Difference between Schengen & USA visa appointment from the UK

• February 11, 2025

Navigating the visa application process can be a complicated process, especially when applying for Schengen countries or America. If you are a UK traveler and planning to travel either to the USA or Schengen area, understanding everything about their visa procedures and differences is important. While both these visas are key to hassle-free travel in these countries, still knowing about them is the foremost thing. This blog explores everything about these Visa appointment from the UK and their key differences. So fret not and keep reading! 

Everything about Schengen visa and USA visa & their differentiation

This guide has covered everything from an overview to the visa appointment process. Keep reading and know the difference!    

Overview of USA Visa and Schengen Visa

USA Visa – The USA visa is required by non-US citizens who are willing to visit the U.S. There are several types of visas available in this country, including tourist visas, business visas, and more. The USA visa is a permit that allows one to work, tour, conduct business, or do more activity in this country.   

Schengen Visa – The Schengen visa is a permit that allows the traveler to visit any of the 29 European countries that are part of the Schengen area. This visa allows the visitor to stay for 90 days within a 180-day period (short stay) for business, tourism, or family purposes. 

Visa appointments from the UK: Process

USA Visa – 

Application Submission: To Apply for a US visa online, first fill out the application form. Along with form submission, pay the visa application fee through the portal. 

Booking an Appointment: Once the form is submitted and the fee is paid, our experts will schedule your USA visa appointment from the UK

Documents Required: You will need some documents including passport-sized photos, a valid passport, appointment confirmation, payment receipt, etc. These documents need to be submitted to the visa centre. 

Biometrics: Like the Schengen visa, you are also required to provide biometrics. However, the process is quite different. 

Processing Time: The processing time for a USA visa is a bit longer as compared to a Schengen visa. It can take weeks and even months, depending on the consulate’s workload. 

Schengen Visa – 

Application Submission: To initiate the Schengen visa from the UK, apply through the website for the country you are visiting first or spend most of your time in the Schengen area. 

Booking an Appointment: After submitting the application form, visa experts schedule the Visa appointments from the UK. This is done as per the traveler’s plan and slot availability. 

Documents Required: The mandatory documents include a visa application form, travel insurance, hotel bookings, proof of travel, financial proof, etc.  

Biometrics: Biometrics is a vital part of every visa procedure. Applicants are required to register their biometric details at the visa centre. 

Processing Time: The processing time of a Schengen visa is generally 10-15 working days. However, it is advisable that you should apply at least 3 weeks before your travel plan. 

USA and Schengen Visa Documents Requirement

USA Visa – 

Here are the following common USA visa document requirements that you must meet during your US Visa appointment from the UK:

1. Valid Passport– You must furnish a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months after you come back from the USA. The passport must have been issued to you in the last ten years.
2. DS 160 Confirmation Page – Carry the duly filled DS 160 application confirmation page
3. Photographs–Submit recent passport-sized photographs that meet the guidelines of the US government for the visa process.
4. UK Residence Permit – You are required to submit a valid UK residence permit if you are not holding a UK or an EU passport.
5. Proof of Travel – You must provide proof of travel in the form of return flight tickets along with the travel itinerary.
6. Proof of Accommodations – You must also submit proof of reservation for your stay in a hotel, hostel, or any other kind of accommodation.
7. Travel Insurance – You must get good travel insurance that provides a minimum coverage of $50,000. It should cover medical emergencies during your stay in the US.
8. Proof of Finances – You must furnish proof of your finances in the form of the latest bank statements that will show enough funds to cover your travel to the US and return back to your home country. 
9. For Employed – A copy of your employment letter with date and designation in the company, Last six months’ bank statements, Income Tax Returns (ITR)
10. For Self Employed – A copy of the license of your business, Latest bank statements for the last six months, Income Tax Returns (ITR)
11. For Retiree – Last six months’ pension statement
12. For Students – Enrolment letter in the University or Educational Institution, A No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the University/Educational Institution

Schengen Visa – 

• Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years and valid for more than three months after departure. The passport must have two blank pages!
• BRP (UK residence permit): British resilience permit which must be valid at least one month after the end date of your trip to Schengen country.
• Recent Photograph: Two recent photographs of passport size.
• Accommodation Proof: Confirmed hotel booking, hostel reservation, or rental agreement, showcasing the entire details of your stay in Schengen country.
• Travel medical insurance (mandatory*): Minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 (£26,000) is required for medical emergencies during the stay.
• Travel itinerary & Cover Letter: A letter stating your purpose of visit to Schengen country and the whole travel plan.
• Transportation Proof: Confirmed flight tickets/ Train tickets/ Driving license/ Vehicle registration number.

• Financial statements: Bank statements of the last three months showcasing the sufficient balance during your stay. The general requirement for financial means to obtain a Schengen country visa is to have at least €65 per day.
• Employed: Employment letter + Bank statement of last 6 months + Income tax return + Leave permission from employer
• Self Employed: Copy of Business license + Bank statement of last 6 months + Income tax return + Letter of invitation (From concerned authority In case of Business conference)
• Retired: Pension statement of last 6 months
• Student: Enrollment letter + NOC from the university + Student card
• Business purpose: Invitation letter + Business bank statement + Certificate from the employer + MOA & AOA in original certified copy/ Trade license/ Partnership or Proprietorship documents
• Medical purpose: Medical attestation from doctor or hospital in Schengen area + Medical report + Receipt of medical fees
• Members of the official delegation: Purpose of visit + Official invitation along with identity proof + Duration of stay and place of accommodation
• Film crew/ Cultural/ Religious purpose: Details of crew members + Duration of stay + Invitation letter from concerned authority + Entry tickets of event
• Research/ Studies/ Internship/ Training purpose: Certificate for the courses attended + Enrollment certificate + Financial sustenance
• Transit: Entry permit in transit country + Valid visa for destination country
• Spouse of Schengen country’s citizen: Proof of spouse’s citizenship + Original marriage certificate
• Minor: Birth certificate + Application form + Court order (In case of custody ) + Proof of Parent’s income (Bank statements) + Parental consent (If minor is traveling alone)

Processing Time Of Visa 

USA Visa – For a USA visa, the wait time is a bit longer, especially in major embassies like London. It is generally seen that slots get booked easily and fast. 

Schengen Visa – As compared to a USA visa, the processing time of a Schengen visa after Visa appointments from the UK is generally short. The wait time is typically around two weeks. 

Validity Of Visa 

Schengen Visa – The Schengen visa permits the traveler to short stays within the 27 countries of the Schengen area. This visa is generally valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period and travelers have to leave the country after this period.    

However, the validity period can vary as per the travel plan. For example:

• Single-entry visa: Valid for only a single trip. This means the traveler is permitted to enter the Schengen country only once during this 90-day duration. 
• Multiple-entry visa: Permits the traveler to enter and leave the Schengen country multiple times within this validity period. 

USA visa – Unlike the Schengen visa, the validity system of the USA visa is quite complex due to the range of visa types available. 

The validity period for a USA visa depends on the type of visa issued. For example:

• B-2 Tourist Visa: While B-1 or B-2 visas may be valid for up to 10 years, visitors on B-1 or B-2 will only be permitted to stay in the United States for a maximum of six months. For visits less than 90 days and from a participating country, you might qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. 
• B-1 Business Visa: Similar to the B-2 visa, the B-1 business visa can be issued for multiple entries and might also be valid for up to 10 years, but each stay is generally limited to 6 months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Schengen and USA visa applications are complicated tasks and require careful planning. These visas differ in terms of processing period,  Visa appointments from the UK, validity, documentation, etc. Being a UK resident and traveler to a Schengen country, it is important for you to understand these differences to ensure that your visa procedure is successful and your travel plan goes smoothly without stress. 

Make sure to check the official sites of the embassies for the latest updates and follow the instructions. Streamline your visa process with accurate information and have safe travel!

Frequently Asked Questions