UK & Schengen Visa Applications: Requirements, Fees & Processing Times (2026)
How to make a UK visa application and meet Schengen visa requirements in 2026 — fees, documents, the UK student visa process, processing times and refusal reasons, for any nationality.
Quick answer: A UK visa application is made online and decided on your documents, with biometrics given at a visa application centre; a Standard Visitor visa starts at £135 and most decisions come within 3 weeks. Schengen visa requirements include a €90 fee, travel medical insurance of at least €30,000, and proof you'll leave within 90 days; the standard decision time is 15 days (up to 45). Neither covers the other — a UK visa is not valid for Europe, and vice versa.
This guide covers both routes for applicants of any nationality: fees, documents, the student visa process, and processing times.
General guidance only, not legal advice, and not a guarantee of approval. Confirm current rules on the official source before applying.
How do I apply for a UK visa?
The UK visa application is fully online, followed by biometrics (fingerprints + photo) at a visa application centre in your country. The two routes most travelers use:
| Route | Application fee (2026) | Key extra costs |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor (up to 6 months) | from £135 | Travel insurance; optional priority service |
| Student (over 6 months) | £558 | Immigration Health Surcharge (~£776/year) + TB test if required |
Steps: create an account on the UK government site → complete the online form → pay the fee (and IHS for long stays) → book and attend your biometrics appointment → upload documents → wait for the decision.
Documents: valid passport and photo; bank statements showing stable funds; proof of accommodation and travel plans; evidence of ties to your home country; and certified English translations of any non-English documents. If you live in a country on the UK's TB-test list, you need a TB certificate for stays over 6 months (not for a standard 6-month visitor visa).
The UK student visa process
For a UK Student visa: get your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the university, show maintenance funds held for a 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before you apply, complete the TB test if your country requires it, pay the fee and IHS, then give biometrics. This same document-plus-CAS pattern is the core process for student visa applications to the UK.
What are the Schengen visa requirements?
A Schengen visa (Type C, short-stay) lets you visit the 29-country Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You apply to the consulate — or its outsourced centre — of your main destination (or first point of entry if your time is split evenly).
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee | €90 (adult); €45 (children 6–11) |
| Travel medical insurance | Minimum €30,000, valid Schengen-wide |
| Stay | Up to 90 days per 180 |
| Proof of funds | Enough for your stay at the destination's daily rate |
| Documents | Passport, photos, form, insurance, bank statements, full-stay accommodation, round-trip reservation, cover letter, ties evidence |
Schengen visa vs ETIAS: if your nationality is visa-exempt, you won't apply for a Schengen visa at all — from late 2026 you'll instead need ETIAS, a cheaper online travel authorization. If your nationality is not visa-exempt, ETIAS does not apply and you apply for the standard Schengen visa. (See our Schengen visa vs e-visa explainer.)
UK & Schengen visa processing times
| Route | Typical processing time (2026) |
|---|---|
| UK Standard Visitor | ~3 weeks (90% within 3 weeks; ~100% within 12) |
| UK Student | ~3 weeks after biometrics |
| Schengen (standard) | 15 calendar days, up to 45 if extra checks |
| Schengen (peak summer, some consulates) | 4–8 weeks — apply early |
Always check the live processing time for your specific consulate or visa centre, and apply well ahead of travel.
UK vs Schengen: which applies to you?
They are separate systems with separate visas. Add up your trip: the UK requires the TB test for long stays but no €30,000 insurance rule; Schengen requires the insurance but no TB test. If your trip includes both the UK and Europe, you'll need both visas.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a UK visa application in 2026? A Standard Visitor visa starts at £135; a Student visa is £558 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (~£776/year) and, where required, a TB test.
What are the main Schengen visa requirements? A €90 fee, travel medical insurance of at least €30,000, proof of funds, confirmed accommodation and return travel, and evidence you'll leave within 90 days — applied for at your main destination's consulate.
How long does a Schengen visa take? The standard decision time is 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 if additional checks are needed; some consulates take longer in summer.
Do I need a Schengen visa or ETIAS? Visa-exempt nationalities will use ETIAS (from late 2026); everyone else applies for the Schengen visa. ETIAS is not a visa.
See the full document list in our visa documentation checklist, compare US & Canada applications, then run a free VisaCheck check for your exact UK or Schengen route.
Last updated 25 June 2026.