Schengen visa ease for UAE travellers as Germany extends VFS contract

Dubai: Travelling to Germany and the wider Schengen Zone is about to get much simpler for applicants across the Middle East and parts of Africa.

Visa application for Germany just got more convenient across the Middle East, as VFS Global has renewed its long-standing contract with the German Federal Foreign Office for another seven years. The move includes the addition of four new Germany Visa Application Centres, expanding the global network to 72 locations and making it easier than ever for travellers to apply for Schengen visas.

Under the renewed mandate, VFS Global will continue offering Germany visa services through its established centres in various cities.

More centres

Additionally, new visa application centres will soon open in Nicosia (Cyprus), Yaounde (Cameroon), Abuja and Lagos (Nigeria), bringing the total number of German visa centres operated by VFS Global worldwide to 72.

Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development at VFS Global, said: “This renewed partnership is a strong vote of confidence from the German Federal Foreign Office. Germany remains one of the most sought-after destinations for travellers, students, and professionals from this region. We are committed to making the application process even more accessible and seamless.”

VFS Global has been managing visa services on behalf of Germany since 2005, serving applicants across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Plan ahead

With travel to Europe seeing steady growth, VFS Global advises applicants to apply early, Schengen visa applications can be submitted up to six months in advance of the travel date. This early planning is particularly important during peak travel periods when appointment slots may fill up quickly.

Beware of fraud

VFS Global also issued a reminder to use only the official website for booking appointments. “We do not charge for booking appointments,” the company emphasised, noting that any prepayment requirements by specific governments are clearly communicated and part of the official process. This advice comes as part of efforts to combat fraudulent third-party services.