Description
All customers, including children and infants, are required to personally submit their Schengen visa applications on their scheduled appointment date.
To determine if a Schengen visa is necessary for travel to the Schengen Area, non-EU citizens can click on “Do I need a visa?“ Please note that holders of UK Travel Documents issued under the directives of the United Nations Convention on 28 July 1951 (blue covered travel document) and Convention on 28 September 1954 (red covered travel document) will require a visa to enter Sweden.
For customers traveling for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conducting business deals, recruiting, training, or engaging in other work-related activities, they can apply for a business visa. A confirmation invitation letter from a business or company based in Sweden is required for the application.
Every business visa application must be accompanied by an invitation letter from a business or company based in Sweden. Failure to provide this letter will result in the customer being required to apply for a tourist visa instead.
Furthermore, individuals attending conferences, seminars, or workshops have the option to apply for a business visa under the following circumstances:
- Employees who are attending a conference, seminar, or workshop organized by their own company or a company directly affiliated with their employer.
- Employees who will actively participate in a conference, seminar, or workshop.
- Students who are attending a conference, seminar, or workshop related to their studies.
It is essential that the employer’s letter clearly states the purpose of attending the conference, seminar, or workshop. Failure to provide this information will result in the customer being required to apply for a tourist visa.
We understand the importance of these requirements in ensuring the appropriate visa is granted to each individual. By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure a smooth and efficient visa application process.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application, customers must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a valid passport or travel document.
- Hold a valid UK residence permit. If the customer holds a short stay visa for the UK (C type visa), they may still apply for a Schengen visa if they are unable to apply from their country of residence due to having left that country more than 6 months ago.
- Apply for a short stay visa under one of the following categories: Tourist (including Minors), Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or Airport Transit.
Documents Required
The following list of documents is not exhaustive, and the Mission reserves the right to request additional information or documents from the customer if necessary.
Both the standard and supporting documentation must be recent, no older than one month, and are mandatory for every Schengen visa application.
Customers are required to bring and present their original documents, but only need to submit photocopies unless otherwise specified in the requirements.
Before gathering the necessary documents listed below, applicants are advised to carefully review the requirements outlined in the Overview section to ensure eligibility for the chosen visa category.
- STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION
- Visa application form (original) signed by both biological parents/legal guardians.
- Appendix: Family details signed by both biological parents/legal guardians.
Every visa applicant must complete the online form and Appendix, then print and sign them accordingly.
- Original Passport and Photocopy.
The passport must be signed and have at least two blank pages for visa purposes. It must also be valid for a minimum of 90 days (about 3 months) beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area. Additionally, the passport must have been issued within the last 10 years on the day of departure from the Schengen Area.
An extended passport may still be valid, but if the passport was issued more than 10 years ago, it is no longer acceptable to travel to the Schengen Area on the return date of the trip. In this case, the customer must first apply for a new passport.
For travelers with a UK Residence permit, it must be valid for at least one month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area. If the minor is unable to apply for a visa from their country of residence because they have already left and have been residing in the UK for more than 6 consecutive months, a C type visitor visa is acceptable.
Minors under the age of 12 years must provide an original photograph when applying for any visa category.
In addition to the above requirements, every minor must also provide the following documents as part of the Standard Documentation:
– Original and photocopy of their birth certificate.
– An unabridged birth certificate that shows the names of their biological parents. If the birth certificate is not in English or Swedish, a certified translator in the UK must provide a translation.
Consent of Both Parents/Legal Guardians
In order for a minor to travel, it is necessary to obtain written consent from both biological parents/legal guardians. This consent must be signed and dated.
Parents’ Passports
A copy of the bio page and signature page (if different from the bio page) of the parents’ passports is required.
Proof of Sole Custody
If the minor is under the care of a single parent, proof of sole custody must be provided. This is necessary in cases where the parents have divorced or if one of the parents has passed away. The proof can be demonstrated through a court/residence order (original document to be presented) or a certificate (original document to be presented).
Supporting Documentation for Schengen Visa Application
If the minor is applying for a tourist/visitor family & friends/airport transit visa, the following supporting documents are required:
Proof of Current Occupation
A letter from the student’s school/college/university in the UK is required. This letter should be recent (less than 1 month old), signed, and addressed to the Mission. It should also include the name and position of the signee, as well as confirmation of the minor’s enrollment.
Proof of Funds
One parent must provide the following:
- The latest 3 months’ UK current account bank statements, which should show the parent’s name, address, and an end balance dated within the last month of the visa application submission date. The balance should reflect a minimum amount of £40.00 per day of stay in the Schengen Area, in addition to outstanding accommodation and travel fees.
- Travellers’ cheques that cover the same amount as explained in point a.
Accommodation provided by family or friends in Sweden:
- To ensure a smooth process, customers must provide the host’s recent cover letter, which should not be older than one month. The cover letter should be original, signed, and dated, confirming the travel period and address of stay. Additionally, customers need to include a copy of the host’s passport’s bio page and signature page (if different from the bio page), along with the host’s permit of stay in Sweden if the host is a non-EU citizen.
Alternatively, customers have the option to submit an original formal invitation letter obtained from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket, see here) by the host in Sweden.
- Furthermore, the host in Sweden must provide a Personsbevis obtained from the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket, see here).
Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance):
The travel insurance must clearly display the minor’s name and be valid throughout the entire territory of the Schengen Area. It should cover the entire duration of the minor’s intended stay in the Schengen Area. The minimum coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation (including a clause for such cases) must be €30,000.
In order to ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience, it is imperative that customers adhere to these requirements. By providing the necessary documentation and insurance coverage, we can ensure the safety and well-being of the minors during their stay in Sweden.
If a minor is applying as a family member of an EEA/EU or Swiss national, the following documents are necessary:
- EEA/EU and Swiss national’s passport or ID card (original document must be presented).
- Proof of relation to the EEA/EU and Swiss national: a birth certificate (original document must be presented along with a photocopy). If the birth certificate was issued outside the EU and is not in English or Swedish, it must be translated by a certified translator in the UK.
Additionally, if the minor is dependent on a British National, transport documentation is also required.
Photo Specification
Please ensure that you include a recent color photograph of yourself, taken within the last six months, adhering to the following specifications:
- Background: The photograph should be taken against a plain light background, preferably white or off-white. This will ensure that your features are clearly distinguishable and stand out against the background.
- Clarity: The photograph must be of high quality, with your face in sharp focus. This will enable us to accurately verify your identity.
- Facial expression: Please maintain a non-smiling expression in the photograph. Additionally, avoid wearing sunglasses, hats, caps, or any head covering, unless it is worn due to religious beliefs or ethnic background.
- Printing: The photograph should be printed on regular photographic paper, as obtained from a camera print. This will ensure that the image is clear and of suitable quality.
- Attachment: Please securely attach (glue) the photograph to the Visa Application Form.
In the event that the submitted photographs fail to meet these requirements, the visa application will be considered incomplete. In such cases, the applicant will be requested to obtain new photographs from the photo booth available at the visa application center.
Processing time
Every customer has the opportunity to submit their Schengen visa application up to six months prior to their intended travel date to the Schengen Area.
On October 7, 2021, the European Commission made the decision to temporarily suspend certain provisions of the Visa Code for citizens of Gambia. Starting from November 1, citizens of Gambia will no longer be exempt from any document requirements. The application process will now take 45 days instead of the previous 15 days. Additionally, diplomats or holders of service passports will not be exempt from the application fee, and multiple entry visas will not be granted.
It is important for customers to note that the minimum processing time for a visa application is 15 days. Therefore, it is advised to allow sufficient time between the appointment date and the intended travel date for the Mission to process the visa application. However, it is important to understand that delays may occur, and there can be no guarantees regarding the actual return date of the visa application.
For certain nationalities (please refer to the provided list), the visa application requires consultation from other Schengen countries, which may result in a longer processing time.
To avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is crucial that the application is complete and all submitted documents adhere to the Mission’s requirements (please refer to the “Documents Required” section for the different visa categories).
Customers should also be aware that during busy seasons such as Easter, summer holidays (July and August), and Christmas, appointment slots fill up quickly. The Mission processes a fixed number of visa applications on a daily basis, so it is advisable to book appointments well in advance.
We strive to provide a professional and efficient visa application process, and we appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the guidelines and requirements outlined above. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
In addition, it is important for customers to take into account that the closures and holidays of Mission (please refer to the Public Holidays/Closures section) may result in longer visa application processing times.
Therefore, we highly recommends the following to all customers:
- Make an appointment as soon as travel plans are confirmed.
- Ensure that all visa application documentation meets the requirements set by the Mission.
- Allow sufficient processing time for the Mission.
For customers submitting their visa application at our satellite centre in Edinburgh, it is necessary to add an additional two days to the minimum processing time. This is because the visa application will initially be sent to the London office, and then forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.
Throughout the visa application process, the Mission may request additional information or documents, or even invite customers for an interview. It is important to note that these requests may cause delays in the visa process, and customers are responsible for any resulting consequences
Downloads
You may access and download all the relevant forms from this location.
Sample Visa Form Word: Sample vis -Schengen-WORD.docx
Sample Visa Form PDF: Sample vis -Schengen-WORD.pdf
Online Application form: Online Application Form
Minors: Checklist
Free Consultation
In order to begin your visa application process, we respectfully request that you complete the enclosed sample form (available in either PDF or Word format) in its entirety. If at any point you are unsure about any of the information required, please leave it blank. Once the form is complete, please submit it to us, along with a copy of your passport and BRP card/UK residency documentation, as well as any past Schengen visas that you may have previously obtained.
Please send the required documents via email to sales@globalvisaagent.co.uk.
Upon receipt of these documents, we will arrange a free consultation call to further discuss your application and take the necessary next steps. For any additional inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at +442035001580.
We place utmost importance on data privacy and protection, ensuring that all your personal information is handled, stored, and deleted in strict accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy. You can have complete peace of mind knowing that your data is safeguarded with the highest level of security measures.
