London and Paris are just over two hours apart by train, so many Pakistani families like to see both in a single holiday. The catch is that the UK is not part of the Schengen area — you need a UK visa for London and a Schengen visa for the rest of Europe. Two applications means twice the paperwork, but with good planning it is very manageable.
Decide your route first
Everything else depends on your route. Write down:
- Which country you enter first and leave from
- How many nights you spend in the UK and in each Schengen country
- How you travel between them — flight, Eurostar train or coach
For the Schengen application, the country where you spend the most nights is usually where you apply. If you spend five nights in London, three in Paris and two in Amsterdam, you apply to the UK for your UK visa and to France for your Schengen visa.
Which visa to apply for first?
There is no single rule, but these approaches work well:
- Apply for the visa with the longer wait first. Check appointment availability for both before choosing.
- Keep your passport free. Some applications hold your passport while they are processed. Leave enough time between the two applications so one doesn't delay the other.
- Mention both visas. In each cover letter, explain that the trip includes both the UK and Europe, and add a copy of the other visa once it is issued.
Tip: Start at least three months before travel. Summer appointments in Pakistan can be fully booked weeks ahead.
One itinerary, two applications
Prepare a single day-by-day itinerary covering the whole trip and use it for both applications. It should show:
- Dates in each country, matching your hotel bookings
- How you move between the UK and Europe
- Your entry and exit flights to and from Pakistan
Both visa officers will see the full picture, and nothing will look inconsistent.
Documents you can reuse
Most supporting documents are the same for both applications: bank statements, employment or business proof, property documents, family registration certificate and travel history. Prepare two complete sets, with original stamped bank statements for each where possible.
Travel insurance
Schengen travel insurance must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies across all Schengen countries. Many travellers simply buy one policy that covers the whole trip, including the UK.
Let us plan it for you
We arrange UK and Europe itineraries with hotel bookings that match your applications, and help you prepare both visa files. See our Europe tours or contact us.