TL;DR
To get a Denmark Schengen visa from the UK you first apply and pay on the Danish ApplyVisa portal, then book a VFS Global appointment (London, Manchester or Edinburgh) to submit documents and give biometrics. Apply early — Denmark can reject applications that reach the embassy fewer than 15 days before travel.
| Denmark Schengen visa (from the UK) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| UK visa application centre | VFS Global |
| Application cities | London, Manchester, Edinburgh |
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days (up to 45) |
| Official portal | Denmark visa info ↗ |
How to apply
- Complete ApplyVisa and pay the fee via the Danish visa guide for UK applicants, then print your cover letter and payment receipt.
- Book a VFS Global appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh (allow up to 24 hours after finishing ApplyVisa before booking).
- Prepare your documents — see the full Schengen document checklist.
- Attend your appointment to give biometrics (fingerprints + photo) and submit.
- Wait for the decision — 15 calendar days once complete, up to 45, plus VFS-to-embassy transit.
The two-step process and the 15-day rule
Denmark uses a clear two-step flow: you do the form and payment yourself on ApplyVisa, then take the printout to VFS Global for biometrics and submission. Two things catch UK applicants out. First, transport time between VFS and the embassy is not counted in the 15-day processing window — London adds about a day each way, Manchester and Edinburgh about two. Second, and most important, if your application reaches the embassy fewer than 15 calendar days before your travel date, it can be deemed inadmissible and returned unprocessed (with the fee refunded). Build in a generous buffer and apply as early as you can — up to 6 months ahead.
When to apply to Denmark
Apply to Denmark only if it's your main destination — where you'll spend the most nights — or your first point of entry if your trip is evenly split (see which country to apply to). A Copenhagen city break makes Denmark the country to apply to. If you'll spend more nights in another Schengen country, apply there instead.
What you'll need
The standard Schengen document set: a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond your trip, the ApplyVisa cover letter, a recent photo, proof of UK residence, confirmed travel and accommodation bookings, an itinerary, recent bank statements, €30,000+ travel insurance, and strong evidence you'll return to the UK — the leading reason these applications are refused for UK-resident non-EU nationals.
Assemble it cleanly
- Checklist generator — your tailored document list
- Bundler and Compressor — assemble and size your file
Want a human to check it before your VFS appointment? See the done-for-you Schengen service. For the overview, see the Schengen visa from the UK hub.
Sources
Common questions
- 01
How do I apply for a Denmark Schengen visa from the UK?
You first complete your application and pay the fee on the Danish ApplyVisa portal, then book an appointment with VFS Global in London, Manchester or Edinburgh to submit your documents and give biometrics. You must legally reside in the UK to apply here.
- 02
Who handles Denmark visa applications in the UK?
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commissioned VFS Global to run the Danish visa application centres in the UK, in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. The Danish Embassy decides the application; VFS operates the centre and collects biometrics.
- 03
How much is a Denmark Schengen visa from the UK?
€90 for adults, €45 for children 6–12, and free for under-6s — standard across Schengen. VFS Global adds its own service charge, and you'll need travel insurance with at least €30,000 of cover.
- 04
How long does a Denmark visa take and when should I apply?
The embassy's processing time is 15 days once all documents are in, up to 45 in complex cases — and transport time between VFS and the embassy is on top of that. Crucially, if your application reaches the embassy fewer than 15 days before travel it can be rejected as inadmissible, so apply well ahead (up to 6 months).
- 05
Should I apply to Denmark if I'm visiting several countries?
Apply to Denmark only if it's your main destination (most nights), or your first point of entry if your time is split evenly. For a Copenhagen-focused trip Denmark is the country to apply to.
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