Schengen visa application peak season(s): when, what to know, official advice

For British travelers planning a European getaway, securing a Schengen visa can sometimes feel like navigating a maze with no map. In the post-Brexit landscape, Brits now need a visa for long-term visits to most countries in the Schengen Area, and the application process can be particularly tricky during peak seasons.

Understanding when to apply, how to prepare, and what the official advice says can make the difference between smooth sailing and last-minute stress. That’s why, at Insurte, we have put together a list of everything British tourists need to know about traveling to the Schengen Area, whether it’s a short trip or a longer one.

When do British tourists need a Schengen visa?

Since leaving the European Union, British citizens are no longer entitled to freedom of movement within the Schengen Area. According to the UK Government’s official travel advice, British tourists do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as long as the visit is for tourism, business, or family purposes.

However, a Schengen visa is required if:

• You plan to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days within any 180-day period. This is a long stay visa (sometimes called a Type D visa or National Visa).
• You intend to work, study, or live in a Schengen country.
• You were previously refused entry and advised to apply for a visa in the future.
• You are traveling with non-British family members who hold passports that do require a visa.

Tourists, visitors or students in the UK can’t apply for a Schengen visa from the UK, except if they hold a British Resident Permit (BRP) or a UK Short Term Student Visa. If they do not hold a British Resident Permit (BRP) or a UK Short Term Student Visa, visa applications should be made in the applicant’s current place of residence, at the visa application center or consulate of their intended destination country.

Additionally, if you’re a legal resident of the UK, but not a citizen, you may need a Schengen visa. For example, Indian citizens who live in the UK but are traveling with an Indian passport must apply for a Schengen visa, no matter how many days they wish to spend in the Schengen zone (whether that’s 5, 105, or anything else). 

When should you apply to avoid busy seasons?

The Schengen visa application process is often busiest during the spring and summer months, particularly from March to August. This coincides with the peak tourist season in Europe, when cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona see an influx of travelers. But, the process can also ramp up in the winter holiday period, from November to February, as many Brits head off to ski resorts or visit Christmas markets across the continent. During these times, embassies and consulates are inundated with applications, which can cause delays in processing; hence why Insurte makes sure travelers are covered every step of the way, wherever they may go.

The Schengen rules suggest applications can be lodged up to six months in advance, according to the European Commission. Waiting until the last minute during busy periods can lead to disappointment, as appointment slots can fill up quickly.

In fact, the French Embassy in the UK advises applicants to apply well in advance, particularly during holiday periods, and notes that a visa application can be submitted up to six months prior to the date of departure, with applicants advised to allow 15 days for processing.

Always check official embassy and visa application center websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements.

What to expect during the Schengen visa application process

When applying for a Schengen visa, British residents will need to submit a range of documents, including a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area, proof of travel insurance, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and evidence of sufficient financial means for the trip. Applications must be submitted through an authorized visa application center (VAC), such as VFS Global, TLScontact or BLS International, or directly to the embassy/consulate of the country that is either your main destination or the country of first entry (depending on the visa you’re applying for. Pay special attention to this to ensure you apply for the right place and don't run into any avoidable hiccups). 

For long stay visas, British residents and citizens will be required to show several documents that vary greatly depending on the type of visa that you need and which specific country you’re applying for. France, for example, has different long-stay visa options and requirements from Spain.

When it comes to filling out an application, it’s important to be meticulous with the paperwork. Missing or incorrect documents can result in a refusal or delay, particularly when embassies and VACs are dealing with high volumes of applications. In fact, consular staff often advise travelers to double-check their forms well in advance. While most VACs and consulates allow for pre-booked appointments, during peak seasons, physical queues at VACs and consulates can also be a hassle, making early online preparation even more critical.

Appointments are mandatory for Schengen visas and slots can fill up quickly.

Navigating applications during the peak season

Apply early: As a general rule, apply for your Schengen visa at least 4-6 weeks before you intend to travel. Given that appointments fill up fast during the busy months, applying earlier gives you a better chance of securing a slot at a time that works for you and avoiding stress.

Choose which country you’re applying for wisely: If you’re applying for a short stay visa, you must pick the country you enter first, even if your travel plans involve visiting multiple countries. If you’re applying for a long-stay visa, you need to apply for the country you will be spending the most time in. Don’t forget to check embassy websites and visa centers (VFS, TLS, BLS, GVCW in the UK) for specific peak season advice and processing times.

• Prepare for longer processing times: While the Schengen visa processing time is typically 15 calendar days, during peak seasons, it can take longer. For long-stay visas, processing times vary.
• Know the visa fee: The Schengen visa fee for a standard short-stay visa is €90 (approximately £77) for adults and €45 (approximately £39) for children ages 6-12. There is no fee for children under the age of 6. Be sure to check your specific consulate for the most up-to-date fee structure.
• Stay flexible: The high volume of applications in the summer or winter means that consular offices can experience delays. If possible, build some flexibility into your travel dates to avoid the stress of last-minute rushes.

The official advice on Schengen visits for British passport holders

The UK Government’s official advice on Schengen visits recommends that British nationals prepare well in advance, particularly during peak travel periods. It also has pointed out that the EU is introducing a new Entry/Exit system in October 2025, which means British nationals will get their fingerprints and photo taken when first entering or leaving the Schengen area. Instead of Schengen visas, British citizens will need to apply for ETIAS to visit any of the 29 countries in the Schengen area once the new policy goes into effect, which hasn't happened quite yet. In fact, officials are warning British citizens to watch out for ETIAS scams.

However, it added that:

the exact date the Entry/Exit system will be introduced has not been confirmed. You do not need to do anything differently now.”

The Schengen Area includes most EU countries, as well as a few non-EU members like Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. The UK Government recommends checking entry requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, as visa and entry policies and rules may vary slightly between member states.

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