(Your no-stress guide from ScottishIndian.com to exploring Europe like a pro)
Dreaming of a weekend in Paris? Or a snowy escape to Switzerland? If you’re living in the UK and hold an Indian passport, you’ll need one important thing to make your Eurotrip happen: a Schengen Visa.
So here’s your easy, no-jargon guide to the Schengen Visa, how to apply for it from the UK, and what to keep in mind.
🌍 What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa allows you to travel freely across 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement — without needing separate visas for each.
Some of the most popular Schengen countries include:
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇮🇹 Italy
- 🇪🇸 Spain
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- 🇧🇪 Belgium
So whether you’re heading to Amsterdam for tulip season or planning a romantic getaway to Venice, this one visa unlocks it all.
🧳 Who Needs a Schengen Visa?
If you’re an Indian passport holder living in the UK (even with a UK Student or Skilled Worker visa), you’ll need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before travelling to Europe.
📝 How to Apply (Step-by-Step for UK-Based Indians)
Here’s a quick breakdown for the Scottish Indian community applying from the UK:
1. Choose Your Main Destination
This is the country where you’ll spend the most time or first enter. You must apply through its embassy or visa centre.
2. Book an Appointment
Go to the official embassy or VFS Global website for that country. Appointments fill fast, especially during spring/summer!
3. Prepare Your Documents
You’ll typically need:
- Visa Application Form – Download and fill via embassy site
- Valid Passport – With 2 blank pages, issued in last 10 year & 3 months’ validity after return date
- BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) – Photocopy front + back
- Passport Photos – Two, recent, Schengen-compliant
- Travel Itinerary – Flight + accommodation (can use refundable bookings!)
- Bank Statements (3 months) – Minimum €60–€70 per day of stay
- Travel Insurance – Minimum €30,000 coverage across Schengen zone
- Cover Letter – Detailing your trip, return plan, visa status
- Additional (if applicable):
- University letter (students)
- Employer leave approval (professionals)
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Valid passport (with 2 blank pages & 3 months’ validity after return date)
- UK residence permit/BRP
- Passport-size photos
- Travel insurance (min. €30,000 coverage)
- Proof of travel: flight + hotel bookings
– Use websites like Booking.com for free-cancellation hotels when applying. - Recent bank statements showing financial support
- Cover letter explaining your trip
✅ Bonus tip from ScottishIndian: Always carry physical copies of your documents, even if submitted online.
4. Attend Your Appointment
Submit your biometrics (fingerprints) and documents at the visa centre. It usually takes 7–15 working days to get your visa.
💸 How Much Does It Cost?
As of 2025:
- Standard Schengen Visa fee = €80 (~£70)
- Some centres charge an additional service fee (around £25–£30)
- Travel Insurance starting at £10–£20 (compare with AXA or Allianz)
✨ Final Thoughts from Scottish Indian
Whether you’re heading to a French vineyard, German Christmas market, or Greek beach, the Schengen Visa opens doors to unforgettable adventures — all from your base here in the UK.
At ScottishIndian.com, we help Indian newcomers in the UK live fully — from study and career to travel and culture.
Ready to plan your Euro escape? Bookmark Scottish Indian for visa hacks, budget-friendly itineraries, and more!
📩 Have a question about Schengen travel or visa rejections? DM us or join our forum to chat with others from the Indian UK community.
Let’s make Europe your next stop! 🌍✨
