Starting June 18, 2025, VFS Global now requires Schengen visa applicants in the UAE to complete an online application form before booking appointments. This rule aims to streamline processing and reduce errors. UAE citizens remain exempt, but residents of other nationalities must follow the new digital system for Europe travel.
Dubai – If you're planning a trip to Europe from the UAE, there's a new step in the Schengen visa process that you need to know about. Starting June 18, 2025, all Schengen visa applicants in the UAE must complete an online Visa Application Form directly on the VFS Global appointment booking portal before securing an appointment.
This latest update from VFS Global—the official agency responsible for collecting visa applications—aims to simplify and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the entire booking process.
According to a statement on the VFS Global website:
“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.”
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Previously, applicants would book an appointment slot and later fill out their visa application form separately. But under the new rule, this step has now been integrated into the appointment scheduling system. In other words, you must fill out the form at the same time you book your appointment—you can no longer do it later.
This change is part of a broader shift towards digitalisation in the visa process. VFS Global and Schengen countries are moving towards a more automated system to reduce errors, speed up the review process, and make it more convenient for travelers.
This requirement does not apply to UAE nationals, as they enjoy visa-free short stays in the Schengen area. However, expats living in the UAE who hold other nationalities and require a visa to visit Schengen countries are directly impacted by this update.
So, if you’re a resident in the UAE but not a UAE passport holder—and you're planning a trip to countries like France, Germany, Italy, or Spain—you’ll need to follow the new online process.
Visit the VFS Global portal and start the appointment booking process.
Fill out the online visa application form on the same portal before submitting your appointment request.
Once your appointment is booked, proceed to the respective embassy portal (like Germany or Switzerland) to finalize and verify the application process.
Gather your supporting documents and attend the visa appointment on the scheduled date.
Each country may have its own specific form and submission guidelines, but the initial form on VFS is now a required first step.
Authorities are encouraging all applicants to apply well in advance of their planned travel dates. Schengen visa processing times can vary from one country to another and also depend on the time of year and the volume of applications.
The new process may take slightly longer initially as users get familiar with the system, but it is expected to improve efficiency in the long term.
This change is part of a larger effort to digitise the visa application process and reduce paperwork and human error. By having applicants complete the form online during appointment booking, embassies and visa centers can start reviewing information earlier and avoid unnecessary delays.
