Schengen Visas International Student Office

What this presentation will cover  What is a Schengen Visa  Who can apply  How and where to apply  Requirements  Safety 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 area 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 Countries The following 26 countries are Schengen visa members: Austria IcelandPoland Belgium ItalyPortugal Czech RepublicLatviaSlovakia Denmark LichtensteinSlovenia EstoniaLithuaniaSpain FinlandLuxembourgSweden FranceMalta Switzerland GermanyThe Netherlands GreeceNorway Hungary

Who needs a Schengen Visa?  Many non-European nationals will need a Schengen Visa to visit Europe.  This presentation is for nationals that are required to apply for a Schengen visa

How do I apply? o Complete the visa application form, which can be completed online or downloaded from the relevant Embassy website. o You will need to book an appointment at the Visa Processing Centre to give your biometrics and submit your original supporting documents o Apply 4-6 weeks before planned travel date.

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 26 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 – invitation letter/tour booking/hotel booking 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’t 6. Evidence of sufficient funds to complete the trip between £40-£60 per day of your visit. 7. Visa fee. 8. Your Registration Certificate, as you need to show evidence from the University confirming you are a full-time student – available from the Student Services Centre. 9. Medical insurance to cover the period: Most Schengen countries require proof of medical insurance which covers the entire trip.

Supporting documents…con’t  Certain embassies will require you to have a specific amount of time left on your passport and UK visa at the time of re-entering the UK. This will usually be between three and six months. You will need to check individual embassy websites for further details.  You will need to have at least one or two blank pages in your passport when making an application.

Safety Advice Whilst 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 travel  During your stay  If your passport is lost or stolen

Before you travel  Keep a copy of your passport and visa in the UK and also take them with you. Also keep an electronic version by .  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 BRP in a safe at the hotel  If you are carrying your passport, keep it safe you at all times  Inform your bank of your trip before leaving  Be vigilant about your belongings

If your BRP 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 Home Office by completing a form here: residence-permits/lost-stolen-damagedhttps:// residence-permits/lost-stolen-damaged  Apply for a single-entry visa to return to the UK at

If your BRP is stolen  Select visa type, choose Other > Others > Replacement Biometric Residence Permit  Cost £81  When you're back in the UK, apply for a replacement BRP using form BRP(RC) at a cost of £45  Keep your BRP safe at all times, leave it in the hotel safe  Do not travel until your visa is issued

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 your national embassy  If your Tier 4 visa is a sticker in your passport, once you have your replacement passport, apply for a new Tier 4 visa cost: £322www.visa4uk.gov.uk  Do not attempt to travel until you have your new passport and new visa.

Costs & Processing times  Visa processing fee up to £25  Visa Application fee 60EUR/£45  Decisions made within 2-4 weeks  Please check with the Embassy for accurate costs & processing times  Submit application online & then take your documents to an application centre  Copy documents before submitting

Travel Advice  Given recent events in Europe, if you have concerns check the FCO travel safety advice:   UKCISA travel in Europe advice:  Advice/Living-in-the-UK/Travel-in-Europe Advice/Living-in-the-UK/Travel-in-Europe

Any questions? Enjoy your trip!