Schengen Tourist Visa from the UK 2026
Non-British nationals residing in the UK on a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) — skilled workers, spouse/partner visa holders, international students — need a Schengen visa to visit Europe for tourism. British citizens are exempt with 90-day visa-free access post-Brexit. This guide explains which embassy to apply at from the UK, the complete document requirements including BRP considerations, financial proof in GBP, and the VFS Global process.
Your BRP or UK eVisa status is a mandatory document and must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date from Europe. If your leave is due for renewal, resolve this before applying for your Schengen visa — a pending BRP renewal creates complications at the embassy.
In this guide
Key Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | €90 (~£77) adults · €45 (~£39) children (6–11) |
| VFS Service Fee | ~£28–£40 (varies by centre and destination country) |
| Processing Time | 15 calendar days (up to 45 during peak season) |
| Financial Requirement | €50–€95/day depending on destination |
| Application Channel | VFS Global UK (London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Belfast) |
| Who needs this | Non-British nationals legally residing in the UK on a BRP |
Which Schengen Embassy to Apply At from the UK
Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most nights. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at your first Schengen entry country. Most Schengen embassies in the UK use VFS Global as their application centre.
Key exception: France uses TLScontact in the UK (not VFS). If France is your main destination, book through TLScontact UK.
Major Schengen embassies in London: Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and others all accept UK-resident applications.
Financial Requirements from the UK
Each Schengen country sets its own daily requirement — typically €50–€95 per day. UK bank statements in GBP are accepted by all Schengen embassies.
| Trip Length | Min (€50/day) | Approx GBP | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | €350 | ~£300 | £500+ |
| 10 days | €500 | ~£430 | £700+ |
| 14 days | €700 | ~£600 | £1,000+ |
| 21 days | €1,050 | ~£900 | £1,500+ |
GBP amounts approximate — use the current exchange rate when calculating.
Statements should cover 3 months, be bank-stamped or downloaded from online banking with your account details visible, and show regular income. See our bank balance requirements guide.
Document Checklist — Schengen Tourist Visa from UK
Core Documents (All Applicants)
- Visa application form — from the destination country's VFS portal or embassy website, signed and dated
- Valid passport — 3+ months validity after return date, at least 2 blank pages. Include old passports with prior travel stamps.
- BRP / UK visa document — valid for at least 3 months beyond your return from Europe
- 2 passport photos — 35×45 mm, white background, taken within 6 months
- travel insurance — minimum €30,000 (£26,000) medical coverage, Schengen-wide. See our travel insurance guide
- Flight reservation — round-trip itinerary with dates (not a paid ticket)
- Accommodation proof — hotel bookings with free cancellation for every night of your stay
- UK bank statements — last 3 months in GBP, bank-stamped, showing sufficient funds
- Cover letter — explaining your itinerary, travel purpose, and why you will return to the UK
Employment / Income Proof
- UK employer letter on company letterhead confirming your position, salary, and approved leave dates
- Last 3 months' payslips
- For self-employed: Companies House registration, HMRC self-assessment tax return (SA302), business bank statements
- For students: university enrolment letter, study permit, sponsor's financials
Return Ties to the UK
Schengen officers assess your intent to return to the UK — not just to your home country. Key ties include:
- Valid BRP with substantial remaining validity
- UK employer letter confirming your job is held on return
- UK tenancy agreement (AST) or mortgage documents
- Family members remaining in the UK
- If on a sponsored work visa, your employer's commitment to your return is particularly strong evidence
VFS Global Centres in the UK
Confirm your destination country's application centre on the VFS Global UK website before booking:
- London — multiple centres; handles most Schengen countries including Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Belgium
- Manchester — handles major Schengen countries for applicants in northern England
- Edinburgh — serves Scotland-based applicants for select countries
- Birmingham — handles select countries for Midlands applicants
- Belfast — serves Northern Ireland applicants for select countries
Post-Brexit: What Changed for Non-British UK Residents
Non-British nationals residing in the UK were unaffected by Brexit's visa impact — they still need a Schengen visa (same as before). What changed for British passport holders (not relevant to this guide): UK citizens lost their previous EU free movement rights and now have 90-day visa-free access to Schengen instead. Non-UK nationals in the UK apply exactly as before.
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
- What documents do I need?
- How do I write a cover letter?
- How much bank balance to show?
- What travel insurance do I need?
- How do I book a visa appointment?
- How long does processing take?
- Which country approves easiest?
- Why do visas get rejected?
- How to get a flight reservation?
- Which insurance plan is best?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- Where do I start as a first timer?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do British citizens need a Schengen tourist visa?
No. British passport holders have 90-day visa-free access to Schengen post-Brexit. This guide is for non-British nationals residing in the UK on a BRP who need a Schengen visa.
How much money do I need to show for a Schengen visa from the UK?
Typically €50–€95 per day depending on destination. For a 10-day trip, show at least £430–£660 (€500–€750) in your UK bank account. UK bank statements in GBP are fully accepted.
Do I need my BRP for a Schengen visa application from the UK?
Yes. Your BRP or UK eVisa status is mandatory — it proves your legal UK residency and is a key return tie. Ensure it is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return from Europe.
Which VFS Global centres in the UK can I use?
VFS Global UK has centres in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Belfast. France uses TLScontact (not VFS) in the UK. Check the VFS Global UK website to confirm your destination country's centre.
How far in advance should I apply from the UK?
Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel. For summer trips (June–August), apply 8–10 weeks in advance — London VFS centres for popular destinations fill appointment slots weeks in advance.