Can you enter the UK with a Schengen Visa?

Although it is an EU state member, the UK is not part of the Schengen system. Consequently, if you are a non-EU or EEA national, you cannot enter the UK with a Schengen Visa.

Since the UK has an opt-out from the Schengen policy, border officers can check people coming from the rest of the EU. In other words, not all travelers may be entitled to enter the UK. However, due to EU rules on free movement of people, the UK must admit EU citizens unless they are committing any immigration fraud.

To pass the UK border checks, non-EU nationals need a Standard Visitor Visa. You can submit your application at the British Consulate General of your home country. If you are already travelling abroad, you can still lodge your application with every British consulate in the world.

Before you apply for a national visa, it is worth checking if your home country falls under the list of countries that need a permit for the UK.

Can you get a Schengen Visa and a UK Visa at the same time?

TheSchengen Visa and UK national visas are different permits. Subsequently, you must submit two separate application to the UK embassy in your country and the consulate of your destination in the EU.

If you wish to visit the Schengen Area and the UK as part of the same trip, you can combine the two destinations. You still need to meet the requirements for both permits and have the required number of blank pages on your passport.

If you are travelling and you wish to apply for SchengenVisa in the UK, the process will differ based on your immigration status in the country.

Can you get a Schengen Visa if your UK Visa has been refused (or vice versa)?

Although it is not part of the visa-free area, the UK uses the Schengen Information System to store information about travellers. Under this system, the UK can exchange its records with other countries for the sake of law enforcement and security.

During your Schengen Visa interview, you will be asked about any past visa refusal. Since the UK is not part of the Schengen Zone, if your UK national visa application has been rejected, this will not affect your Visa for Europe decision.

Likewise, you may wish to disclose if your Schengen Visa has been refused at the time of your UK national permit application.

Schengen Visa and the UK: what will happen after Brexit?

A legal binding protocol secures the UK special status within the Schengen Area to the EU Treaties. This was negotiated as part of the Treaty of Amsterdam and cannot be amended without the consent of the British government.

In April 2019, the European Council agreed to grant visa-free condition for a short stay to UK citizens in the case of Brexit. This means that UK nationals would be subject to the 90/180 rules.

The UK could still decide to introduce visa requirements for nationals of Schengen countries. At that point, the EU would apply the mechanism of reciprocity, introducing, in turn, new immigration rules for British citizens.

On the other hand, the EU Commission has confirmed that UK citizens will need to pay an ETIAS fee to visit Europe in the event of Brexit. From 2021, this will add a new requirement for British citizens traveling to the EU, that is completing an online ETIAS application form.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new travel authorization system. It is being developed to improve the security and border control of the EU. When entering this area, applicants are screened using several international security databases.

The ETIAS visa waiver will be valid for 3-year, allowing unlimited entries into the EU for British nationals. It would act as a Schengen Visa for UK residents.

Schengen Visa and the UK: do you need help?

If you are already in the UK, your Schengen Visa application process may differ based on your immigration status.

Since your Schengen visa fee is non-refundable, you want to make sure to submit a successful application. For this reason, it is advisable to seek expert advice.

At IAS, our immigration lawyer can advise you on the best way to get your Schengen Visa based on your immigration status in the UK.

If you are on ILR or a Spouse Visa, we can support you through your application for a Schengen Visa from the UK. We can also help you with your supporting documents and assess your eligibility for a visa to travel to Europe.

If you want to learn more about our immigration services, call us today, or use our online contact form. One of our advisers will be ready to listen to your case.