As the home to seven stunning Emirates, the UAE is one of the world’s best tourist destinations due to its economic and political stability, culture and modern wealth, and religiously and culturally tolerant population. Also, its residents are among the world’s top travelers.
UAE Schengen Visa News
In a significant move towards modernizing the visa application process, the European Council has approved updated regulations that will allow individuals planning to travel to the Schengen area to apply for visas online.
Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gómez, the acting Spanish Interior Minister, praised the new rules as a major improvement for citizens and the application process. “The online application for a Schengen visa will not only simplify the process for travelers, but also ease the workload for national administrations, enabling them to respond more quickly and effectively.”
The newly adopted regulations include:
- The establishment of an EU visa application platform. This platform will serve as the primary portal for Schengen visa applications. It will allow applicants to input all necessary information, upload electronic copies of travel documents and supporting materials, and pay their visa fees
- In-person consulate visits will be reduced. In the future, in-person appearances will generally only be necessary for first-time applicants, those with expired biometric data, and those with new travel documents
- Currently, visa stickers are not cryptographically signed
These regulations will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union following their signature and will take effect on the twentieth day following publication. Upon completion of the technical work, a specific date for the application of these new rules will be determined.
This development marks a significant stride in simplifying and modernizing the Schengen visa application process. It promises a more convenient and secure experience for travelers and authorities.
What is Schengen Visa?
Schengen Visa allow people to visit any member of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Currently, 27 countries are members of the Schengen Area. Europe is home to all of these countries. Schengen consists of 27 countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Types of Schengen Visas
Depending on the purpose of your visit, there are several types of Schengen visas you can apply for:
- Tourist Visa: For those traveling for leisure or visiting friends and family.
- Business Visa: For individuals planning to attend meetings, conferences, or engage in business-related activities.
- Transit Visa: Necessary for travelers who are passing through the Schengen zone to reach non-Schengen countries.
- Cultural/Sports Visa: For participants attending cultural or sports events.
Digital UAE Schengen Visa
A new strategy to digitize the Schengen visa application and sticker process has been approved by the European Parliament. As a result, travelers from outside the Schengen zone, including UAE passport holders, will be able to apply for and receive their digital Schengen visas online, eliminating the need for lengthy lines and complicated paperwork.
This means that individuals will be able to apply for their visas online without the need to book appointments or physically submit their passports. Instead of a traditional visa sticker, a digital version will be provided. This streamlines the application process but also enhances security measures for the Schengen region.
Using this platform, visa seekers can input all necessary information, upload digital copies of their travel documents, and pay their visa fees. Additionally, they will receive notifications regarding their visa application status.
Who can Apply?
UAE passport holders can enter any Schengen country visa-free and stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Those living in any of the seven emirates of the UAE who do not hold a UAE passport or do not fall into one of the Schengen visa-exempt categories will need to obtain a visa.
Citizens of the UAE can only apply for a Schengen Visa if they fall into one of the following categories:
-
UAE passport holders who have previously been refused visa-free entry to the Schengen area
Residents of the UAE with a permanent or temporary residence permit:
- Nationals of countries with a visa-free agreement with Schengen but have been denied visa-free entry
- Citizens of any country that does not have a visa-free regime with Schengen
Documents and Requirements for UAE Schengen Visa
The following documents are required to apply for a short-term Schengen Visa in the United Arab Emirates:
- Application form: It should be filled out with correct and honest information. Print the form twice, and sign both copies at the end.
- Valid passport: It should be no older than 10 years and have a validity of at least three more months beyond the date the applicant plans to leave the Schengen Zone.
- Two photos: Two photos taken within the last three months according to Schengen standards. Read more about the photo requirements.
- Travel flight itinerary: Document proving that you have reserved a flight from UAE to Schengen Zone and back. This is on the exact dates you plan to enter and leave this area
- Europe travel insurance: A document that proves you have health insurance for the whole Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of illness, accident, or death.
- Proof of accommodation: A document that shows where you will be accommodated throughout your Schengen stay. This could be a hotel booking, a rent agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host at whose house you will stay.
- Proof of financial means: Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your Schengen stay. This can be one of the following:
- A bank statement showing you have enough money to travel. The statement shall be no older than 3 months.
- Sponsorship letter – from another person that confirms they will financially support your trip to Schengen. An older than three-month bank statement must accompany the letter in order for it to be valid.
- Combining your bank account statement with a letter of sponsorship
Apart from these, you may also require additional documents depending on your employment status or minor status.
UAE Schengen Visa Application Process
The Schengen visa application process can generally be divided into the following steps:
- Collect the Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documentation before applying.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the consulate or embassy of the country you intend to visit first, or where you plan to spend the most time.
- Attend the Visa Interview: On the day of your appointment, bring all your documents, and be prepared to answer questions about your trip.
- Visa Processing: Processing times can vary, but typically it takes about 15 days. However, it is recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid any delays.
Schengen Visa Prices and charges
In order to apply for a Schengen visa, applicants must pay a non-refundable visa fee. Here is the current Schengen visa price cap for UAE residents.
| Applicant Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | 340 AED |
| Child between 6-12 years of age | 170 AED |
| Child younger than 6 years of age | Free |
| Holders of diplomatic and service passports | Free |
| Family member of an EU/EEA national | Free |
UAE Schengen Visa Processing Time
As of now, Schengen visas take around 15 days to process in the UAE.
Schengen Visa Validity
Schengen Visa for short stays (type C), valid for the Schengen Area. The maximum duration is 90 days in any 180-day period, calculated from first entry date.
ETIAS Authorization
Starting in November 2023, UAE nationals will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization before traveling to any Schengen country.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a fully electronic system designed to monitor visitors from visa-exempt countries entering the Schengen Zone. Once issued, the ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until the passport used during the application expires, whichever comes first. It permits travel for both business and leisure purposes for short-term stays.
Applying for ETIAS is straightforward. Applicants need to complete a simple online form to obtain their travel authorization. The application requires basic personal information such as name, date of birth, address, alongside details of the intended travel and answers to some security-related questions. The fee for ETIAS is EUR 7, although exemptions apply to certain travelers.
Approvals can be issued within minutes, making the entire application process quick and efficient, typically taking no more than 10-20 minutes to complete.
Where to Apply?
Most embassies of the respective country outsource visa submissions for UAE residents to VFS Global. You will have to submit your visa application at either the Abu Dhabi or Dubai Visa Application Centers.
The Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Abu Dhabi accepts applications only from residents of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. The Visa Centre in Dubai is responsible for processing applications for persons residing in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, or Fujairah.
As well as these embassies, there are others that process visa applications on their own. Before you decide which EU embassy or consulate in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to submit your visa application to.
Please ensure to submit your application at the correct location to avoid the rejection of your Schengen visa.
Austria
Visa applications are managed by VFS Global.
- Abu Dhabi: Shining Tower, Level 25, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, 26th St, next to Khalidyah Mall, 30023
- Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Contact
- Tel: 00971(0) 4 205 5606
- Email: [email protected]
Belgium
Visa applications are processed by VFS Global.
- Abu Dhabi: Shining Tower, Level 25, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, 26th St, next to Khalidyah Mall, 30023
- Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Contact
- Tel: 971-4-2055716
- Email: [email protected]
Czech Republic
Visa applications are handled by VFS Global.
- Abu Dhabi: Shining Tower, Level 25, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, 26th St, next to Khalidyah Mall, 30023
- Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Contact
- Tel: 00 971(0) 4 2055 715
- Email: [email protected]
Denmark
Visa applications are managed by VFS Global.
- Abu Dhabi: Shining Tower, Level 25, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, 26th St, next to Khalidyah Mall, 30023
- Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Contact
- Tel: +971 4 205 5718
- Email: [email protected]
Estonia
Visa applications are processed by VFS Global.
- Abu Dhabi: Shining Tower, Level 25, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, 26th St, next to Khalidyah Mall, 30023
- Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Contact
- Tel: +971 4 205 5907
- Email: [email protected]
Finland
Visa applications are handled by VFS Global.
- Abu Dhabi: Shining Tower, Level 25, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, 26th St, next to Khalidyah Mall, 30023
- Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Contact
- Tel: +971 4 205 5907
- Email: [email protected]
France
Visa applications are processed by VFS Global.
- Abu Dhabi: The Mall, World Trade Centre, Level B2 (Lower Ground), Khalifa Bin Zayed The 1st St (Airport Road)
- Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Contact
- Tel: +971 4-2055999
- Email: [email protected]
Germany
Visa applications are managed by VFS Global.
- Abu Dhabi: Shining Tower, Level 25, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, 26th St, next to Khalidyah Mall, 30023
- Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Contact
- Tel: 04-2055666
- Email: [email protected]
Greece
Visa applications are handled by VFS Global.
- Abu Dhabi: Shining Tower, Level 25, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, 26th St, next to Khalidyah Mall, 30023
- Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Contact
- Tel: 00 971(0) 4 2055770
- Email: [email protected]
Hungary
Visa applications are processed by VFS Global.
- Abu Dhabi: Shining Tower, Level 25, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, 26th St, next to Khalidyah Mall, 30023
- Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Contact
- Tel: +971 4 2055709
- Email: [email protected]
For countries like Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, similar centers by VFS Global or the respective consulate or embassy manage the visa application process. Make sure to check their specific requirements and addresses through their official websites or contact their help desks for the most accurate information.
Schengen Visa Rejection
Visa applications are not a guarantee of visa approval. Several reasons are common for Schengen embassies to reject visa applications. During visa interviews, mistakes can cause applications to be rejected. Avoid them since the interview is crucial to your application.
However, if you get rejected for getting a Schengen Visa in the UAE, you can always appeal the decision. When you receive the final decision on your application, you will also get the reasons for the denial and instructions on appealing the decision if you wish to.
FAQs About UAE Schengen Visa
Can I enter UAE with Schengen visa?
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or eVisa is required for Indian passport holders to visit Dubai or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If you hold a valid US, UK or Schengen tourist visa, you do not need a separate visa for Dubai, UAE.
Which Schengen visa is easy to get from UAE?
UNESCO has listed Latvia unique food and buildings as World Heritage Sites. Another Baltic country makes it pretty easy to get a Schengen visa as well.
How much is the Schengen visa fee for UAE?
Schengen visa fees for UAE residents vary depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. The Schengen visa fee for adults will be 80 Euros in 2023 for a single-entry visa. For a single-entry visa, children between the ages of 6 and 12 pay 40 Euros
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates stands as a beacon for global travelers, not only for its rich blend of modernity and culture but also for its citizens who are frequent globetrotters themselves. The new online Schengen visa application process, including the digital UAE Schengen Visa, further enhances convenience, making Europe more accessible than ever to UAE residents. This digital shift promises a streamlined, secure, and more efficient application process, reflecting a significant advancement in global mobility and intercultural exchange.
