Introduction to UAE Visas for Schengen Residents/Citizens As of September 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be a top destination for travelers from around the globe, including Schengen residents and citizens. Whether you’re planning a short vacation, conducting business, or looking for a longer stay, there are several visa options available. Recent changes to UAE visa policies for Schengen residents have simplified some processes, making it easier to apply, while also maintaining strict rules to ensure compliance with visa terms. Below, we break down everything you need to know about the UAE visa for Schengen citizens, including the visa types, application process, and penalties for overstaying.
VisitsVisa offers a streamlined and hassle-free process for applying for your UAE visa online, ensuring convenience and efficiency every step of the way. Simply submit your application and let our expert team handle the rest, making your visa experience smooth and stress-free.
UAE Visa Fees for Schengen Citizens in May 2025
Schengen citizens do not need to apply for a visa before entering the UAE. They are eligible for a visa-free entry, allowing them to travel for short stays for both tourism and business purposes. Upon arrival, a Schengen passport holder is granted a visa waiver, which is stamped directly onto their passport at immigration.
| Type of Visa | VISA FEE ($) | Express Delivery ($) | Insurance ($) | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 HR Transits | 159 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 7 Days E-Visa | 169 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 14 Days Single Entry | 189 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 30 Days Single Entry | 199 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 30 Days Multiple Entry | 299 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 60 Days Single Entry | 299 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 60 Days Multiple Entry | 529 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 60 Days Job Seeker | 599 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 5 Years Multi Entry Visa | 1599 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 2 Years Resident Visa | 2500 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
To apply for a United Arab Emirates visa, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Passport: Scanned color copy of your passport, including the first and last pages.
Photo- sized photograph taken against a white background.
Flight Booking: Travel itinerary or flight booking details.
Bank statements: Only for a few countries, like Pakistan and some African countries.
Hotel Proof: Proof of hotel reservation
Guarantor: Guarantor required for few countries
Additional documents: specific to your visa type (such as an invitation letter for a business visa or admission letter for a student visa).
If you are a Schengen resident or citizen and planning a trip to the UAE, you have access to several types of visas tailored to different purposes of visit. Below is a breakdown of the available UAE visa types, each designed to cater to specific needs, whether for leisure, business, transit, or long-term stays.
For Schengen residents traveling to the UAE, here is an up-to-date breakdown of the visa fees as of September 2024. The costs vary depending on the type of visa and the intended duration of stay. It’s essential to confirm the prices before applying, as they are subject to change.
| Visa Type | Fee (in USD) | Extension Cost (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | $95 | $230 |
| Business Visa (30 days) | $160 | $230 |
| Transit Visa (48 hours) | Free | N/A |
| Transit Visa (96 hours) | $50 | N/A |
| Long-Term Visa | $365 | $250 |
| Golden Visa | Varies | N/A |
Always verify the visa fees with the UAE immigration authorities or your visa application center before submitting your application, as visa costs can change periodically.
Schengen residents planning to visit the UAE must submit a set of essential documents to ensure their visa application is processed smoothly. Below is a list of the required documents and guidelines to help you prepare for your UAE visa application:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry into the UAE. Ensure that your passport is in good condition and contains at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
You will need to provide recent passport-sized photos with a white background. The photos must be clear, and meet biometric standards, usually requiring a 45mm x 35mm size. It is essential that the photos are professional and not taken from a scanned or copied image.
A fully filled out UAE visa application form is mandatory. Ensure that all the information provided is accurate and matches the details on your supporting documents. Any inconsistencies can lead to delays or rejection of your visa.
For visa approval, you must provide evidence of where you will be staying in the UAE. This can be either a hotel reservation or, if staying with friends or family, residence details or an invitation letter from your host.
Submit a copy of your confirmed flight booking to and from the UAE. The immigration authorities will require this to verify your travel itinerary and dates.
To demonstrate your financial stability during your stay in the UAE, you need to provide bank statements for the last three months. These statements should show sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your visit.
A valid travel insurance policy is mandatory and should cover the entire duration of your stay in the UAE. The insurance should offer adequate coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation, ensuring your safety during your time in the country.
For visas such as business or long-term stay visas, you must provide additional documentation outlining the purpose of your visit. This could include an invitation letter from a business partner, conference details, employment offer, or academic enrollment for students.
If you hold a Schengen residence permit, you will need to submit a copy of it as part of your visa application. This confirms your residency status within the Schengen Area and supports your eligibility for a UAE visa.
When applying for a UAE visa, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria to ensure a successful application. Below is a detailed breakdown of who qualifies for a UAE visa and who may face difficulties in getting one.
The following groups of individuals are typically eligible to apply for a UAE visa:
Certain individuals may face rejection or ineligibility when applying for a UAE visa, including:
Applying for a UAE visa can be straightforward if you follow the necessary steps and ensure all documents are in order. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Before applying, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready and up-to-date. These typically include:
Visitsvisa offers a user-friendly platform that simplifies the UAE visa application process for Schengen residents. Follow these steps to apply:
When applying for a UAE visa, it’s important to understand whether you fall into the applicable or non-applicable category. Here’s a breakdown:
| Category | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Schengen Citizens with Valid Passports Schengen citizens holding valid passports are eligible to apply for a UAE visa. Ensure that your passport has a minimum of six months' validity from your intended date of entry into the UAE. |
yes |
| Schengen Residents with Permits Individuals residing in the Schengen Area with valid residence permits are also eligible for UAE visa applications. Proof of residency will be required during the visa process. |
yes |
| Previous UAE Visa Violators Individuals with a history of violating UAE visa terms, such as overstaying or working without a permit, are not eligible for future UAE visas unless they resolve their previous violations. |
No |
| Persons on UAE Immigration Blacklist If a person has been blacklisted by UAE immigration authorities due to legal issues, criminal offenses, or fraudulent applications, they are not eligible to apply for a UAE visa. |
No |
Overstaying your UAE visa can result in serious consequences, ranging from fines to permanent bans. It's important to be aware of the penalties associated with overstaying to avoid legal trouble or financial burdens.
A Schengen resident is an individual who holds a valid residence permit from one of the 27 Schengen Area countries. These individuals are not necessarily citizens of the Schengen countries but have the legal right to reside within one of them. Schengen residents can move freely between Schengen countries without needing a visa.
However, when traveling to countries outside the Schengen Area, such as the UAE, Schengen residents must comply with the visa regulations of the destination country. The UAE requires Schengen residents to apply for a visa before entering.
Yes, both Schengen residents and Schengen citizens are required to apply for a visa to enter the UAE. Even if a person holds a residency permit from a Schengen country, they are still subject to the UAE’s visa regulations.
However, certain EU citizens, including those from countries like Germany, France, and Italy, benefit from visa exemptions when visiting the UAE. These citizens can enter the UAE without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on their nationality. Always check the specific visa requirements based on your citizenship before traveling.
No, Schengen citizens do not need a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, thanks to the visa-free agreement between Schengen and the UAE. However, for extended stays beyond this duration, a visa will be required.
No, while Schengen citizens enjoy visa-free entry for tourism, they cannot work in the UAE without obtaining a valid work visa. A work visa must be sponsored by a UAE-based employer.
To apply for a UAE work visa, you will need a job offer from a UAE-based company, which will sponsor your visa. The company will initiate the visa application process on your behalf. Visitsvisa can also assist with this process, providing guidance and support.
Schengen citizens can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for an extension or another visa type.
Yes, tourist visas can be extended in some cases. You can apply for an extension either through Visitsvisa or the UAE immigration authorities, depending on your visa type and current immigration status.
You will generally need the following documents to apply for a UAE visa:
The processing time for a UAE visa typically ranges from 3 to 7 working days, depending on the type of visa. Visitsvisa also offers expedited processing options for urgent visa applications.
Yes, Schengen nationals can apply for multiple-entry visas, especially if they need to enter and exit the UAE frequently for business or family visits. These visas are available for various durations, such as 30 or 90 days.
Yes, if you plan to receive medical treatment in the UAE and stay for more than 90 days, you will need a medical treatment visa. This visa requires a letter from a UAE-based hospital or medical facility confirming your treatment.
While Schengen citizens can enter the UAE without a visa for short stays, it's recommended to have a return or onward ticket to avoid any issues at immigration. The UAE immigration authorities may ask for proof of your travel plans beyond your stay in the country.
