Schengen Visa: visiting Europe
If you are not a European Economic Area national and want to travel
to Europe, you may be required to apply for a Schengen visa before you
travel.
The Schengen Visa Scheme enables non-EEA nationals to obtain one
visa to visit a number of designated countries within the EEA as a
tourist, it allows short stays or visits of up to 3 months in any 6
month period.
-
EEA countries currently participating in the scheme
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
-
Iceland
-
Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
-
Luxembourg
- Malta
-
The Netherlands
-
Norway
- Poland
-
Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
-
Spain
-
Sweden
-
Switzerland
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Evidence of your studies
To apply you will need to supply various documents including
a
Certificate of Registration as proof of your studies.
Tier 4 students
If you would like your visit to take place during your term time you must request this absence is authorised via your myEssex portal. Unauthorised absences have to be reported by
the University to the Home Office and could affect your Tier 4 immigration status and your ability to complete your studies as planned.
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Top tips
- Apply as early as possible as it can take some
time to obtain a Schengen Visa.
- Make sure you have adequate travel and medical insurance
that includes repatriation to your home country.
-
The UK is not a Schengen state so you can not enter the UK
using a
Schengen visa, you must make sure you have a valid UK visa for
re-entry into
the UK if you are planning to return after your trip.
-
You cannot apply if you are in the UK with a type of
visitor visa.
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Information and Advice
Check the website for the country you would like to visit. To find a London based Embassy/Consulate see the London
Diplomatic List on the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
website.
Please read the UKCISA
frequently asked questions
(.pdf) factsheet for more information. If you have any
additional questions you will need to ask the Embassy you are
applying to as the application forms and requirements vary from
country to country.
Due to the regulation of immigration advice and services
in the UK the University is not able to offer further advice or
guidance regarding Schengen visa applications.