Schengen visas and travel abroad

Travel abroad (non-EEA nationals)

Before leaving the UK, please note carefully the following general points:

• Check that your passport is valid for the period you will be away. If it is going to expire during this time, you must apply for a new one well in advance of your trip.
• Check that your UK visa will not expire before your return to the UK. If it will expire, you should apply for an extension of stay before you go.
• Please remember to take your passport and your Biometric Residence Permit card (if you have one) when you travel.
• Please remember that if you plan to re-enter the UK on a student visa, you must show evidence that you still meet the conditions of that visa.  Therefore, you must carry proof of student status and financial support as evidence that you qualify for readmission to the UK. 
• Please note that visa national students and visitors granted leave to remain for six months or less are not able to leave and re-enter the UK during their stay unless their entry clearance allows multiple entries.

Schengen visas

A Schengen visa allows visitors to visit a number of designated countries with only 1 visa.  The most common types of Schengen visa are multiple entry visas which allow holders to visit the Schengen area for tourism or to visit friends or family.  The maximum duration of stay is 90 days.

Most non-EEA nationals who want to visit any of the designated countries would apply for a Schengen visa.  However, there are some exceptions – check the website of the embassy/embassies of the country/countries that you wish to travel to in order to find out whether you need a visa before you apply.

The following table shows the list of EEA countries which take part in the Schengen visa scheme.  Switzerland also takes part in the Schengen visa scheme.

Applications should be made to the embassy or consulate (in the UK) of the country that you wish to visit.

If you are planning to visit more than one country, you should apply to:
• the embassy or consulate of the country in which you plan to spend all or most of your time
OR
• the embassy or consulate of the country you will go to first (if you plan to spend about the same amount of time in a number of different countries)

For more information, check the website of the embassy/embassies of the country/countries to which you wish to travel.  Addresses and telephone numbers for some consulates in Edinburgh and Glasgow are given on page 22 of the International Student Handbook.  Throughout the year, International Student Support run workshops on applying for a schengen visa.  Click here for more information on upcoming events.