Dubai, UAE – March 07, 2025 – Dreaming of a vacation of exploring the historic streets of Rome, or enjoying the beauty of Switzerland, a Schengen Visa is your gateway to seamless travel across 27 countries. Are you planning a summer trip to Europe? Here is what you need to know about How to Apply Schengen Visa..
As the summer holidays approaches, UAE residents planning their trips to Europe are strongly advised to start their Schengen visa application at the earliest. Due to an expected surge in travel demand, applying in advance can ensure a smooth and timely process.
Key Points for UAE Residents Planning Their Visit to Europe
- Submit your Schengen visa application at least three months before your date of travel.
- Due to high demand, visa processing may take longer than usual.
- Ensure all required documents to apply for Schengen Visa are prepared and submitted accurately to avoid any kind of rejection and delays.
- Make sure to apply for a multiple-entry visa, if you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries.
- Don’t forget to take travel insurance as a part of your visa application.
Check If You Need a Schengen Visa
Not all the travellers need a visa to travel to the Schengen area. You must apply for a Schengen visa when travelling to any member of the Schengen zone, if:
- You are a passport holder of a country that has not yet reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU.
- And if you’re a citizen of a non-EU country that already had a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU, but you were rejected from entering the Schengen area visa-free.
In case, if you want to check your eligibility to apply for a Schengen visa, it’s advisable to get in touch with travel agents to determine if you require a visa.
What are the Documents Required to Apply for Schengen Visa?
✔ Visa application form (completed and signed)
✔ Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years & valid for at least 3 months beyond departure)
✔ UAE residence visa (valid for at least 3 months beyond the return date)
✔ Recent passport-size photos (as per Schengen visa photo requirements)
✔ Round-trip flight reservation
✔ Hotel booking or invitation letter (if staying with family/friends)
✔ Travel insurance (coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies)
✔ Proof of financial means (bank statements for the last 3-6 months, salary certificate, or sponsorship letter)
✔ Employment letter or trade license (if self-employed)
✔ Schengen visa fee (approx. €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12 years, free for children under 6)
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
Step 1: Determine your visa type based on the purpose of your visit: Tourism, Business, Study, Family Visit, Medical Treatment, or Transit.
Step 2: Each Schengen country has a designated consulate or visa application center in the UAE. Visit the respective embassy’s website for more details and schedule an appointment for the visa application.
Step 3: Prepare all the documents as stated above.
Step 4: Schedule the appointment and attend the visa interview.
Step 5: Pay the visa fee. Once everything is done, track your application. Typically, it will take 15 days for approval. And in peak seasons, it can take up to 30-45 days to get approved.
“We expect a significant increase in visa applications as summer holidays are approaching,” said a spokesperson from one of the visa processing centres in Dubai. He also stated, “By applying three months prior, travellers can avoid last-minute stress and potential disruptions to their travel plans.”
For more information on Schengen visa requirements and application procedures, please visit your nearest visa application center or consult the official Schengen visa information website. Stay tuned with TheDubaiStreet for more updates!
