In 2023, UAE residents keen on exploring Europe faced a hefty bill of AED16.8 million (€4.19 million) on rejected Schengen visa applications, according to a recent report. The high rejection rate has left many travellers disappointed and significantly out of pocket.
The Cost Of Schengen Visa Rejections
The number of rejected visa applications from the UAE last year stood at 22.44 per cent, a 25 per cent increase from the previous year. Schengen Visa Info, which claims to have guided “more than 280 million individuals” since 2013, highlights this worrying trend.
Rising Costs And Unmet Expectations
As of June 11, 2024, the cost of a Schengen visa application was nearly AED320 (€80), excluding additional service fees which vary by location. To add to the financial burden, the European Commission announced a 12 per cent global increase in Schengen visa fees (visa type C).
In 2023, UAE residents filed a total of 233,932 Schengen visa applications, a 24.97 per cent increase compared to 2022. This made up 2.27 per cent of all global visa requests, placing the UAE in the top 10 countries for Schengen visa applications. The total expenditure on these applications reached a staggering AED74.9 million (€18.7 million).
Popular Destinations And High Hopes
The Schengen visa allows for travel across 27 European countries. Germany emerged as the top destination for UAE expats, with 26,024 visa applications. However, Germany also had the highest rejection rate, with 6,283 out of 26,024 applications denied. Lithuania, on the other hand, was the least sought-after, with just 327 applications from the UAE.
Despite the challenges, UAE residents were granted 177,213 Schengen visas in 2023. Spain topped the list with 20,843 visas granted, boasting an approval rate of 80.09 per cent. Poland emerged as the easiest country to secure a Schengen visa from the UAE, approving 90.61 per cent of applications.
With the increasing costs and high rejection rates, UAE residents must navigate the Schengen visa application process with caution. Ensuring all requirements are meticulously met and understanding the specific nuances of each Schengen country can help improve approval chances.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images