If you are living in the UAE and planning to travel to Europe—especially to popular destinations like France or Germany—you need to know about a significant change in the Schengen visa application process. VFS Global, the official visa application service provider, has introduced a new mandatory online step that every applicant must complete when booking their visa appointment.
This article covers everything you need to know about the Schengen Visa new process UAE applicants face. From why this change was introduced, how the application steps have shifted, who it affects, and tips to avoid delays—consider this your complete guide to navigating the updated system in 2025.
What Is the New Schengen Visa Process for UAE Travellers?
The Schengen visa allows travellers to visit multiple European countries within the Schengen Area on a single visa, usually for short stays up to 90 days. Traditionally, the visa application process required downloading and manually filling out the application form from embassy websites. Applicants would then book an appointment with VFS Global, visit the center with their completed forms and supporting documents, and submit their application in person.
As of mid-2025, for visa applicants applying to France and Germany from the UAE, the process has been changed. Now, when you book your appointment on the VFS Global website, you must complete the Schengen visa application form online as part of the booking itself. This step is mandatory.
This means the old way of booking a slot first and submitting a handwritten or printed form at the center is no longer valid for these countries. The application form is now integrated digitally into the appointment system.
Why Has VFS Global Introduced This Change?
The new online application form is part of a broader global trend towards digitalisation of visa processes. Here are the main reasons VFS Global has implemented this change:
- Efficiency Gains: Collecting the visa application form upfront reduces the chances of incomplete or incorrect forms being submitted at appointments, which used to cause delays.
- Accuracy Improvement: Digital forms with built-in validations ensure applicants fill all mandatory fields correctly.
- Faster Processing: Embassies receive complete digital data early, allowing them to begin their reviews sooner.
- User Convenience: Integrating form completion with appointment booking means fewer separate steps, making it easier for applicants to manage.
Together, these benefits help streamline the entire visa journey, saving time and reducing frustration for both travellers and authorities.
Who Is Affected by This New Step?
Not all travellers applying for Schengen visas in the UAE will be affected equally:
- UAE Passport Holders: Nationals of the UAE enjoy visa-free travel to Schengen countries for stays up to 90 days within 180 days. Therefore, they do not need to apply for a Schengen visa for tourism or business trips within this duration. This new step does not apply to them.
- Visa-Required Residents: Residents of the UAE who hold passports from countries that require a Schengen visa must now follow the new process when applying for visas to France or Germany through VFS Global.
- Other Schengen Countries: Currently, this mandatory online form step applies only to France and Germany Schengen visa applications. Other Schengen countries may continue with their existing processes for now, but digitalisation efforts are ongoing and changes may come later.
If you fall under the visa-required category for France or Germany, you must be aware of this update to avoid delays or rejection.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Updated Schengen Visa Application Process in the UAE
Here’s how to apply for a Schengen visa to France or Germany from the UAE in 2025 following the new VFS Global system:
1. Register and Create a VFS Global Account
Visit the official VFS Global website for France or Germany visas. You’ll need to create an account to start your application and appointment booking.
2. Book Your Visa Appointment
When you book your appointment, you will now be asked to complete the visa application form online directly within the booking process. This replaces downloading the form from the embassy website and filling it manually.
3. Complete the Online Visa Application Form
The form will ask for personal details, travel plans, purpose of visit, accommodation, financial proof, and more. Make sure you fill it carefully and accurately.
4. Pay Visa Fees (If Applicable)
Payment of the visa fee is usually done at the VFS center or online, depending on the system for the specific country.
5. Prepare Your Supporting Documents
Typical documents include:
- Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and 6 months validity beyond travel
- Passport-sized photographs matching embassy specifications
- Travel insurance covering medical emergencies in Schengen states
- Flight itinerary or reservation
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letters, etc.)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, sponsorship letter)
- Employment or student status proof
- Previous Schengen visas (if any)
6. Attend Your Appointment at VFS Center
Arrive at the VFS Global center on your appointment day with all original documents and printouts. Since you’ve already submitted your application form online, your role will focus on document verification, biometric data collection (fingerprints), and submission.
7. Embassy Review and Final Submission
Once your application is submitted via VFS, the embassy will begin processing it. Some embassies might ask you to complete additional steps on their portals or provide extra documents.
8. Wait for Processing and Collect Your Visa
Visa processing times can vary from 7 to 15 calendar days or longer during busy periods. Once your visa is approved, you can collect your passport and visa from the VFS center or receive it by courier if that service is offered.
Important Considerations for Applicants from the UAE
Apply Well in Advance
Schengen visa appointments and processing times fluctuate based on demand. Summer, holiday seasons, and major events often see a spike in applications, resulting in longer wait times. Applying at least 4 to 6 weeks before your planned travel date is strongly recommended.
Review Your Application Carefully
Since the visa application form is submitted online at booking, any mistakes can cause processing delays or even rejection. Double-check names, dates, travel itinerary, and other details.
Use Only Official Websites
Avoid third-party agents or unofficial portals that may offer visa services at inflated prices or scams. Always use the official VFS Global portal for your country of application.
Keep Copies of Your Application
After submitting the form digitally, save a PDF or screenshot of the completed application for your records.
Be Prepared for Embassy Follow-Ups
Some embassies may request additional documentation or clarifications after your VFS appointment. Promptly respond to any such requests to avoid delays.
What Does This Mean for Travellers from the UAE?
This new Schengen Visa new process UAE applicants face signals a shift toward digital-first visa services, reflecting global trends in government and travel administration.
Pros for travellers include:
- Faster appointment bookings with integrated application forms.
- Reduced paperwork at centers.
- More accurate applications due to digital validation.
- Clearer instructions via online portals.
Potential challenges:
- First-time applicants may need time to understand the online system.
- Errors made during digital form filling can be harder to correct later.
- Some applicants may miss the new step and face appointment cancellations.
Being informed and starting your application early are the keys to a hassle-free experience.
Conclusion
The Schengen Visa new process UAE applicants must follow represents a major update to applying for European travel visas, specifically for France and Germany. By integrating the visa application form into the appointment booking on the VFS Global portal, the process becomes more streamlined and efficient.
If you plan to visit Europe this year or beyond, make sure you familiarize yourself with this updated process. Start early, prepare your documents carefully, and complete your application accurately online. Doing so will help ensure your European trip goes smoothly without visa hurdles.
Travel plans are exciting—now the visa process is becoming simpler and more modern too.
Safe travels from the UAE to Europe!
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