International students travel in Europe

Transcription

1 International students travel in Europe Student immigration advisers Student Information Tuesday 12 April 2016

2 Travelling in Europe: what is the Schengen Agreement? A treaty signed near Schengen on 14 June 1985 by five of the ten member states of the then European Economic Community This led to the creation of Europe's borderless Schengen Area Removed all frontier controls and allows permit free movement of persons between the 26 countries now participating

3 WHERE IS SCHENGEN?

4 Which countries form the Schengen area? There are 26 member countries in the Schengen visa scheme: The UK and Ireland are not Schengen territories Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland

5 What is a Schengen visa? A short stay visa allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen area Allows transit through or an intended stay in the territory of the Schengen States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180 day period Issued by an individual Schengen state May be single, dual or multi-entry (referring to entry into Schengen space)

6 Who needs a Schengen visa? Nationals of some countries don t require a Schengen visa: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela Students do need to check

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8 Which country to apply to If only going to one country apply through the embassy of that country Visiting more than one country during trip? apply to country where most time will be spent If spending equal amounts of time in more than one country apply to country being visited first When to apply At least 15 days but no more than 3 months before start of trip

9 How to apply for a Schengen visa Locate the appropriate embassy website, avoiding look-alike agency websites. Complete the application form. Although the Schengen application form is standardized the practicalities vary; follow instructions for application country Collect supporting documents: Proof of travel, hotel/accommodation, finances, enrolment Make an appointment either with embassy or partner agency eg TLS or VFS

10 General requirements Passport: normally must have been issued within last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months beyond return date to the UK, must have blank page on both sides UK visa: student visa must be valid for at least 3 months beyond return date to the UK Finances, insurance, evidence of student status, evidence of purpose of trip (see documentary requirements)

11 Application package check specifics for country Completed application form Passport Photos Evidence of finances: eg recent bank statements covering 3 months, 90 euros for each day of trip Travel insurance policy document. Must include medical cover to euros minimum + repatriation Evidence of purpose of trip eg conference invite letter from friend

12 Additional documentation Evidence of student status Accommodation bookings Travel bookings

13 How you can help? If a group trip to Europe is planned ensure that any students who need a Schengen visa are identified at an early stage, perhaps even before arrival in UK Be prepared to write a letter confirming enrolment and term dates Stamp an enrolment certificate where this is acceptable evidence Guide students to our webpage:

14 QUESTIONS?