New Schengen visa requirement for UAE to Europe travel, says VFS

Dubai: Travellers from the UAE looking to secure a Schengen visa for their European adventures now face a new, mandatory step in the application process.

Effective June 18, 2025, all applicants scheduling an appointment through VFS Global's portal must first complete an online Visa Application Form directly on the booking platform.

This new requirement aims to streamline and enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the visa appointment system, according to a notice released by VFS Global.

VFS, the official document collection agency for the Schengen visa, shared a statement on its website: “Please be informed that effective June 18, all applicants must complete an online Visa Application Form on our appointment booking portal when scheduling an appointment.”

The update means that the days of simply booking a slot and then filling out the form separately are over; the online application is now integrated directly into the appointment scheduling process.

To apply for a Schengen visa for a short stay, applicants must complete the online application form, typically through the website of the country where they will spend most of their time during the trip. The specific webpage and instructions may vary by country. Still, the general process involves downloading, completing, and signing the form, then submitting it with supporting documents to a visa application centre or consulate. 

While UAE citizens enjoy visa-free short stays in the Schengen area, this change is particularly pertinent for other nationalities residing in the UAE who require a Schengen visa.

The shift is part of a broader move towards digital submissions for Schengen visa applications from the UAE. Applicants are being increasingly encouraged to create an account and utilise the online system for all stages of their application.

Processing times can vary, and authorities continue to advise applicants to apply well in advance of their intended travel dates to avoid any last-minute complications.

For those ready to apply, the first step, once the online form is completed on the VFS Global appointment booking portal, is to ensure that all necessary details are accurately entered before proceeding to the respective Embassy portals, such as those for Germany and Switzerland, to finalise the online application. Applications are then processed in chronological order based on appointment availability.