How to apply for a Schengen tourist visa from the UAE

Step-by-step guide to follow

The Schengen Area, comprising 27 European countries, is one of the UAE residents’ most popular travel destinations. With their rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes, many UAE residents seek to explore countries within the Schengen Zone for leisure and tourism.

However, a Schengen visa is often required for those not from a European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member state before booking a flight. The EFTA is the intergovernmental organisation of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a Schengen tourist visa from the UAE. It breaks down the process, outlines the necessary documents, and offers tips for smooth application.

As of March 19, 2025, the Schengen Area includes 29 EU countries.

These are Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland are non-EU countries that, through the Schengen Agreement, are part of the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area allows passport-free travel between these countries, meaning travellers can move freely across them without undergoing border checks.

However, as of March 2025, some EU countries, such as Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus, are not part of the Schengen Area. These countries maintain their own visa and border control policies, but they cooperate with Schengen members on other aspects of security and immigration.

What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa allows travellers to move freely within the Schengen Area without needing additional visas for each country they visit.

Who needs a Schengen visa?

If you are a UAE resident and hold a passport from a non-EU or non-Schengen country, you must apply for a Schengen visa for tourism purposes. If you are unsure whether you need one, check with the embassy of the Schengen country you plan to visit.

However, if you hold a passport from one of the visa-exempt countries (such as the United States, Canada, or Australia), you will not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in the Schengen Zone.

Types of Schengen visas

The most common Schengen visa for UAE residents is the short-stay tourist visa, which permits stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. Other types of Schengen visas are available for business, medical, student, or transit purposes, but this article focuses specifically on the tourist visa.

How to apply for a Schengen visa

Applying for a Schengen tourist visa from the UAE involves several steps. The process is straightforward, but paying attention to detail and preparing documents thoroughly are crucial to a successful application.

1. Determine the main destination

One of the first steps in the visa application process is determining your leading destination within the Schengen Area. This is the country where you will spend most of your time during your visit. If your itinerary includes several Schengen countries, the visa application should be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the country that will be your primary destination (i.e., the country where you will spend the majority of your time).

If you are visiting multiple countries for an equal amount of time, you should apply to the country’s embassy, where you will first enter the Schengen Area.

2. Check the requirements of the embassy

Once you have identified your primary destination, check the embassy’s website for the specific visa application requirements. Each country may have slightly different documentation or procedures, so it is essential to follow the guidelines of the relevant embassy.

For UAE residents, the application for a Schengen visa is typically processed through the consulate or outsourced service centres, such as VFS Global, representing the interests of several Schengen member countries in the UAE.

3. Gather the required documents

The Schengen visa application process requires a set of standard documents. These generally include:

• Completed visa application form: This can be downloaded from the embassy’s website or obtained at the visa application centre. It must be filled out in full and signed.
• Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the Schengen Area. It must also have at least two blank pages.
• Passport-sized photographs: Typically, two recent passport-sized photographs are required, which must meet the visa photo specifications (including a light background, apparent facial features, etc.).
• Travel itinerary: A detailed itinerary that outlines your travel dates, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and any other travel plans in the Schengen Zone.
• Travel insurance: You must provide proof of valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies within the Schengen Area for your stay. The minimum coverage must be €30,000.
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings, rental agreements, or a letter of invitation from a host in the Schengen country you visit. You may need an invitation letter if you stay with friends or family.
• Proof of financial means: Evidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay, such as original bank statements from the past three months, pay slips, or sponsorship letters (if someone else is financially supporting your trip).
• Visa fee: The visa fee is typically around €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12. Payments are usually accepted in the local currency (AED) at the visa application centre.
• Cover letter: In some cases, you may be required to provide a cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip, your itinerary, and any additional details.

4. Book an appointment

Once you have all the required documents, you must book an appointment with the embassy or the outsourced visa application centre. You should book your appointment at least one to three months before your planned departure, as visa processing times can range from 7 to 15 days.

Many Schengen visa centres in the UAE, such as VFS Global, offer online appointment booking services. Please ensure you arrive on time with all necessary documents, as any missing paperwork may delay your application.

5. Attend the visa appointment

During your visa appointment, you will submit your application and documents. Sometimes, you may be asked to attend an interview or answer questions about your trip. Biometrics, including fingerprints, will also be taken, which is a standard procedure for Schengen visa applications.

6. Wait for processing

After submitting your application, the relevant embassy or consulate will review and process it. This process can take between 7 and 15 days, although it may take longer during peak travel periods, such as the summer months. You can track the status of your visa application through the visa centre’s tracking system.

7. Collect your visa

Once your visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport from the visa application centre. If your application is denied, you will be informed of the reason and may appeal the decision or reapply.

Tips for a successful application

• Apply early: Visa processing times can vary, so it’s best to apply at least one to three months before your planned travel date.
• Ensure accuracy: Verify that all details on your visa application form and supporting documents are accurate and consistent.
• Be honest when asked about your travel plans or financial situation. Any discrepancies can result in your visa being denied.
• Check embassy holidays: Be mindful of national holidays in the embassy’s country or the UAE, as they may affect processing times.
• Consider using a visa agency: If unsure about the process, you can use a visa agency to assist with your application. They can help ensure all documentation is correct and guide you through the process.

Visa costs

The cost of applying for a Schengen tourist visa from the UAE is generally standard across all Schengen countries. However, additional service fees may vary depending on the visa processing centre.

According to the latest guidelines, the visa fee for adults is €80, approximately AED320, while for children aged 6 to 12, the cost is reduced to €40 (approximately AED160). Children under the age of 6 are usually exempt from visa fees.

In addition to the visa fee, applicants often need to pay extra for visa processing services, ranging from AED 100 to AED 250, depending on the visa processing centre where the application is submitted. Service fees may cover the cost of document verification, biometric data collection, the submission process, and courier costs for returning the passport.

It is essential to note that visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is rejected. Applicants should ensure all documentation is complete and accurate to avoid unnecessary costs. Furthermore, some consulates may charge additional fees for services like expedited processing or courier delivery of the passport once the visa is granted.

Before applying, applicants should always check the latest fee schedule on the relevant embassy or visa centre website.

Finally…

Applying for a Schengen tourist visa from the UAE is relatively straightforward but requires careful planning and preparation. By following the steps outlined above and ensuring all your documentation is in order, you can increase your chances of a smooth application and enjoy your trip to the Schengen Area without delays.

Hero image: The Schengen visa application process requires a set of standard documents when applying from the UAE. Credit: Vlada Karpovich

Last Updated on 1 day by News Desk 2