UAE residents planning to travel to Europe are advised to apply for Schengen visas four to six months before their intended travel date to avoid unnecessary delays. This has been a constant issue for UAE travellers to Europe in the last 12 months, and it is not expected to change anytime soon. While the EU is making a transition to digitize and process online Schengen visa procedures, the project is expected to take another two years before it becomes a reality.
The new system will allow visa applicants to apply for a visa online through a single EU platform, regardless of the member state or destination. They can submit personal data, a scanned copy of the travel document, supporting documents, and travel medical insurance through the platform. This process will reduce the risk of falsification and theft of the visa sticker and provide more security related to counterfeit and stolen visa stickers.
The proposed system also aims to make the payment process more straightforward by using a third-party gateway linked to the online application platform. The payment of visa fees will be directly transferred to the appropriate EU member state being visited. The draft proposal has not specified any change in costs for an e-visa, but travel industry sources say the cost of application may see changes once implemented.
Visa applicants will receive their visas in a digital format as a 2D barcode, which will be cryptographically signed. This format will end the risk of falsification and theft of the visa sticker.
Appearing in person at the consulate or availing the service of an external service provider – VFS Global – will be mandatory only for first-time applicants and those who acquired a new travel document that needs to be verified, and for collecting biometric identifiers. Repeat applicants should be able to apply online within five years after successful applications, provided they use the same travel document.
Overall, the new system is expected to make the visa application process more straightforward and secure for UAE residents planning to travel to Europe. However, until the new system is implemented, it is essential to apply for Schengen visas four to six months before the intended travel date to avoid delays.
