In 2022, more than 5.9 million people entered Europe using Schengen visas. This indicates how well-liked the Schengen nations are becoming among tourists. You can visit the captivating locations in the Schengen area if you live in the United Arab Emirates. To assist you in applying for a Schengen visa, read this advice.
What is Schengen?
Schengen is a region in Europe which includes 27 nations and allows travellers and residents to travel freely without going through border inspections. The idea of free movement throughout the zone was first introduced in 1985 with the signing of the Schengen Agreement. Except for Ireland, all of the EU’s member states are part of the Schengen Area.
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a visa that permits travel inside the European Schengen area. Within 180 days, it allows for up to 90 days of travel to several different countries. It also provides the ease and flexibility to travel to several nations without obtaining separate visas.
It is crucial to remember that the Schengen visa is only good for brief stays, such as those related to travel, business, or family visits. You could require a different kind of visa or residence permit if you intend to stay in the Schengen area for extended periods, such as for employment or study.
Types of Schengen visas
Various kinds are available based on your intended route. These are the three primary categories.
- The Uniform Schengen Visa is for short-term stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. It has two categories: There are two types of it: “A” for travel to and from airports and “C” for brief visits to the Schengen Area with various entry points.
- The Limited Territorial Validity Visa allows travel only in the Schengen country that issued it or specifically mentioned countries. As such, admission or transit into other Schengen nations is prohibited.
- A national Visa is required to work, study, or settle down long-term in a Schengen nation. A multi-entry permits unrestricted travel inside the Schengen Area without extra visas, whereas a single-entry is only valid for the specified time and purpose before returning.
Who can apply?
Holders of a UAE passport can enter and remain in any Schengen nation for up to 90 days during any 180 days without a visa. Nonetheless, a visa will be required for everyone residing in one of the seven UAE emirates who does not own a UAE passport or fall under one of the groups excluded from the Schengen visa requirement.
UAE nationals are only eligible to apply for a Schengen visa if they fall into one of the following categories:
Holders of UAE passports who have previously been denied entry into the Schengen area without a visa
Foreign nationals holding a temporary or permanent residency visa in the United Arab Emirates, who:
- are citizens of a nation that has a visa-free agreement with Schengen, but they have not been granted visa-free entrance into Europe
- are citizens of any nation that does not share the Schengen countries’ visa-free travel policy
Documents and requirements
When requesting a short-term Schengen visa in the United Arab Emirates, the following paperwork is needed:
Application form: It must be filled out completely and accurately with truthful information. Sign both copies of the completed form after printing it twice.
Valid passport: It must be no more than ten years old and have three months remaining on it after the applicant intends to exit the Schengen Area.
Two photos: Two pictures that meet the requirements stipulated by the Schengen nations and were taken during the last three months. Find out more about the standards for photos here.
Travel itinerary: A record demonstrating that you have a ticket booked from the United Arab Emirates to the Schengen Zone and back on the precise days you intend to enter and exit this region
Travel insurance for Europe: A certificate proving you have health coverage for the entire Schengen area, with a minimum of 30,000 euros covered for diseases, accidents, and even repatriation in the event of death.
Proof of accommodation: A written statement outlining your lodging arrangements for the duration of your visit to Schengen. This could be a reservation confirmation from a hotel, a lease, or an invitation from the host whose home you will be staying at.
Proof of financial means: Proof that you have enough cash on hand to cover your expenses while visiting Schengen. This could be any of the following:
- The statement from your bank indicates that you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the trip. The comment can’t be more than three months old.
- Letter of sponsorship from a third party indicating that they will cover the cost of your travel to Schengen. This letter needs to be accompanied by a sponsor’s bank statement that is no more than three months old to be accepted.
- Your bank account statement plus a letter of sponsorship along
In addition to these, more documents can be needed based on your job status or if you’re a minor.
How to apply if within the UAE
Applying for a Schengen visa in the UAE involves the following steps:
- Find the embassy or consulate where your application is required. Additionally, you can apply at visa processing centres with which certain Schengen states have collaborated.
- Make an appointment with the visa centre, consulate, or embassy.
- Bring the necessary paperwork to the visa interview.
- As the embassy processes your visa, wait for a response.
Please be aware that processing can take up to 15 days. Following that, you will hear back regarding your application.
Prices and charges
Every applicant is required to pay a non-refundable visa fee to apply for a Schengen visa. The current price cap for UAE citizens obtaining a Schengen visa is as follows:
- 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
- A family member of an EU/EEA national: Free
Where to apply in the UAE?
Most Schengen nations maintain an embassy in Abu Dhabi and at least one general consulate in Dubai.
Additionally, certain consulates and embassies of the relevant member states take applications for visas. An alternative is to contract out the submission of visas to a different consulate, embassy, or visa processing facility.
FAQs
What is the difference between single-entry and multiple-entry Schengen visas?
You are only allowed one entry into the Schengen region with a single-entry visa. On the other hand, a multiple-entry visa permits several entries while it is valid.
What are the most visited countries in Schengen by tourists?
Germany, Italy, Spain, and France are the most visited Schengen nations.
How much is the processing time for a Schengen tourist visa?
The process can take anything from a few days to three or four weeks, depending on the nationality and travel history of the individual.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa without a bank statement?
No, to apply for a Schengen visa, you must have a three- or six-month bank statement. If not, the embassy will reject your application.