Aside from its bustling economy and diverse community, the UAE is known for its strategic location. In particular, the nation’s proximity to Europe makes it a great starting point for those who want to explore the Schengen area and other countries in this part of the world.
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UAE nationals, or Emiratis, don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen area, since they could get a 90-day visa-on-arrival there. However, other nationalities living in the emirates may need to apply for a visa to enter any Schengen zone country. Keep on reading to learn how!
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Guide to Applying for a Schengen Visa in Abu Dhabi
Having a Schengen visa would allow you to enter these 26 countries in Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
To apply for a Schengen visa, head to VFS Global, which has a branch here in Abu Dhabi. This company handles visa processing, passport, and other related services for several countries, including those in the Schengen area.
Required Documents:
Before anything else, make sure that you have the following documents:
- Accomplished visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 3-6 months
- Valid UAE residence permit
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Travel medical insurance
- No Objection Letter (NOC) from sponsor
- Travel documents (e.g. flight tickets, hotel bookings)
- Financial documents (e.g. bank statements, salary payslips for last 3 months)
Procedure:
The procedure will depend on the specific country (or countries) that you plan to visit in the Schengen area. You may be required to visit the embassy (or embassies) concerned. In any case, you will be required to submit your biometrics (e.g. photo, fingerprints) during the application process.
You should also be ready to pay the Schengen visa fee. This may differ depending on your destination, although certain countries require a visa fee of AED 240 per adult, AED 140 for children between 6-11 years old, and FREE for children below 6 years old.
Processing of the Schengen visa could take one or two weeks, based on your destination and/or date of application.
Additional Reminders
To ensure the smooth and speedy processing of your visa, we recommend that you:
- Apply for a Schengen visa at least 90 days before your scheduled date of departure.
- Ensure that all your requirements are complete and up-to-date.
- Confirm your flight and accommodation bookings.
- Arrive on time for your scheduled appointment at the agency or embassy.
Contact Information – VFS Global Abu Dhabi
Address: 25th floor, Shining Towers, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St. (adjacent to Khalidyah Mall), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 4 205 5777
Website: https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html
Google Map:
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DISCLAIMER: The above guide is presented for information-sharing purposes only. To know more about how to apply for a Schengen visa in Abu Dhabi, please visit the VFS Global official website.
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