Expensive and lengthy Schengen visa delays cause European vacations for UAE residents to be cancelled due to increased costs
In recent times, securing a Schengen visa for UAE residents has become a complex and time-consuming process. This is due to changes in the application process, lengthy wait times for appointments, and varying visa validity periods.
Ms Ahmed, a UAE resident, recently paid a travel company Dh2,500 to secure a Schengen visa appointment, a payment separate from the Schengen visa fee. This payment is common among some UAE residents who face lengthy wait times for appointments, sometimes months, causing some travelers to cancel or shift plans to alternative visa-friendly destinations in Africa and Asia.
The Schengen visa application process for UAE residents has recently changed to require completing the online visa application form before booking an appointment, aligning UAE procedures with those in countries like France and Germany. This step ensures applicants submit accurate information upfront, improving efficiency but adding complexity to the booking process.
However, appointment slots are controlled by embassies, not VFS Global, and processing times vary by case but remain a source of frustration. Compared to other popular destinations like the UK, where Schengen visa processing decisions typically take 15 days after an appointment, UAE applicants often endure longer waits just to secure an appointment.
The Schengen visa fee generally remains around €80-90 (~350-370 AED) for adults across countries. While UAE-specific fee details are not highlighted explicitly in sources, the costs align generally with global standards for short-stay Schengen visas.
Emiratis do not need a visa to visit Schengen countries, but UAE residents from other countries must apply for a Schengen visa. The uncertainty surrounding Schengen visa appointments has led to anxiety among athletes who stress about their visas instead of focusing on training for sporting events in Europe. Travel agencies have staff dedicated to finding appointments and have connections to help those who need to travel in emergencies.
Jad, a triathlete in Dubai, received a 15-day Schengen visa this year, limiting him to a single competition in France, unlike his teammates who will enter multiple sporting events this year. This arbitrary nature of Schengen visa stays has caused frustration among Emirates residents, with some receiving short 15-day stays after securing year-long visas in previous years.
VFS Global, the company that facilitates the Schengen visa process in the UAE, does not control appointment availability or visa validity period. The travel company requires clients to accept whichever country they get an appointment with and forfeit their money if they miss it.
Despite these challenges, Europe remains a popular travel destination for UAE residents. However, many have opted to book summer trips to Africa and Asia due to difficulties securing Schengen visas. Cherry Pachisia, a Dubai resident, could not find a Schengen visa appointment despite closely tracking availability since January and has opted for a holiday in Kenya instead.
The Schengen visa allows entry to 29 European countries for non-EU nationals, including UAE residents from numerous countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. Yet, the complexities and uncertainties in the application process continue to pose challenges for many UAE residents seeking to travel to Europe.
- Ms Ahmed, a UAE resident, paid Dh2,500 to a travel company for a Schengen visa appointment, a separate cost from the Schengen visa fee.
- This payment is common among some UAE residents due to long wait times for appointments, sometimes months.
- The Schengen visa application process for UAE residents has changed to require completing the online visa application form before booking an appointment.
- Jad, a triathlete in Dubai, received a 15-day Schengen visa this year, limiting him to a single competition in France, unlike his teammates who will enter multiple sporting events.
- VFS Global, the company that facilitates the Schengen visa process in the UAE, does not control appointment availability or visa validity period.
- Cherry Pachisia, a Dubai resident, could not find a Schengen visa appointment and has opted for a holiday in Kenya instead.
- The Schengen visa allows entry to 29 European countries, but the complexities and uncertainties in the application process continue to pose challenges for many UAE residents seeking to travel to Europe.
