Travel

How to apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai

How to apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai
Written by John Smith

How to apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai

How to apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai: Dubai is one of many people’s favorite tourist destinations. Not only is the city famous for welcoming tourists, but Dubai’s residents are also among the top travelers in the world. Because it is easy to enter Europe from the city, people here often travel to Europe. However, before you start packing and preparing for your first European trip, you need to understand the requirements of the Schengen visa in Dubai. In February 2020, a new announcement announced the cost of a Schengen visa from Dubai. From February 2, 2020, the price of a Schengen visa will increase from 60 to 80 euros. This means that a Schengen visa from Dubai costs about AED 330.

Schengen visa from Dubai

UAE is amongst the list of 15 countries, the residents of which have filed the most Schengen visa applications. So it’s safe to assume that Europe is a popular travel destination for residents of the UAE. If you are planning a trip to one of the countries under the Schengen visa, it is essential to understand what a Schengen visa is and how to apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai.

WHAT IS A SCHENGEN VISA AND WHAT ARE SCHENGEN COUNTRIES?

The term Schengen is derived from the Schengen Agreement where 26 European countries abolished internal border checks. This means you only need a single visa on your passport to visit these 26 cities in Europe. A Schengen visa holder from Dubai is allowed to transit through or stay in any Schengen State territory for a duration of 90 days in any 180 days period. This visa is also known as a short-stay visa. Similarly, airport transit visas allow the bearer to transit through any international transit areas of any territory located within the Schengen states. The list of

Schengen countries include:

  1. Austria
  2. Hungary
  3. Norway
  4. Belgium
  5. Iceland
  6. Poland
  7. Czech Republic
  8. Italy
  9. Portugal
  10. Denmark
  11. Latvia
  12. Slovakia
  13. Estonia
  14. Liechtenstein
  15. Slovenia
  16. Finland
  17. Lithuania
  18. Spain
  19. France
  20. Luxembourg
  21. Sweden
  22. Germany
  23. Malta
  24. Switzerland
  25. Greece
  26. Netherlands

Schengen visa Requirements?

  • Visa application form. Fully completed and signed.
  • Two recently taken photos must be attached. Both photos must be taken within the last three months, according to the visa photo requirements.
  • A valid passport. Not older than 10 years and it should valid for at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. Older passports with visas on them (if you have any).
  • Round trip reservation or itinerary. It must include dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area. You can use the visa consultation services like this one. These guys can handle most of your visa requirements such as flight itineraries, hotel reservations along with free consultation over email.
  • Travel insurance policy. A document that proves you have travel health insurance for the whole Schengen territory, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of any medical emergency as illnesses, accidents and even repatriation in case of death. The Insurance policy can easily be purchased online from AXA Schengen or Europ Assistance.
  • Proof of accommodation. A document that shows where you will be accommodated throughout your stay in Schengen. This can be one of the following:
    • A hotel/hostel booking.
    • A rental agreement.
    • A letter of invitation from a host at whose house you will be staying.
  • Proof of financial means. Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the Schengen. This can be one of the following:
    • Bank account statement – that shows you have enough money in your account for the trip. The statement shall be no older than 3 months.
    • Sponsorship Letter – by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.
    • A combination of your bank account statement and a letter of sponsorship.
  • Proof of paid visa fee.  €80 for adults and €45 for children from 6 to 12 years old.

 

Schengen Visa Requirements According to the Applicant’s Employment Status

Specific required documents, based on the visa applicant’s employment status are as following:

  • For employees:
  • For the self-employed:
    • A copy of your business license.
    • Company bank statement for the latest 6 months.
    • Income Tax Return (ITR).
  • For students:
    • Proof of enrollment.
    • No objection letter from School or University.
  • For retirees:
    • Pension statement of the latest 6 months.
  • If unemployed and married to an EU citizen:
    • Confirmation of Employment letter, no older than three months, from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date.
    • Spouse’s valid passport.
    • An official marriage certificate.

What Documents are Required for Schengen Visa for Minors?

The parents / legal guardians of minors applying for a Schengen visa must submit some extra documents for the underage applicant:

  • The minor’s birth certificate.
  • Application form signed by both parents.
  • Family court order – in cases where only one parent has full custody over the child.
  • Certified copies of the ID/passport of both parents.
  • A notarized parental authorization signed by both parents/guardians if the minor will be traveling alone.

Check which consulate or embassy you need to apply for a visa

To apply for a Schengen visa in UAE it’s important to know which country should issue your visa if you plan to visit more than one Schengen country during your intended stay. The second step is to be aware of the body that manages all visa applications. You have to note whether or not the country you plan to visit has outsourced its visa submissions to a third party and you also have to ensure that you have submitted a complete Schengen visa from the Dubai application form. Post the review in February 2020, passengers can submit an application three months to six months before traveling to Europe. The latest you can apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai is 15 days before the intended date of travel.

Schedule an Appointment and Attend the Europe Visa Interview

Schedule a VFS Dubai Schengen visa appointment for an interview. Your interview can be held with either the consulate, an embassy or a visa center in the third step of the visa process. Take all the required documents with you for the scheduled visa interview. Make sure to check all your documents to ensure you have all the documents included in the aforementioned document checklist.