UAE Foreign Residents Recommended to Apply for Schengen Visas Well in Advance

UAE foreign residents who need a visa in order to be permitted entry into the Schengen Area have been advised to apply for the document well in advance.

Issuing the advice, the VFS Global Regional Head of UAE, Monaz Billimoria, said that summer is around the corner and so is also the peak travel season, calling for early applications, Schengen.News reports. 

Billimoria said that this year is particularly expected to have a high demand for Schengen visas and for travel to the bloc. For this reason, she recommended that applications are filed as early as travellers have clear travel plans.

UAE passport holders do not need a visa to enter the bloc. The case is not the same for foreign UAE residents whose country of origin does not have a visa liberalisation with the EU. 

Foreign nationals who need a Schengen visa to enter the bloc can apply for the document up to six months before their departure date, but no later than 15 calendar days before the departure. 

To make sure that travellers do not face any unforeseen inconveniences, Billimoria said that it is very important to check for visa processing timelines mentioned on the country-specific timelines. As she emphasised, during the peak season, visa processing can take longer than usual. 

Schengen Visa Applicants Called to Submit All Necessary Documents & Beware of Scammers 
In addition to being advised to apply for Schengen visas ahead of time, UAE foreign residents who need a visa have also been called to submit all the necessary documents. 

Billimoria recommended that the applicants follow a checklist and refer to it in order to make sure that all requirements have been met. 

The same recommended that visa applicants check the validity of their passport as many countries require a passport with a validity period of six months beyond the return date.

Moreover, applicants have also been advised to be aware of fraudulent people and entities who charge fees for scheduling appointments or providing other visa-related services. Applicants are highly encouraged to file their application themselves, which is free of charge. They only need to pay the processing fee. 

A number of EU embassy diplomats in Thailand previously issued recommendations for Schengen visa applicants. These recommendations apply to all those applying for visas.

Source: https://schengen.news/uae-foreign-residents-recommended-to-apply-for-schengen-visas-well-in-advance/