Re: First problem, right here ...
I have few corrections for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Entry into Schengen area for a country without an active agreement with EU on visa free access means that visa is required for entry into Schengen area. You have to apply at minimum fifteen days before arriving to the consulate in the country where you are going to. If you are travelling to many countries in Schengen you have to apply for an visa for each country within the Schengen area.
This is all public information on EU website, https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/visa-policy/how_to_apply_en
Biting the hand that feeds IT
