How to Book a German Schengen Visa Appointment in the UK: Complete Guide (2026)
Do you want to travel to Germany from the UK? Do you require a visa to travel to the Schengen area? If you are a non UK citizen living in the UK, then you must apply for a German Schengen visa before you travel. One of the most important steps in this process is booking the visa appointment correctly. The rest of the application process cannot move forward without a confirmed appointment. This guide explains everything there is to know about booking a German Schengen visa appointment in the UK, including essential details about who is eligible to book an appointment, applicant guidance documentation, costs associated with an appointment, time frames for Schengen visa appointments, along with tips from experts on how to obtain an appointment in a timely manner.
What is a German schengen visa?
With a Schengen Visa, travellers are able to visit Germany and travel to other Schengen countries, for 90 days out of a 180 day timeframe. This visa is usually granted for tourism, visiting family members, attending business meetings, taking short courses, or for other events. If the country you are traveling to the most is Germany, you have to apply to the German authorities. However, if you are entering Germany first, but are not staying there the longest, you have to apply to the country you’re staying the longest. It is necessary to know what type of visa you need before you set the appointment because most short term travelers apply for the Schengen Type C visa.
Who has to apply from the UK?
If you are legally living in the UK and have a visa or permit for the UK, and Germany is the main country you are traveling to in the Schengen countries, you must apply for a German Schengen visa from the UK. British passport holders do not need a visa for stays of less than 90 days. However, residents in the UK passport holders from countries that require a Schengen visa must do the whole process.
Booking appointments: When is best?
You can apply for a Schengen visa as early as six months before you want to travel to Europe, but you want to make sure you get travel appointments as close to the travel date as possible. For example, if you thought you were traveling during the most popular travel season (which is usually the summer holiday, the Christmas holiday, and the Easter holidays), then, you would want to take an appointment as close to the travel date as possible (preferably two months to a travel date.) If you wait to book your appointment(s), you could get less & less appointment(s) and then, your travel plans could be messed up.
Booking appointments: Where is best?
You can apply for a German Schengen visa in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Each of these cities has approved visa processing centers for German Schengen visas. The center that you choose to go to is determined by where you live. For example, if you live in Scotland, you only go to Edinburgh. If you live in England and Wales, your center is either Manchester or London depending on your location. Choose the correct center when booking your appointment(s) because if you choose the wrong center(s), you could get delays and your visa(s) could be denied.
How to book your appointment
Step 1: Fill out the form
Complete the German visa application and submit it online, as you cannot schedule an appointment without doing this, and remember to print the application including the bar code pages before your appointment as you will need these.
Step 2: Register on the visa application centre website
Once you have your application form, go to the visa application centre website for German visa application processing, and set up an account using your email and password. Once logged in, click the short stay Schengen visa option.
Step 3: Choose your visa centre and appointment
Based on where you reside in the UK, pick a visa centre, and you will see the dates and times that are available for appointments. If your preferred appointment date/time is unavailable, keep checking because appointments open up as people cancel and reschedule. When you find a date and time that work for you, book it asap. You will get an email with the details for your appointment.
Step 4: Pay the visa fee
Payment can be done at the appointment center. As of 2023, Visa fees for adults are generally 90 Euros. The fees for children vary based on which age group they fall into. Visa fees can be paid in British pounds at the center. The receipt is for your records, so be sure to attach it to your records.
Documents needed for the appointment
Having a full set of documents is needed for a successful application.
- Completed application: It must be printed and signed.
- Passport: Must be valid and issued in the last 10 years. Must have at least 2 blank pages.
- UK residence permit: It must be valid for a minimum of three months beyond your return date.
- 2 Passport photos: These are a recent biometric set.
- Documents: A travel itinerary (along with a return flight reservation) and proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Insurance: This must cover at least 30,000 Euros.
- Bank statements: These must cover the last three months.
- Employment: Provide proof or documentation that supports your position.
- Business: Provide proof of ownership or relevant documentation.
- Family and Friends: If you are visiting, you need an invitation letter.
Visa refusals are often attributed to a lack of documentation, so be sure you have everything.
Visa processing time
For a German Schengen visa, standard processing time is about 15 calendar days. However, during peak travel seasons and if more documents are needed, it may take more time. Until your visa is approved and you have received it, it is best not to make any travel plans that cannot be changed.
Common reasons for visa refusal
Visa refusals usually occur due to:
- Missing documents
- Missing travel insurance
- Unclear travel purpose
- Unsufficient proof of the purpose of the trip
- Unsufficient proof of the intention to return
Documents that demonstrate strong ties to the UK increases the chances of getting the visa approved.
What will happen at the appointment?
On the date of your appointment, arrive at least 15 minutes early to the center. This is where the appointment will be held. Remember to bring all of your original documents, and be sure to bring photocopies of all of them.
The following will happen at your appointment:
- Three things will happen. You will: have your biometric data (this will include your fingerprints, and a photo) collected for the purpose of the application and your documents will be reviewed.
- You may be asked some simple questions about your trip.
- You will need to pay the visa fee if you did not pay it before.
Typically, the whole process takes about 20 to 40 minutes.
How to track your application
Once you submit your application, a tracking number will be provided to you, which you can use to check the status of your application. You will be notified when a decision is made, and if you selected that option, your passport will be sent to you by courier.
Tips to get faster appointment
Try the following tips if it has been difficult to book an appointment: Try to book in the morning and in the evening as appointment slots change frequently in these time frames. If you can, book in another location. Do not book with unofficial appointment agencies and book with the appointment system directly. To have a stress free appointment, book in advanced.
Final thoughts
Booking a German Schengen visa appointment in the UK can be simple. With the right documents and a well thought out plan, the appointment can be simple. The most important part of the appointment is having all of the documents booked. Make sure you have everything in order before the appointment. The sooner you book the appointment, the more likely you will be able to enjoy your trip to Germany with out the stress it takes to plan a trip in the Schengen.