Schengen Visa
Visa Details
Schengen Visa | Documents Required and Application Process
What is Schengen Visa?
A Schengen entry visa is a short-term visa which allows the holder to enter and travel within the Schengen Area, a group of several European countries. With one visa, it is possible to visit one or more member states for the purposes of tourism, business, visits by family members or for short stays of a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days. This visa is arguably the most convenient for those who want to travel around Europe, as it eliminates the need to apply for individual visas to every country.
Who Can Apply
Individuals who are not citizens of a Member State, but who are members of a nationality requiring the visa for entry into Europe may apply for a Visa. Residents of the UAE of any nationality can also apply provided that they have a valid UAE residence visa. Below are the key eligibility criteria you must meet to apply.
Eligibility Checklist:
- Valid passport for the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the date of departure.
- UAE residence visa for minimum of 3 months (required for UAE residents).
- Nationality requires Visa (applicants who have non-Schengen passports).
- Proof of funds (bank statements for the past three to six months).
- Purpose of travel must be clearly documented, this includes tourism, business, family connections or medical reasons.
Required Documents for All Applicants
Before applying for your visa to Schengen , make sure the below mentioned documents are ready.
- Valid passport (10 years old or newer, 3 months validity, 2 blank pages)
- UAE residence visa (valid for 3+ months)
- visa application of schengen form (filled & signed)
- Passport-size photos (biometric, white background)
- Flight booking (round-trip itinerary)
- Hotel booking / accommodation proof
- Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage for all countries)
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Employment proof (salary certificate + NOC / trade license / student letter)
- Purpose-of-travel documents (tour plan, business invitation, family invite)
- Previous visas (if available)
Schengen Visa Application Process
Step-by-Step Visa Application
- Consultation & Eligibility Check – Determine the correct visa type and understand all requirements.
- Document Preparation – Our team reviews, verifies, and organizes your documents as per rules.
- Application Submission – We submit your complete file to the Visa Application Centre (VFS Global).
- Biometrics & Appointment – Attend your scheduled biometrics appointment at VFS.
- Visa Processing – Typically takes 10–15 working days, depending on the embassy.
- Collection/Delivery – Receive your passport with the visa stamp.
Visa Application from Dubai & Abu Dhabi
- Dubai Residents: Please submit your application at the Visa Application Centre (VFS Global, Dubai)
- Abu Dhabi Residents: Applications received at the relevant Schengen Embassy or at the VFS Global Centre in Abu Dhabi
- Other Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain): Al rihla Travel will handle your visa application via the VFS centers.
Regardless of where you are living—whether you are applying for a Schengen visa from Dubai or Abu Dhabi Al Rihla Travel will make sure that the entire process is smooth, straightforward and free from any stress.
Schengen Visa Fees, Processing Time & Validity
- Visa Fee: The fee is based on the type of visa, length of stay, and nationalities.
- Processing Time: The average processing period is five to seven working days, however, this may vary depending on the profile of the applicant and the workload of the embassy.
- Validity: Short term Schengen tourist visa’s are usually valid up to ninety days within any 180 day period.
Types of Schengen Visa for UAE Residents
- Tourist Visa: For leisure travel, holidays, and sightseeing within the Area.
- Business Visa: For meetings, conferences, events, and business-related travel.
- Visit Visa: For visiting family members or friends residing in countries.
- Transit Visa: For travelers transiting through a Schengen airport en route to a non-Schengen destination.
The citizens who seek visa in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or from UAE can check on Al Rihla Travel to do the right choice of category.
Common Visa Rejection Reasons & Tips
Below are the Common visa rejection reasons
- Incomplete or incorrect documents
- Insufficient financial proof to cover travel and stay
- Unclear travel purpose or weak itinerary
- Invalid or inadequate travel insurance coverage
Tips to avoid rejection:
- Give correct and up-to-date information
- Maintain proper travel arrangements and confirmed bookings
- Apply well in advance (at least 2–3 weeks before your travel date)
Apply professional visa services such as Al Rihla Travel. Our experts maximize your chances of approval for your Schengen visa from UAE.
Why Choose Al-Rihla Travel for Schengen Visa Application?
- 100% end-to-end assistance throughout the entire visa process
- 15+ years of proven experience in UAE travel & visa processing
- Transparent pricing with no hidden or confusing charges
- 24/7 WhatsApp support dedicated to visa applicants
- Secure submissions via official GDRFA/ICP systems
- DTCM Licensed (No. 906115) — officially registered in Dubai
Al Rihla Travel makes your Schengen travel plans easy, safe and completely stress-free.
Eligibility Checklist:
- Valid passport for the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the date of departure.
- UAE residence visa for minimum of 3 months (required for UAE residents)
- Nationality requires Visa (applicants who have non-Schengen passports).
- Proof of funds (bank statements for the past three to six months).
- Purpose of travel must be clearly documented, this includes tourism, business, family connections or medical reasons.
Eligibility Checklist:
- Valid passport for the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the date of departure.
- UAE residence visa for minimum of 3 months (required for UAE residents)
- Nationality requires Visa (applicants who have non-Schengen passports).
- Proof of funds (bank statements for the past three to six months).
- Purpose of travel must be clearly documented, this includes tourism, business, family connections or medical reasons.