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Privacy Policy

Last updated: 1 March 2026

1. Who We Are

Ready For Schengen (“we”, “us”, “our”) is a UK-based visa preparation assistance service. We are the data controller for the personal data you provide to us. If you have questions about this policy, you can contact us at hello@readyforschengen.com.

2. What Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

  • Identity data: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number.
  • Contact data: email address, phone number, postal address.
  • Financial data: payment card details (processed by our payment provider, not stored by us), bank statement excerpts provided for document review.
  • Application data: visa application forms, cover letters, supporting documents you upload for review.
  • Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, referring URL.
  • Usage data: how you use our website and services, readiness check responses.
  • Communication data: emails, messages, and support queries.

3. How We Collect Your Data

We collect data directly from you when you use our website, create an account, place an order, upload documents, complete the readiness check, contact us, or subscribe to our communications. We also collect data automatically through cookies and similar technologies when you browse our website.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Contract: processing necessary to perform our services that you have purchased.
  • Consent: where you have given clear consent for us to process your data for a specific purpose (e.g., marketing emails).
  • Legitimate interests: processing necessary for our legitimate business interests, such as improving our services, fraud prevention, and website analytics.
  • Legal obligation: processing necessary to comply with a legal or regulatory obligation.

5. How We Use Your Data

  • To provide and manage the services you have purchased.
  • To review and provide feedback on your visa application documents.
  • To communicate with you about your order and service updates.
  • To process payments and prevent fraud.
  • To improve our website, services, and customer experience.
  • To send marketing communications (with your consent).
  • To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your data with:

  • Payment processors: to process your transactions securely (e.g., Stripe).
  • Email service providers: to send transactional and marketing communications.
  • Analytics providers: to understand website usage (e.g., Google Analytics).
  • Legal authorities: where required by law, court order, or regulatory obligation.

We do not share your visa application documents or personal data with any embassy, consulate, or government authority. You are responsible for submitting your own application.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected. Account data is retained for the duration of your account plus 12 months. Uploaded documents are retained for 90 days after your service is completed and then permanently deleted. Financial transaction records are retained for 7 years as required by UK tax law.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes encryption in transit (TLS), encryption at rest, access controls, and regular security reviews.

9. International Transfers

Your data is primarily processed within the UK and EEA. Where we use service providers based outside these jurisdictions, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the ICO.

10. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Access: request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Rectification: request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure: request deletion of your personal data where there is no compelling reason for continued processing.
  • Restriction: request restriction of processing in certain circumstances.
  • Portability: request transfer of your data to another provider in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Objection: object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes.
  • Withdraw consent: where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hello@readyforschengen.com. We will respond within 30 days.

11. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies on our website. For full details, please see our Cookie Policy.

12. Children

Our services are not directed at individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “last updated” date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

14. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we have handled your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113. We would appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns before you approach the ICO, so please contact us first.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us at: hello@readyforschengen.com