TL;DR
To get a Slovakia Schengen visa from the UK you apply through VFS Global (London, Manchester or Edinburgh): complete the online Schengen form, book a VFS appointment, and attend to give biometrics and submit documents. The Slovak consulate in London makes the decision; allow 15 calendar days, and apply early as slots fill before peak periods.
| Slovakia 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 | Slovakia visa info ↗ |
How to apply
- Complete the online Schengen application and follow the steps on the official Slovak Embassy London visa page.
- Create a VFS Global account and book an appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
- 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 in complex cases.
Slovakia through VFS Global
The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in London does not take walk-ins or postal applications: intake runs through VFS Global centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, strictly by appointment only. You print and sign the completed online form, attend in person for biometrics, and VFS forwards your file to the consulate for a decision. Payments at VFS are card only — cash is not accepted — and the VFS service charge is on top of the €90 consulate fee. As a UK resident you must hold a UK residence permit or visa valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
When to apply to Slovakia
Apply to Slovakia only if it's your main destination — where you'll spend the most nights — or your first point of entry if your trip is split evenly (see which country to apply to). A Bratislava city break or a High Tatras hiking trip makes Slovakia the country to apply to. If you'll spend more nights in neighbouring Austria, Czechia, Hungary or Poland, apply there instead. Slovakia has been a full Schengen member since 2007, so a Slovak visa lets you travel across the whole area.
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 completed application, 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. Book a VFS appointment as early as you can.
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 Slovakia Schengen visa from the UK?
Slovakia's UK applications are handled by VFS Global. You complete the online Schengen application form, book a VFS appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, and attend in person to give biometrics and submit your documents. You must legally reside in the UK to apply here.
- 02
Who handles Slovakia visa applications in the UK?
The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in London has outsourced visa intake to VFS Global, with centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. VFS runs the centre and collects biometrics; the Slovak consulate makes the decision.
- 03
How much is a Slovakia 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. Cards only at VFS; cash is not accepted.
- 04
How long does a Slovakia visa take and when should I apply?
Standard processing is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the consulate, sometimes up to 45 in complex cases. You can apply up to 6 months before travel and should book early, as VFS slots can fill quickly before peak periods.
- 05
Should I apply to Slovakia if I'm visiting several countries?
Apply to Slovakia only if it's your main destination (most nights), or your first point of entry if your time is split evenly. For a Bratislava or High Tatras trip Slovakia is the country to apply to; otherwise apply where you'll spend the most time.
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