Travelling in Europe

Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa prior to travelling to mainland Europe. 

  • For guidance on the visa process and requirements, visit the website for the UK location of the relevant country’s Visa Application Centre. (e.g. French Visa Application Centre in the UK). 
  • The Visa Application Centre website usually provides an email address if you have any queries. 
  • Be cautious of obtaining information online about the visa application requirements from an unofficial source. 

Schengen visa 

The Schengen visa allows you to visit the following countries on one visa:  

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. 

  • If you plan to visit one country, you should apply to the Embassy or Consulate in the UK for that particular country. 
  • If you are planning to visit several countries, you should apply to the Embassy or Consulate for the country in which you plan to spend the most time. 
  • If you will be spending equal time in multiple countries, you should apply to the Embassy or Consulate for the country that will be your port of entry. 

The visa application requirements vary depending on the embassy where you apply for the Schengen visa.  

Most applications will require you to submit the following: 

  • Your passport 
  • Recent photograph(s) 
  • Your UK visa 
  • Evidence of funds 
  • A letter from your College confirming your student status 
  • Evidence of travel insurance 
  • Travel plans 
  • Application fee 
  • Some countries will require you to have between three to six months remaining on your UK Student visa. 

The earliest you can apply for a Schengen visa is 3 months before you travel, but you should make your application in good time.