New Schengen visa rule for UAE residents, says VFS
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UAE residents planning to travel to Europe will now face a new requirement when applying for a Schengen visa. Starting June 18, 2025, all applicants must complete an online Visa Application Form directly on the VFS Global appointment booking portal before they can schedule a slot.
VFS Global, the official visa services provider for Schengen countries, states that the update aims to streamline the application process and enhance accuracy in documentation. Previously, travellers could book an appointment and fill in their visa forms separately. That system has now been replaced with an integrated digital process.
“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,” VFS Global said in a notice on its website.
The change primarily affects non-UAE nationals residing in the UAE, as UAE passport holders continue to enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen area for short-term stays. However, expatriates requiring a Schengen visa for tourism, business or family visits must now adapt to the updated digital process.
Applicants are expected to fill in the visa form online on the VFS portal, making sure all personal and travel details are correctly entered before proceeding. While each Schengen country may have slight variations in visa procedures, the general process includes downloading the application form, attaching the required documents and submitting them to the corresponding visa centre.
In addition, some countries such as Germany and Switzerland may require applicants to finalise their submission through their respective embassy websites after completing the form on VFS.
Authorities continue to advise applicants to plan well ahead of their travel dates, as visa processing times can vary. Appointments are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The latest move marks a broader shift toward digitalisation in the Schengen visa system, with applicants now being encouraged to create accounts and manage their entire application process online, from form submission to appointment booking and document tracking.
Travellers can visit the VFS Global website for updated guidelines and country-specific instructions.
