Visiting family or friends in the Schengen Area
If a relative or friend lives in one of the 29 Schengen states and you want to visit them, you will usually need a short-stay (Type C) Schengen visa. It covers stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area, and it is the same category used for tourism and short business trips — only the purpose and supporting documents differ.
The key feature of a visit application is that someone in the Schengen Area is hosting or inviting you. Consulates often want evidence of that relationship and of where you will stay, so the paperwork tends to centre on your host as well as on you.
Who this route suits
This route is generally suitable if you are a UK resident travelling to see family or friends for a short stay and you intend to return to the UK afterwards. It is not designed for long-term stays, study, or work, which fall under different national visa categories.
What we help with
- Confirming the correct consulate for your trip and the visit-visa category to apply for
- Guidance on the invitation letter or proof-of-accommodation document your host may need to provide
- Completing the application form accurately and consistently
- Pre-checking your documents against the consulate’s published checklist
- Booking your embassy, consulate, or visa-centre appointment
- Preparing a clear cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit
What to prepare
Requirements vary by nationality and consulate, but applications of this kind typically involve a valid passport, the completed application form, passport photos, travel and accommodation details, travel insurance, and evidence of funds. For a visit, expect to also provide an invitation or hosting document from your family member or friend, along with proof of their status in the country. Always check the official consulate or visa-centre website for the exact, current checklist.
A common pitfall is an invitation letter that is missing the host’s details, immigration status, or signature — small gaps that can delay a decision. We help you spot and fix these before you submit.
Applying with a formal invitation
An “invitation-based” application is not a separate visa type — it is the same short-stay (Type C) application where the purpose of your trip is supported by a written invitation. The invitation might come from a family member or friend, a company you are visiting on business, or an organisation hosting an event, training, or conference. It sits alongside your other supporting documents to help the consulate understand why you are travelling; it does not replace the other requirements or decide the outcome.
Invitations typically state the host’s details, your relationship or business purpose, the dates of the visit, and accommodation or cost arrangements — but the exact format, and whether any official endorsement is needed, varies by country and consulate. If your host is abroad, we work with you in the UK to assemble and check the documents on your side and explain what the consulate expects from your host, so the invitation aligns with the rest of your application.
To browse requirements by country, see the Schengen visa hub. When you are ready, contact us to start your application.