UAE Residents Face New Schengen Visa Rules

UAE residents planning trips to Europe must now follow a revised Schengen visa process that introduces a new mandatory step for many nationalities. 

Effective June 18, 2025, for travel to Switzerland, applicants must complete the visa application form online. This step must be done as part of the appointment booking process.

Under the new rule, UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa can no longer just secure a time slot and then fill out the form later. The online form is now part of the appointment booking process. Missing this step may result in no appointment at all.

The updated system brings the UAE process in line with the process followed by other countries like France and Germany for their websites.

The goal of this change is to make the process smoother for both visa-issuing embassies and applicants.

Applicants are expected to submit all necessary details through the online form while booking their appointment. The completed form must include accurate data and match the documents they bring to the Visa Application Centre.

While UAE passport holders still enjoy visa-free access to Schengen countries for short stays of up to 90 days, this update mostly affects residents of other nationalities who need a Schengen visa, such as citizens of India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and similar countries.

Here’s how the new process works for UAE residents:

• Start the process to book an appointment slot for the Schengen country you plan to visit or where you’ll spend the most time
• Fill out the online visa application form as part of the appointment booking step
• Submit the completed form with all correct details
• Choose an available slot at the Visa Application Centre
• Attend the appointment with printed documents, a passport, and supporting paperwork

Applicants may still need to complete final steps on the respective embassy portal, such as Germany or Switzerland, after submitting the form and booking the appointment.

Processing times may vary depending on the country. Authorities continue to advise travelers to apply early to avoid delays.