Are you one of UAE Residents? EU Approves Digital Schengen Visa System: The European Union (EU) has approved a new strategy to move physical Schengen visa applications and stickers to a digital system. According to a report by the Parliament of the EU, the digitalization of visa procedures in the Schengen area was adopted with 34 votes in favour, five against, and 20 abstentions. The new system aims to reduce costs, effort, and time required for visa applications, as well as improve security.
Digitalisation of the Schengen Visa
The EU Parliament stressed that the digitalization of the visa application process would ensure consistent practices throughout the EU. Applications will be processed through a single online platform, allowing applicants to know which country will receive their application. The system will also have language options and safeguards for those with disabilities or limited digital literacy.
The members of the EU Parliament want to prevent visa applications from being refused due to poor internet connectivity and want IP addresses to be processed or collected as part of the visa application. If there are no objections, negotiations on the final details can begin.
Increased Demand Causes Delays in Appointments
Residents of the United Arab Emirates who need a Schengen visa may have to wait until March for an appointment due to the increasing demand. Data shows that there are barely any available appointments for February, causing problems for UAE residents who need a visa for their holidays.
Travel services in the UAE have reported receiving around 20 requests per week and a processing time of around a month for Schengen visa applications. The highest number of Schengen visa applications have come from countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, and Sweden.
Commenting on the situation, the manager of Galadari International Travel Services, Mir Wasim Raja, said that appointment times have been delayed in many consulates due to the high number of applications.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- The United Arab Emirates is a popular destination for tourists and business travellers
- The UAE is listed among the top 15 countries with the most visa applications to Schengen embassies in 2017
UAE Passport Holders Traveling to Schengen Without a Visa
- Starting January 1, 2023, UAE citizens will have to apply for an ETIAS visa to enter Europe
- UAE passport holders do not need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area
- The following documents are required at the port of entry:
- UAE passport or travel document valid for at least three more months
- Evidence of purpose of visit
- Proof of financial means
- Other documents required by specific states
Countries UAE Citizens can travel without a Schengen visa:
- Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in UAE
- Only those who do not hold a UAE passport and do not belong to Schengen visa-exempt categories
- UAE passport holders who have been previously refused visa-free entry to the Schengen area
- Foreigners living in UAE with a permanent or temporary residence permit:
- Nationals of a country with a visa-free agreement with Schengen but have been refused visa-free entry
- Nationals of countries without a visa-free agreement with Schengen
Schengen Visa Application Requirements for UAE Residents
- Application Form completed with correct and honest information, printed twice and signed
- Valid passport no older than 10 years and with a validity of at least three more months beyond intended date of leaving Schengen
- Two recent photos meeting Schengen standards
- Proof of residence permit in UAE valid for at least three months after intended date of departure from Schengen
- Travel Flight Itinerary from UAE to the Schengen Zone and back
- Cover letter explaining reason for visit and details of trip
- Proof of accommodation: hotel booking, rental agreement, or letter of invitation from host
- Proof of financial means:
- Bank account statement no older than three months
- Sponsorship Letter with bank statement of sponsor no older than three months
- Combination of bank account statement and letter of sponsorship
- Europe Travel Insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 euros
- Specific requirements for different Schengen visa types: business, tourist, visitor, transit
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in UAE
- Submit the required documents at a Schengen embassy or consulate in the UAE
- Pay the visa fee
- Attend an interview, if required
- Wait for the decision on the visa application
For full details from you can read here: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/apply-from-uae/
