Travellers from the UAE continue to favour Europe as a holiday destination, while the US is the second-most popular place for holidaymakers.
Some of Europe's most sought-after destinations for UAE visitors are Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and Switzerland, a report from Dubai-based visa and residency services company The Visa Services found.
Trips to Europe so far this year have accounted for 65 per cent of all travel requests to The Visa Services, with seven out of 10 being for family travel. The US accounts for 25 per cent of all travel requests, with 15 per cent for countries in Asia-Pacific, including Singapore, Australia and China.
Echoing these trends, Schengen visa applications from UAE residents were up 20 per cent year on year during the second quarter of 2024, and the number of completed applications for visas has tripled in the past year.
“The UAE has a very diverse population and other than Emiratis, most nationalities require visas to enter Schengen countries and the US,” Anastasia Yanchenko, commercial director of The Visa Services, told The National in an exclusive interview.
The Schengen visa permits travel across 27 European countries and it is Russians who lead the way when it comes to applications. “Our data indicates that Russians comprise the largest applicant group at 35 per cent, followed by Indians (at 23 per cent), Filipinos (16 per cent), Egyptians (7 per cent), Jordanians (6 per cent) and South Africans,” said Yanchenko.
This summer there has also been a shift in visa trends, with more multiple-entry visas being issued than in previous years.
“In 2023, 74 per cent of visas issued were for single-entry travel only, with 21 per cent for three to six months' multiple entry,” said Yanchenko. “In 2024, the trend has shifted, with 45 per cent of visas issued for three to six months and 30 per cent of approved visas exceeding a year.”
This rise in visa applications comes despite a recent rise in costs for short-stay Schengen visa fees. These now cost €90 (Dh359, $98), up from €80 last year. And while increased costs do not seem to be a barrier for UAE travellers, the same cannot be said for securing an application appointment.
There is currently an increased waiting time for Schengen visa appointments in the UAE. These services are handled by VFS Global and BLS International, but neither company controls the processing times.
"VFS Global does not control appointment availability or processing timelines or decision making," said Monaz Bilimoria, regional head of VFS Global. "These are governed and controlled by our client governments. The availability of visa appointments and the decision-making are entirely at the discretion of the respective governments. VFS Global has no role whatsoever, neither does VFS Global have any visibility in the outcome of the decision-making process."
The current backlog of appointments is down to several interconnected reasons, including an accumulation of applicants who had previously been issued shorter-duration visas and are now reapplying for new visas, plus a seasonal surge in travel demand.
“In 2024, the demand seems to have been even higher, especially during the summer months, when people combine their vacations with attending events like Taylor Swift concerts, Euro 2024, or the Summer Olympics. This leads to an unprecedented influx of applications to visa centres in one wave,” said Yanchenko.
Limited consular resources and complex application processes also contribute to the waiting lists.
“This year, Schengen visas for several passports and countries began to be issued for a longer period than in 2023 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Plus, there are some countries, such as Switzerland, Greece and the Netherlands, where the average Schengen issuance period is currently 30 per cent longer than in others.”
Even when travellers do apply in plenty of time and have all the correct documentation, not all requests will be granted. Data from The Visa Services shows the rejection rate for UAE residents seeking Schengen visas in 2023 was 22.44 per cent. Reasons for rejection can vary, from incorrect documentation to previous travel history or simple bad timing.
“Schengen countries have certain quotas – the number of visas that can be issued in a certain period – thus, even with impeccable documents, travellers may simply not fall within the quota and receive a rejection.”
When travellers receive a rejection, they are notified in writing, with an explanation. “However, practice shows that the reasons provided are not always aligned with the actual ones, and it is hard to identify what is behind the decision of a particular visa officer without extensive experience,” said Yanchenko.
Top tips for applying for a Schengen visa from the UAE
Once travellers have verified their eligibility to apply for a Schengen visa, there are several steps that can be taken to assist application success.
Apply early
Applicants in the UAE can apply for Schengen visas up to six months before they plan to travel, with the advised minimum time period for application being 15 days before proposed date of travel. However, applying so close to the travel date will not guarantee that the visa will be processed in time, as this depends on both the applicant information and the country processing the application.
“While most Schengen visas are processed within 15 calendar or working days, some countries may take up to 45 days,” said Yanchenko.
Ensure documents are correct
In addition to completing a Schengen visa application form, applicants need a recent photograph, a valid passport, travel medical insurance, proof of residence and documents corroborating the purpose of travel and specifics of each stay.
Photographs need to be taken against a light background, without any dark glasses or garments covering the face. Children’s photographs must not show any part of an adult holding them in position. The size of the photograph depends on the country of application.
Passports need to be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen territory and also need to have at least two blank pages. Passports that were issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted, so these travellers would need to apply for a new one before applying for a visa.
Insurance specifics matter – policies must cover costs of repatriation for medical reasons or death, as well as urgent health care and emergency hospital treatment. Coverage must be for at least €30,000 or equivalent in the local currency.
Explain confusing matters
“It's beneficial to explain points that may be confusing for the visa officer,” says Yanchenko. Don’t gloss over anything in your history that might be confusing and hope that it doesn’t get picked up on. Instead, explain the situation so that visa officers have all the information they need to understand it.
Highlight your travel history
Travel history matters and may affect applications positively, making it stronger – especially previous visas and trips to countries like the US, the UK, Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. “Schengen officers prioritise previous European visas and trips, above all, it is important not to have overstayed.”
Show you’ll be going home
“Providing extensive guarantees of return to your home country is crucial for a successful application,” says Yanchenko.
Documents that can help include return flight tickets, an employment contract in your home country, marriage certificates if you are travelling without your spouse, a certificate of ownership of a home.
What time of year is best to apply?
The UAE typically has two peak seasons for Schengen visa applications, the first from April to May for summer travel and the second in October and November for winter travel. For faster processing times, its best to apply outside of these months.
“Travellers can apply for a Schengen visa now and travel in the winter. There’s a 180-day window between application and entry. This is our lifehack for those who want to save money and avoid long queues at visa centres,” adds Yanchenko.
Can I appeal a rejected Schengen application?
Travellers have the right to appeal a rejection visa decision and instructions on how to do this are included in letters of refusal. Typically, appeals need to be made within 15-30 days of receiving a rejection letter, and a fee may apply. The appeal process typically takes 60 days, although this is country dependent.
Travellers can also opt to apply for a new Schengen visa, which is often a better option if any of the original application details have changed.
What is the average waiting time for approval?
Most Schengen countries process visas within two weeks. However, some countries can take up to 45 working days, or even longer depending on circumstances.
Can external companies help application success?
Using the services of a company like The Visa Services won’t guarantee that an application is approved, however it can save time and effort. Companies are easier able to find available appointment slots and can typically schedule an appointment within four to seven days. They will also check and prepare your documents for submission to ensure nothing is missing.
Travellers also need to beware of scammers. "Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently. VFS Global does not charge any fee for booking appointments," confirmed Bilimoria.
