Planning a summer escape to Europe? UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa now have a new rule to follow—you must fill out your visa application online before you can even book an appointment with VFS Global.

This change, which took effect on June 18, is part of an overhaul by VFS Global, the official visa processing service for Schengen countries in the UAE. The aim? To cut down on delays and boost accuracy by getting your travel and personal details sorted right from the start.

What’s new?

Previously, travellers could snag an appointment slot and submit the form later. Not anymore. Now, the online application form must be fully completed when creating your appointment; only then can you choose your preferred date and time.

Who needs to follow this?

This rule mainly affects expatriates living in the UAE, since Emirati passport holders already enjoy visa-free entry to the Schengen zone for stays of up to 90 days. Non-Emirati residents applying for tourist, work, medical, or family visit visas will need to follow the new online-first method.

What to know before applying

• Where to apply: All appointments must be booked via the VFS Global portal, although some embassies (like Germany or Denmark) still handle the final application processing.
• Processing time: It ranges from 15 days (Germany) to 45 days (Denmark), so early planning is crucial.
• Visa fees: Schengen visas cost €90 (around Dh365) for adults, with reduced or waived fees for kids.
• Service charge: Expect to pay an additional Dh38 (€9) as the VFS processing fee.

What to do next

To avoid delays or rejections, VFS advises travellers to:

• Create an account on the VFS Global portal
• Complete the visa form in full before choosing your appointment slot
• Prepare all supporting documents:
  Passport (valid 3+ months beyond return)
• UAE residency visa (valid 6+ months)
• €30,000 travel insurance
• Flight and hotel bookings
• Recent biometric photo

Heads up for future travellers

This move reflects a bigger trend: The EU is rolling out a fully digital Schengen visa system by 2026, aiming to unify applications across member states.

So, if Europe is on your travel list this year, don’t forget, no completed form, no appointment.