Many Indian travelers envision a grand European tour, often including both the United Kingdom and the Schengen Area. A common question that arises is: Can I apply for UK and Schengen visa together from India? The straightforward answer is no, not simultaneously in a single application process. The UK operates its own independent visa system, separate from the Schengen Area, meaning you must apply for each visa individually. This article will detail the nuances of applying for both, including specific considerations for business visas.
Understanding the Separate Visa Regimes
The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) is not part of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries that have abolished passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. Therefore, when planning a trip that includes both, Indian citizens need two distinct visas:
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A UK visa: Issued by the UK Home Office, applied through VFS Global or directly online.
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A Schengen visa: Issued by one of the Schengen member states, applied through their respective embassies/consulates or their authorized visa application centers (VFS Global is often involved here too).
Since both visa applications typically require the submission of your original passport for stamping, it is practically impossible to apply for them simultaneously. You cannot submit your single original passport to two different visa processing centers at the same time.
The Strategy: Which Visa to Apply for First?
Given that simultaneous application is not feasible, the optimal strategy for Indian citizens is to apply for the visas sequentially. The common recommendation is to apply for the UK visa first, then the Schengen visa. Here's why:
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Passport Requirement: Once your UK visa application is submitted, your passport will be held by the UK visa authorities until a decision is made and the visa is stamped. Only after you receive your passport back with the UK visa can you then submit it for your Schengen visa application.
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Increased Chances for Schengen: Anecdotal evidence suggests that having a valid UK visa already stamped in your passport can sometimes enhance your credibility when applying for a Schengen visa, as it demonstrates a history of successful international travel and adherence to visa regulations.
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Flexibility in Itinerary: Planning your itinerary to enter the UK first, then proceed to the Schengen Area, and potentially return to the UK before heading back to India, makes logistical sense and aligns with the sequential visa application.
Detailed Requirements for UK Visa (Standard Visitor Visa - including Business) for Indian Citizens:
The UK Standard Visitor Visa covers various short-term purposes, including tourism, visiting family/friends, and business activities.
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Online Application Form: Complete the application form online via the official UK government website (GOV.UK).
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Valid Passport: Original passport with at least six months' validity remaining and at least two blank pages. All previous passports, especially those with past travel history.
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Recent Photographs: Two recent (within 6 months) passport-sized color photographs (35mm x 45mm), white background.
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Proof of Funds: Bank statements for the last six months (stamped by the bank), salary slips (last three months for employed), Income Tax Returns (last three years). This demonstrates sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses without working.
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Accommodation Details: Hotel bookings, or an invitation letter from a UK host with their proof of address.
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Flight Itinerary: Round-trip flight reservations.
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Cover Letter: A detailed personal cover letter explaining your purpose of visit, itinerary, and confirming your intent to return to India.
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Employment/Business Proof:
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For Employed: Letter from employer granting leave, stating your position, salary, and date of joining.
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For Self-Employed: Business registration documents, company bank statements (last 6 months), and company ITRs (last 3 years).
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Business Specific Documents (for UK Business Visitor Visa):
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Invitation letter from the UK host company detailing the purpose of the visit, dates, and activities (e.g., meetings, conferences, training).
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Letter from your Indian company confirming your employment, reason for visit, and guaranteeing your return.
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Proof of business relationship (e.g., previous correspondence, contracts).
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Biometrics: Mandatory submission of fingerprints and a digital photograph at a VFS Global UK Visa Application Centre (VAC).
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Visa Fees: Payment of the applicable visa fee online. Standard Visitor Visa processing typically takes 3 weeks, but priority services are available for an extra fee.
Detailed Requirements for Schengen Visa (Short-Stay C-Type - including Business) for Indian Citizens:
The Schengen visa application is submitted to the embassy/consulate of the country where you will spend the most time, or your first point of entry if you are spending equal time in multiple Schengen countries.
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Online Application Form: Duly filled and signed application form, usually generated from the respective embassy's/VFS Global's website.
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Valid Passport: Original passport (with the UK visa already stamped, if applicable) valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area, issued within the last 10 years, and with at least two blank pages. Old passports are also required.
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Recent Photographs: Two recent (within 6 months) passport-sized color photographs (35x45mm), white background, meeting Schengen photo specifications.
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Travel Medical Insurance: Mandatory travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation, valid across the entire Schengen Area.
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Proof of Funds: Personal bank statements (last three-six months, stamped by bank), salary slips, ITRs, credit card statements.
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Accommodation Proof: Confirmed hotel bookings for the entire stay in the Schengen Area.
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Flight Itinerary: Confirmed round-trip flight bookings, including internal travel within the Schengen Area if applicable.
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Cover Letter: A detailed cover letter explaining your travel purpose, itinerary (listing all Schengen countries and dates), and confirming your return to India.
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Employment/Business Proof:
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For Employed: Letter from employer granting leave, stating your position, salary, and date of joining.
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For Self-Employed: Business registration documents, company bank statements, company ITRs.
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Business Specific Documents (for Schengen Business Visa):
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Original invitation letter from the inviting company in the Schengen country on their official letterhead, stating the purpose of the visit, exact dates, and who covers expenses.
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Letter from your Indian company, confirming your employment, purpose of visit, and guaranteeing your return.
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Proof of trade relations (e.g., correspondence, contracts, invoices).
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Conference/Trade Fair tickets or registration if applicable.
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Biometrics: Mandatory for all applicants aged 12 and above. Fingerprints taken previously (within 59 months) might exempt you from re-submission, but this varies by consulate.
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Visa Fees: Payment of the standard Schengen visa fee. Processing time is usually 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30 or even 60 days in complex cases.
Specific Considerations for Business Visas
Both the UK and Schengen business visas are generally short-stay visas. They permit activities like attending meetings, conferences, training, or negotiations. They do NOT permit taking up employment or receiving a salary from an entity in the UK or Schengen Area. If your purpose of travel is employment, a different visa category (e.g., UK Tier 2 Work Visa, Schengen National Visa/Work Permit) would be required, which involves a much more extensive process, often starting with sponsorship from an employer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to can I apply for UK and Schengen visa together from India is a definitive no, due to separate visa regimes and the need for your original passport for each application. The strategic approach involves applying for the UK visa first, waiting for its return, and then proceeding with the Schengen visa application. Both processes demand meticulous documentation, especially for business visas, which require strong supporting letters from both the Indian and the inviting UK/Schengen entities. Always consult the official websites of the UK government and the respective Schengen country's embassy/consulate or their authorized visa application centers for the most up-to-date and accurate requirements.
