What Is The New Step In The Schengen Visa Application Process For UAE Travellers?

Are you someone who has plans to travel to Europe for a fantastic vacation and is therefore seeking out Schengen Visa? If your answer is ‘yes,’ and you happen to be a UAE traveller, you now face a mandatory step during the application process. Well, although the step is not new and it has been effective since June 18, 2025, it is important to note that applicants must now complete the online visa application form directly on the booking platform and here’s all you need to know about this visa-related development.

A New Step For Applying For The Schengen Visa

Adding another step to the application process for the Schengen Visa, applicants from the UAE must now complete an online visa application form directly on the booking platform. This must be done if they are looking to schedule an appointment through the VFS Global portal. With the new requirement in place, the aim is to make the process more streamlined. Not to mention, it also aims to answer the efficiency and accuracy of the visa system.

Applicable To UAE Residents Of Different Nationalities

So, simply speaking, with this update, you cannot book a slot anymore. This also means that you can no longer fill out the form separately. Now the online application has been integrated directly with the appointment scheduling process. If you are someone who is visiting for a short stay and wants to apply for a Schengen Visa for the same, you must complete the online application form.

This should typically be done through the website of the country where the applicant plans to spend most of the time during the trip. However, the webpage instructions may vary from country to country. As mentioned in the news, the general process, however, still involves downloading the form and completing and signing the same. After this, you are obviously required to submit it along with supporting documents to the visa application centre.

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UAE Citizens Enjoy Visa-Free Short Stays

At this point, it’s worth mentioning that even though UAE citizens enjoy visa-free short stays, this change is important to note for other nationalities who are residing in the UAE and need a visa. Coming to the processing time, authorities have advised applicants to apply well in advance. Not to mention, those who are ready to apply must first complete the online form on the global appointment booking portal. This way, necessary details must be accurately entered into the respective Embassy portal of the country.

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