International Student Advice Schengen Visas International Student Advice

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? Visitor visa issued to citizens of countries who are required to obtain a visa before entering Europe. Can be used to travel to any (or all) member countries using one single visa. Purpose of visit must be leisure, tourism or business. Able to travel freely throughout the Schengen area for a maximum 90 days in a 6 month period. 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 Iceland Poland Belgium Italy Portugal Czech Republic Latvia Slovakia Denmark Lichtenstein Slovenia Estonia Lithuania Spain Finland Luxembourg Sweden France Malta Switzerland Germany The Netherlands Greece Norway 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 Who needs a Schengen Visa?

Non Schengen Nationals: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela

How do I apply? Complete the visa application form, which can be completed online or downloaded from the relevant Embassy website. Book an appointment at the Visa Processing Centre to give your biometrics and submit your application and original supporting documents. Some embassies use agencies e.g. VFS / TLS /BLS 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? A completed application form. Original passport or official travel document. Recent photograph(s). Proof of purpose of the visit – invitation letter/tour booking/hotel booking/flight booking/conference invitation. You should check that your current visa/BRP has at least 6 months remaining when you return to the UK.

Supporting documents…con’t Evidence of sufficient funds to complete the trip between £55-£60 per day of your visit. Visa fee (approx. £50) Student Registration Status Certificate – available from the Student Services Centre/ISA Enquiry Desk.   Medical insurance to cover the entire trip. Photocopy of application form and supporting documents.

Processing times Processing times vary between embassies and certain nationalities. Decisions made within 2-4 weeks Please check with the Embassy for accurate costs & processing times Recommend applying 4-6 weeks before intended travel (cannot apply more than 3 months before travel)

Schengen Visa Helpline 08713762101 This is for embassies that use VFS Global

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/BRP in the UK and also take them with you. Also keep an electronic version by email. Tell friends/family where you will be going and staying Buy travel insurance Travel with few valuable possessions Put contact details inside your luggage

During your stay Split money and cards Never leave bags/suitcases unattended or unlocked Keep your passport/BRP in a safe at the hotel and carry photocopies with you. If you are carrying your passport/BRP, keep it safe with you at all times (not in backpack) Be vigilant about your belongings It is a good idea to split your money and cards, and keep them in different places. This way, if something is stolen, you won’t have lost everything. Don’t leave your bags and belongings unattended, and do not store important documents or valuables in a backpack or pocket if you can avoid doing so. if you are asked by police to provide ID, you should be able to show the photocopies and the official will then give you 24 hours to report to a police station with the original document. If there is no hotel safe, keep documents on your person in a special travel pouch which can be worn around the body. Don’t leave important documents in your suitcase. Try not to look like a tourist! Be aware of your surroundings and think about the best time to bring out a map or guide book.

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: https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/lost-stolen-damaged Apply for a single-entry visa to return to the UK at www.visa4uk.gov.uk See information on lost/stolen BRPs and Passports: http://students.leeds.ac.uk/

If your BRP is stolen Select visa type, choose Other > Others > Replacement Biometric Residence Permit Cost £169 Do not travel until your visa is issued When you're back in the UK, apply for a replacement BRP using form BRP(RC) at a cost of £56

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 www.visa4uk.gov.uk cost: £335. Do not attempt to travel until you have your new passport and new visa. http://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/21506/your_visa

Stranded in Schengen!! Your friends will have to leave without you You will need extra money for the visa, hotels, food etc You will miss your studies, exams It will be stressful

Travel Advice If you have concerns check the FCO travel safety advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice UKCISA travel in Europe advice: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Living-in-the-UK/Travel-in-Europe

Any questions? Enjoy your trip!