to do if your Biometric Residence Permit is stolen

Report the loss or theft of your BRP to the police as soon as possible and ask them for a reference number

Notify the UK Border Agency by calling (+44) 208 527 3623

Apply for a Single Entry Visa at the nearest UK embassy stating that your BRP has been lost or stolen. You do not need to do the self assessment section of VAF9.

Do not book flights or attempt to travel until you have received a decision on your application.

When you are back in the UK, apply for a replacement BRP.

Any questions?Enjoy your trip