A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows travellers to move freely within the Schengen Area, which comprises 27 European countries. These countries have abolished traditional border controls, allowing people to travel between them without passport checks.
The Schengen Area includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
With a Schengen Visa, travellers can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This 90-day limit is calculated from the first entry into the Schengen Area.
The visa simplifies travel within Europe, making it easier for tourists, business travellers, and others to visit multiple countries without the need for multiple visas or passport checks. It’s important to note that citizens of certain countries require a Schengen Visa to enter the Schengen Area.
Understanding the Types of Schengen Visa
Understanding the various types of Schengen visas and their purposes is crucial when planning a trip to the Schengen Area. Depending on the purpose of your travel, you can apply for the appropriate visa to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
1. Tourist Schengen Visa
A Tourist Schengen visa allows you to visit any country within the Schengen Area for pleasure, to visit friends, or family. The duration of stay cannot exceed 90 days within a 6-month period. With this visa, you cannot engage in any gainful activity.
2. Business Schengen Visa
The Business Schengen visa is for those who need to conduct business in the Schengen Area. The holder is permitted to engage in business activities as stated on the visa.
3. Student Schengen Visa
If you wish to study in a Schengen country, you’ll need a Student Schengen visa. This allows you to stay and study in the country where you have been granted permission for enrollment. However, it does not permit permanent residence and involves certain restrictions.
4. Working Schengen Visa
A Working Schengen visa allows you to stay and work in a selected country within the Schengen Area. However, citizens of the USA, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and Switzerland may apply for a residence/work visa upon entry into the Schengen Area and do not require a Schengen visa.
5. Transit Schengen Visa
There are two types of Transit Schengen visas:
- Type A: This is an airport transit visa. The holder is not allowed to leave the airport’s transit area.
- Type B: Valid for 5 days, this visa allows the holder to travel through the Schengen Area to their final destination outside the Schengen Area.
Types of Schengen Visas based on Purpose of Travel
1. Type A – Transit Visa for Airport Transit
2. Type B – Transit Visa Valid for 5 Days
3. Type C – Short Stay Visa
- Single Entry: Allows only one entry into any Schengen country. Re-entry is not permitted even if the visa is still valid.
- Double Entry: Allows two entries into the Schengen Area within the visa’s validity period. Re-entry is not permitted after the second exit, even if the visa is still valid.
- Multiple Entry: Allows unlimited entries into the Schengen Area within its validity period, which is usually 90 days within six months.
4. Limited Territorial Validity Visa
This type of visa restricts travel to specific Schengen Area countries and is issued for humanitarian purposes or under special circumstances.
5. Type D – National Visa
The Type D visa is issued for specific purposes such as study, work, or stay in a Schengen Area country. It can be:
- Single Entry: For those not needing to stay in the Schengen country after a specific period.
- Multiple Entry: Allows repeated re-entry into the Schengen country which issued the visa. It is granted for various purposes:
- For studying, with a possibility of extension.
- For pedagogical work, research, or to close family members.
- For experts travelling for professional activities.
- In emergency cases, like medical conditions, for a limited period.
Eligibility and Application Requirements for Schengen Visa of UAE Residents
If you are planning to travel from the UAE to the Schengen Area that encompasses most of Europe, then you must be aware of certain entry requirements. While UAE passport holders enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, residents need to present specific documents upon arrival:
Gather Required Documents
- Passport and Copies: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay and has at least two blank pages. Make copies of the first page and any previous visas.
- Completed Visa Application Form: Fill out and sign the Schengen visa application form.
- Proof of Purpose of Visit: Provide a reservation, proof of accommodation, or an invitation letter if visiting relatives or friends.
- Sufficient Financial Means: Demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the Schengen Area.
- Passport Photos: Provide two recent passport-size photos with a white background.
- Travel Insurance: Obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 or AED 1,17,980, valid for all Schengen countries and the duration of your stay.
Additional Requirements Based on Visa Type
Transit Visa:
- Confirmed airline ticket to the country of destination and a copy.
- Copy of a valid visa for the country of destination (if applicable).
Tourist Visa:
- Your Bank statements for the last 6 months.
- Leave a letter from your current employer (if employed).
- Detailed itinerary or formal invitation from a person residing in a Schengen country.
- Proof of flight reservation.
- Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in the Schengen Area.
- Proof of civil status such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.
Business Visa:
- Provide a cover letter mentioning the purpose of your visit.
- Original certified copies of the Memorandum and Article of Association/Trade License/Proprietorship documents.
- Current bank statements.
- Letter from employer with travel purpose and itinerary within the Schengen zone.
- Provide an Invitation letter from the partner company (if any) in the Schengen zone.
Travelling for Training Purposes:
- Certificate of enrollment at an eligible institution.
- Other documents proving the purpose of travel.
Travelling for Studies:
- Two filled application forms.
- Letter of acceptance from a Schengen country University/College/School.
- Proof of financial means.
Travelling for Employment:
- Two filled application forms.
- Employment contract.
Visiting Relatives/Friends:
- Proof of financial status or formal document from a Schengen country resident covering your expenses.
- Invitation letter from a relative/friend in a Schengen country.
- Copy of the relative/friend’s passport and residency permit (if applicable).
Family Reunification Visa:
- Two filled application forms.
- Original and certified copy of the international marriage certificate.
- Copy of the spouse’s passport (if a Schengen country citizen) and/or residency permit.
Additional Requirements and Entry Conditions for UAE Residents
For UAE Passport Holders:
- No visa is required for travel within the Schengen Area.
- Must present a valid passport or travel document.
- Evidence of the purpose of the visit.
- Proof of financial means.
For UAE Residents without a UAE Passport:
- Schengen visa required.
- Includes UAE passport holders who have been previously denied visa-free entry to Schengen.
- Foreigners living in the UAE with a residence permit from countries with or without a visa-free agreement with Schengen.
For those residing in the UAE but not holding a UAE passport, including individuals previously denied visa-free entry to the Schengen Area or nationals of countries without a visa-free agreement, obtaining a Schengen visa is necessary.
How to apply for a Schengen visa in UAE
By following the below mentioned steps and providing all the necessary documents, you can smoothly apply for a Schengen visa in the UAE and enjoy your trip to the Schengen Area.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out and sign two copies of the application form accurately with all required information.
- Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area and is no more than ten years old.
- Provide Passport Photos: Submit two recent passport-sized photos that meet the standards set by Schengen states.
- Present Residence Permit: Have a valid UAE residence permit that extends at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- Prepare Travel Itinerary: Arrange your flight reservations from the UAE to the Schengen Zone and back, confirming your travel plans.
- Write a Cover Letter: Draft a cover letter explaining the purpose and details of your visit to the Schengen Area.
- Provide Accommodation Proof: Gather evidence of accommodation arrangements, such as hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host.
- Show Proof of Financial Means: Submit proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay, such as bank account statements or a sponsorship letter.
- Purchase Travel Insurance: Obtain travel insurance from various providers, starting at approximately $30, to cover unforeseen medical expenses or trip cancellations during your time in the Schengen Area.
Fee related to Schengen Visa in UAE
Schengen Visa Fee in the UAE: The Schengen visa fee for applicants in the UAE is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 years old are exempt from paying the visa fee.
The visa fee is payable in Emirati dirhams at the exchange rate set by the embassy or consulate where you are applying.
Visa Application Service Fee: In addition to the visa fee, applicants may need to pay a visa application service fee. This fee varies depending on the visa application centre you use.
Travel Insurance Requirement: Applicants are required to have travel insurance with medical coverage of at least EUR 30,000 or 1,17,980 Emirati dirhams (AED) when applying for a Schengen visa.
The cost of travel insurance will vary depending on factors such as age, travel destination, and trip duration.
Other Associated Costs: There may be additional costs associated with applying for a Schengen visa in the UAE, including passport photo fees and courier fees.
Embassies of European Countries in the UAE
| Country | Address | Contact |
| Austria | Sky Tower, 5th Floor, Office 504, Reem Island, P.O. Box 35539, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 6944999 |
| Belgium | Al Masaood Tower (6th floor), Hamdan Street, P.O. Box 3686, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 6319449 |
| Bulgaria | Al- Nahyan Camp Area, Jafn Street, Villa 6, P.O.Box 73541, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 6443381, +971 2 6443383 |
| Czech Republic | Marina Village, Villa A09, Breakwater Area, P.O. Box 27009, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 6782800 |
| Denmark | P.O. Box 105415, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 4410104 |
| Estonia | 697 Kalambo Road, North-End DBD, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 6328927 |
| Finland | Al Masood Tower, Sheikh Hamdan Street, 12th Floor, Suite No. 1202, P.O.Box 3634, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 6328927 |
| France | Etihad Tower, Office Tower 3, 22nd Floor Corniche West, P.O. Box 4014, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 8131000 |
| Germany | The Towers at the Trade Center West Tower, 14th Floor, Abu Dhabi Mall, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 5967700 |
| Greece | 31 Street, Al Muroor Area, P.O. Box 5483, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 4492550 |
| Hungary | Al Khazna Tower (Besides the Nissan Showroom in Na), P.O. Box 44450, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 6766190 |
| Ireland | P.O. Box 2832, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 6666300 |
| Italy | Al Rowdha Area – Mubarak bin Mohammed Street (12th Street) Villa 715, P.O. Box 46752, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 4435622 |
| Latvia | Discovery Expeditions Belize Ltd, 59116 Manate Drive, Buttonwood Bay, P.O. Box 1217, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 4473267 |
| Luxembourg | Villa No. 642/2, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, 30 / Street 3, Plot No: 79A-W19-01, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 4912446 |
| Malta | Abu Dhabi, UAE | – |
| Moldova | C/ Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, “Pabellón Naturaleza”, Isla de la Cartuja 31705, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 2892530 |
| Montenegro | B Çayhane Sokak 41/3, Gazi Osman Pasa, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 33027227 |
| Netherlands | Centro Capital Centre Office Tower – Bldg no. 11, 14th floor, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street ADNEC area, P.O. Box 46560, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 6958000 |
| North Macedonia | 34, Dimosthenous Severi Avenue, 1st Floor, Office 101, P.O.Box. 23961 | +971 2 6505130 |
| Norway | Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Tower No. 3, Level 11, P.O. Box 47270 | +971 2 4038400 |
| Poland | Corner of Delma Street and Karama Street (13th and 24th Str.), P.O. Box 2334 | +971 2 4465200, ext. 117 |
| Portugal | Marina Park Office, Villa A 42, P.O. Box 114587 | +971 2 6505541 |
| Romania | 2nd Street, House No.9, W (14/1), Plot No.13 Al Rodha Area, P.O. Box 70416 | +971 2 4459919 |
| Russia | Khalifa Street, East Plots 65/67, P.O. Box 8211 | +971 2 6721797, +971 2 6419317 |
| Serbia | Mushref West 47, Sector 22, Street 4, Villa No. 19 | +971 2 4476444 |
| Slovakia | Al Mataf Street No.16, Villa 2, Al Bateen Area, P.O. Box 63545 | +971 2 6817705 |
| Slovenia | Room 412, 4F., No.3, Songren Road, Xinyi District | +971 2 6727062 |
| Spain | Al Ladeem Street, Al Nahyan Commercial Buildings Nº 96, P.O. Box 46474 | +971 2 4079000 |
| Sweden | 12th Floor, Al Otaiba Tower, Zayed the 1st Street (Electra Street) crossing with 4th Street, P.O. Box 31867 | +971 2 4178800 |
| Switzerland | Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Centro Capital Center Building, 17th floor, Office Building Adjacent to Rotana Centro Hotel, P.O. Box 46116 | +971 2 6274636 |
Visa Application Centres in UAE
Abu Dhabi
Level B2 (Lower Ground), The Mall, World Trade Centre, Khalifa Bin Zayed The 1st Street (Airport Road), Abu Dhabi UAE
- Service Fee: AED 108.92
- Mode of Payment: Cash or Card
- Days: Monday to Friday
- Timing: 09:00 – 17:00
Dubai
WAFI Mall, Level 2 & Level 3, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai UAE
- Service Fee: AED 83.72
- Mode of Payment: Cash or Card
- Days: Monday to Friday
- Timing: 09:00 – 17:00
Useful Links
To Sum Up
The Schengen Visa offers an excellent opportunity for the people residing in the UAE to explore Europe. This visa provides access to 27 European countries without border restrictions, making travel across Europe convenient and hassle-free.
Applying for a Schengen Visa involves several costs, including visa fees, application service charges, and travel insurance. It is advisable for applicants to budget for these expenses.
To ensure a smooth application process, it is recommended to apply for the visa at least 15 days before the planned trip to avoid any delays or complications.
In the UAE, Schengen Visa application centres simplify the application process by offering guidance, document verification, and appointment scheduling services. These centres make it easier for UAE-based travellers to obtain their visas efficiently.
Overall, the Schengen Visa promotes seamless travel and encourages cultural exchange, economic ties, and diplomatic relations between the UAE and the European countries it covers.
By eliminating traditional border checks, it embodies the spirit of open borders and international cooperation, enriching the travel experiences of those who embark on this journey.
Last Updated on May 20, 2024 by Safiya K
