Schengen Visa Dubai for UAE Residents – Steps to Apply

Schengen is a treaty initially signed by France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg in 1985, allowing people of these countries to travel between them without border crossing requirements. Since it was signed in an actual place, a town in southern Luxembourg, hence it is called Schengen. However, over the past decade, EU members have increased to 27.

Therefore, if you plan to visit Europe and have countries on your list that are part of the Eurozone, you can apply for such a document instead of an individual one for each country.

Schengen visa Dubai is the perfect way to get your trip to Europe moving forward since it will enable you to visit all member countries with a single travel document.

Let us have a detailed look at getting an EU permit from Dubai.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa grants short-term entry to the 27 European countries that comprise its territory. Moreover, It is a great option for those looking to travel extensively across Europe for leisure or business. These are some of the key features of the Travelling Pass:

• Permits stays of up to 90 days per entry into the Eurozone Area
• Valid for tourism, business trips, or transit purposes
• Issued by any Council member country embassy
• Allows travel between all 27 EU countries

Schengen Area Countries

Currently, 27 European countries are members of this area, including:

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

New Digital Schengen Visa Set to Streamline Travel to Europe

The EEA Area countries have approved an innovative Digital Visa plan. However, this will digitize the application and document process for travelers from outside Europe, bringing great convenience. Hence, the Digital Schengen Pass offers the following benefits:

• Apply online without embassy appointments or passport submission
• Receive a digital travel authorization instead of a traditional sticker one
• Input information, upload documents, and pay fees electronically
• Get instant application status notifications
• Enhanced security features for the region

How the Digital Visa Process Works

Applicants simply complete the online form, upload digital copies of documents like passports and flight information, and pay all immigration fees electronically. Once approved, they will receive a digital authorization to present at border crossings instead of needing a stamped sticker.

How to get a Schengen Visa Dubai

Getting a Schengen entry permit Dubai is a simple process if you follow the guidelines mentioned in the following lines. Many people need to pay more attention or skip essential parts of the process, thus getting their application rejected.

Therefore, pay detailed attention to ensure your documents are approved without any hurdles. So, let us have a deeper understanding of the selection process.

Let us further explore each step of the Schengen visa Dubai.

Step 1: Schengen Visa Eligibility

1. Check whether you can apply for one before you start your application process.
2. It will help you save time and avoid waste of effort afterward.
3. You can also arrange and resolve any problem that may cause rejection.
4. UAE residents can avail of free entry into EU member states as the country has an immigration waiver agreement with Europe.
5. It only allows a limited stay, so you must apply for one if you plan a long stay.

Step 2: Deciding Visa Type

European countries have categorized them depending on the nature of the visit and duration of stay. Here are the types of visas; you must select the right type before applying, as the entire process depends on it.

Transit visa

If you are only entering any Eurozone country to change the means of transport, you will apply for a transit one. However, it will not allow you to enter the country, but you can roam around the transit port.

Tourism visa

As the name suggests, if your purpose of visit is tourism, you can apply under this category. It will allow you 90 days stay with a 6 month expiry.

Family, Friends, or Relatives Visit

If your purpose of the visit is to meet your friends, family, or relatives, apply for your boarding pass under this category.

Business Visa

Businessmen planning to enter member countries must apply for their permit under the Business Visa category.

Visa for Journalists

If you are a journalist and plan to visit certain EU countries for job purposes, you must apply through this category.

Visa for Culture and Sports Activities

All players intending to compete in any competition within Europe must opt to apply under this category.

Visa for Official Visits

A short-term visa facility is available for nationals invited to an official meeting from member states. However, these include meetings, consultations, negotiations, exchange programs, and intergovernmental events.

Study Visa

It is for students admitted to a college or university in any EU country.

Visa for Medical Reasons

If you want medical treatment from that nation, select this type while applying.

Step 3: Finding Visa Requirements

Once you have determined your travel document type, the next step is where to apply for your Schengen visa. As per the rules stated by countries, you must lodge your application with the following embassy.

• If you visit only one country, apply for your document through the same embassy.
• If you plan to visit more than one country, apply to the country where you stay the most.
• If you spend equal time in each country, apply through the embassy’s consulate, where you will first land. 

Step 4: Booking Interview Appointment

1. Once you have determined where to submit your Schengen visa application Dubai, booking an appointment is next.
2. Generally, contacting the consulate or embassy at least 2 months before your planned visit is better.  
3. Since appointments are not easy to get, thus it is essential to get them booked in advance, especially if you plan a visit during the summer holidays.

Successful Appointment Tips

However, consider the points below before making an interview appointment.

• The earliest you can apply for a Schengen visa Dubai is 6 months from your expected visit date.
• You can apply for one 15 days in advance of your visit.
• The recommended timeframe to file your travel authorization application is 3 weeks before your trip.

Step 5: Complete Schengen Application

1. However, recently, European countries have started an online application service. You can access the one by clicking on this link: Application for Schengen Visa.
2. Still, most people use the old manual form.
3. So, you must download the form from the official website of the country’s consulate.
4. Fill it correctly and honestly, and avoid leaving blank columns.

NOTE: Luckily, the immigration application process for all Schengen countries is the same. Use ‘N/A’ for any sections that do not apply to your situation.

Step 6: Form Sections

Remember to take two prints of the form and sign each once it is complete in all aspects. Moreover, the passport application form is divided into four sections:

• Personal information
• Travel information
• Invitational information (if applicable)
• Date and signatures

NOTE: For minors, their parents must submit written consent in the corresponding column of the application.

Step 7: Collecting Documents

Take extra care when arranging your documents because they can distinguish between being approved for a Schengen visa Dubai or being rejected.

Visa-related documents are categorized into two types:

Standard Documents

• Fully completed form
• Two recently taken colored photographs (not older than 3 months)
• A valid passport having a minimum validity of 6 months and having 2 blank pages
• Round trip reservation or itinerary, including flight dates and numbers specifying entry and exit points.
• Travel insurance policy with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
• Proof of accommodation in the form of a hotel booking, rental agreement, or an invitation letter from the host.
• Proof of financial means including last 3 months’ bank statement, sponsorship letter accompanied by sponsor bank statement, or combination of both.
• Proof of paid fee.
• Birth certificate (for minor)
• Certified ID/Passport copies of parents (for minors)

Visa Specific Documents

• The specific documents change from one travel document type to the other.
• Certain EU states have extra documents related to processing your application.

Step 8: Attending Visa Interview

An interview is another essential part of Schengen visa Dubai.

1. Ensure that you arrive on time for the interview and bring documents (original and copies) with you.
2. You must attend the interview in person, as you cannot nominate someone else to take the interview on your behalf.
3. Check to see if your answers meet the details you mentioned on your boarding pass application form.
4. The consular asks about your personal information, whereabouts, and the purpose of the trip.

Step 9: Pay Fee

You must pay a non-refundable Eurovision application fee to set up your process. The border crossing fees are consistent for all EEA countries.

Here is the fee you have to pay.

• Application fee is EUR 80 (around 85 USD)
• EUR 40 (approximately 43 USD) for children 6-12 years old
• Free for children under 6 years old
• Free for holders of diplomatic and service passports
• Free for family members of EU/EEA nationals

Step 10: Receiving Visa

1. Generally, it takes around 15 days to process your document application.
2. You will receive a confirmation message at the email address you provided about the status of your submission.
3. If you are still waiting to receive an intimation after the expiry of two weeks, you can call or visit counsel for an update.

Processing Time for Schengen Visa Dubai UAE

Currently, it typically takes around 15 days to obtain a Schengen visa through the consulates in the UAE. It includes:

• Appointment booking
• Document submission
• Processing
• Passport return

The European Union plans to launch an online Schengen visa application platform in the near future. Hence, this will digitize and streamline the entire visa process for Dubai residents.

Overcoming Schengen Visa Rejections Dubai

The Schengen visa application process in the country involves submitting paperwork and fees and attending an interview at the local application center.

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Mistakes during visa interviews, such as inability to clearly demonstrate the purpose of travel or funds.
• Only complete or correct paperwork should be submitted during the application.
• Failure to meet eligibility criteria related to finances, employment, or travel history.

Avoiding Rejection

• Thoroughly prepare for visa interviews and provide clear, convincing responses.
• Double-check all application documents for errors before submitting.
• Ensure you meet all necessary eligibility criteria for finances, employment, etc.

Appealing a Rejection

• When you receive a rejection decision, you will get instructions on how to appeal.
• You can write an appeal letter explaining in detail why you meet the visa criteria.
• Provide additional documentation if needed to support your claim.
• Appeals must be submitted within specified deadlines, usually within weeks of rejection.
• There is no guarantee of success, but thorough appeals may reverse rejections.

FAQs

Can I apply for a Schengen visa online from Dubai?

Yes! You can apply for a Schengen visa online from Dubai, a recently introduced free-travel country. Further, you must consult the relevant consulate to check for instructions related to online application.

Who is Eligible for the Digital Passport?

Citizens of non-Schengen countries like the UAE can apply for the streamlined Digital ID. Valid passport holders can complete applications online in just minutes.

Do I need a visa to visit Schengen countries from Dubai?

Yes! Dubai residents must have a valid entry permit to enter SEC countries. Therefore, ensure you get one before onboarding a plane to any Eurozone member state.

Can I extend my Schengen visa?

It depends on the nature of the travel document; if you have a tourist permit, you can only extend it up to 90 days. However, there are cases which will allow an extension. So, an extension depends on the document type and the situation forcing a renewal.

Can I re-apply for a Schengen visa if it is rejected?

Yes! You can re-apply for a new immigration permit even if your first attempt was rejected. However, ensure to avoid repeating rejection reasons. Moreover, you can seek professional advice while re-applying for the permit.

Final Thoughts

Schengen visa Dubai is mandatory for visitors planning a trip around these countries. It is better to apply for a passport to visit multiple countries from the same region. This document allows you to travel across all 27 EU member states with a single passport.

Further, you can download applications from the country consulate’s websites as they have a standard form. You must complete all aspects of the form and submit it to the concerned country consulate. If you will stay in one country, submit your paperwork with their consulate; otherwise, you must submit it with the country where you would stay the most.

Generally, it takes around 15 working days to get news on your application after the interview. So, watch your email, and good luck with your interview.