A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel freely across 27 European countries that form the Schengen Area. With a single visa, you can visit multiple countries for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or cultural events — all without going through additional border checks between member states.
The Schengen visa operates on a 90/180-day rule: you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This means careful planning is essential, especially for frequent travellers. IAUK Manchester helps you navigate the application process, ensuring your documentation meets the strict standards required by European consulates.
The 90/180-day rule is the most important restriction for Schengen visa holders:
Tip: Use online Schengen calculators to track your remaining days. We can help you plan multiple trips to maximise your time in Europe within the rules.
Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date, with 2 blank pages
Accurately filled Schengen visa application form for the relevant country
Minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation across all Schengen states
Hotel bookings, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter from a host in Europe
Round-trip flight bookings showing entry and exit from the Schengen Area
Bank statements (3-6 months), payslips, or sponsorship letter showing sufficient funds
Employer letter confirming leave, or university enrolment letter
Recent biometric photos meeting ICAO standards (35mm x 45mm, white background)
Ensure your policy covers a minimum of €30,000 across all Schengen states for the full duration of your trip.
Provide 3-6 months of bank statements with consistent income and a balance sufficient to cover your stay.
Show employment contracts, property ownership, family responsibilities, or business interests that guarantee your return.
Double-check all dates, names, and details match across your application form, passport, and supporting documents.
You can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined. This is calculated on a rolling basis, not per trip.
The Schengen Area includes 27 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
No. A single Schengen visa allows you to travel freely across all 27 member countries. You apply at the embassy or consulate of the country that is your main destination or first point of entry.
You can apply up to 6 months before your planned trip and no later than 15 calendar days before departure. We recommend applying at least 4-6 weeks in advance to allow for processing time.
Common refusal reasons include: insufficient travel insurance, inadequate proof of funds, no evidence of ties to your home country, incomplete documentation, and inconsistent travel itinerary. Our advisers help you avoid all these pitfalls.
Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons. You cannot extend a Schengen visa simply because you want to stay longer.
Let our advisers handle your Schengen visa application from start to finish.
