How to get a Schengen visa appointment in the UK (2026 guide for Indian passport holders)

Who needs a Schengen visa from the UK?

GOV.UK states that British citizens do not need a visa for short trips to the EU/Schengen area of 90 days or less in a 180-day period for tourism and certain other purposes.¹ Indian passport holders are not covered by that British-citizen exemption. In practice, if your travel document is an Indian passport, you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa even if you live in the UK with a work, study or settlement permission.

Always check the entry rules of your destination country as well as the Visa Code rules summarised below. Ireland is not part of the Schengen area and runs a separate visitor-visa system — see our Ireland page.

Which country should you apply to?

Under the EU Visa Code, you lodge the application with the Member State that is the main destination of the journey. Where stays are of equal length, you apply to the country of first entry into the Schengen area.² Choosing a country only because appointments look easier is a poor strategy: applications lodged with the wrong competent authority can be refused or redirected.

Once a uniform Schengen visa is issued, it can generally be used for travel within the Schengen area for the authorised stay — but the application itself must still go to the competent state.

Explore destination pages on this site for process notes and package options:

When can you book and lodge?

The Visa Code says applications shall be lodged no more than six months before the start of the intended visit and, as a rule, no later than 15 calendar days before travel (urgent cases may be allowed later).³ Applicants may be required to obtain an appointment; as a rule the appointment should take place within two weeks of the request, though real-world waiting times vary by country and season.³

France-Visas likewise notes that UK residents may submit a French visa application up to 180 days before travel and advises allowing processing time.⁴

How UK appointments are usually booked

Most Schengen states use an external service provider in the UK to collect applications (for example TLScontact, VFS Global or BLS International). The provider books the slot, takes biometrics and documents, and returns the passport — it does not decide the visa. Member States remain responsible for examining and deciding applications.²

There is no single “Schengen appointment” website for every country. You must use the official channel published by the destination state (or its appointed provider). Beware of third-party resellers claiming exclusive slots; France-Visas explicitly warns that TLScontact is the only external provider authorised for France in the UK.⁴

France and Germany: TLScontact examples

France

For France, complete the form on France-Visas, then book via TLScontact. UK residents can use TLScontact centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh (no separate consular area for centre choice).⁴ France-Visas states appointments are booked only via TLScontact and that a service fee applies when booking; visa decisions are taken by the French Consulate General in London.⁴

Germany

German Missions in the UK confirm that certain categories are lodged at TLScontact centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, and that applications are accepted from UK residents (including BRP holders and short-term study visa holders).⁵ From 1 June 2026 the German Embassy states it will use a waiting list through TLScontact in London and Manchester because appointment demand exceeds capacity, with the aim of fairer access and reducing fraudulent booking agencies.⁵ Always follow the current instructions on uk.diplo.de before you book.

Proving UK immigration status

Consulates and centres typically ask you to prove you are legally resident in the UK. GOV.UK provides an online eVisa and a share code via “View and prove your immigration status”. A share code lasts 90 days and can be reused until it expires; you can generate a new one when needed.⁶

Generate the share code close to your appointment, bring the status details the centre asks for, and make sure the passport linked in your UKVI account matches the passport you will present. Exact document lists vary by destination — follow that country’s checklist.

Fees and decision times (Visa Code)

As of 11 June 2024 the standard Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6 to below 12, according to the European Commission.⁷ Provider service fees (TLScontact, VFS, BLS and others) are separate and set by each contract — check the amount on the official booking site for your destination on the day you pay.

Under the Visa Code, applications that are admissible should be decided within 15 calendar days, extendable to a maximum of 45 calendar days in individual cases that need further scrutiny.⁸ Passport validity must generally extend at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen area, contain at least two blank pages, and have been issued within the previous 10 years.⁹ Adequate travel medical insurance is also required when applying.²

These are legal timelines and document rules — they are not a promise that your file will be finished in 15 days or that a slot will appear in two weeks.

Practical checklist before you book

1. Confirm the competent country (main destination / first entry).
2. Open only the official government or appointed-provider pages for that country.
3. Complete any required online form (for example France-Visas) before booking.
4. Create the provider account in your own name and email.
5. Prepare proof of UK residence (eVisa share code or other documents the checklist names).⁶
6. Assemble supporting documents for purpose, funds, accommodation and insurance per that country’s list.
7. Budget for the Visa Code fee plus any centre service charge.⁷
8. Allow time for biometrics, courier return of the passport, and the 15–45 day decision window.⁸

You can also run our free eligibility checker for a high-level orientation — it is guidance only, not a decision.