Schengen Visa Application through VFS Global in Dubai, UAE

Before COVID-19, I don't dare to apply for Schengen Visa in Dubai at all. I was so intimidated by the whole application process. Also, you know me and my 'mishaps' when it comes to visas like my Oman Visa or my Kyrgyzstan E-Visa! However, out of my intense desire to do the Camino de Santiago as soon as 2022 started, I finally dared to start my Schengen Visa Application here in Dubai. As unfortunate as the result was (read below), let me guide you on how to apply yours to the best of my ability.

Disclaimer: This is not an expert's advice and I am not related to VFS Global or any travel agency. All information written in this post is based on my personal experience (February 2022) with Portugal via VFS Global. Certain information may change according to the rules and regulations of VFS or by Schengen Territories.

Schengen Visa & Coverage

First of all, what is a Schengen Visa? A Schengen Visa allows you to enter the Schengen area for Tourism or Business purposes. The Schengen Area consists of the following European countries as members:

Not only that, you may also enter non-European countries as long as you have a VALID double/multiple entry Schengen Visa. If you need more information on this, you may refer to schengenvisainfo.com which explains everything such as visa types, validity, Schengen agreements, etc.

Visa Application Process in Dubai, UAE

Application Center in UAE (Dubai) - VFS Global

Compared to other countries, Schengen Visa has dedicated Application Centers that facilitate and assist applicants with their visa application. They act as specialists to help you submit a complete and correct set of documents and avoid getting your visa rejected. VFS Global represents most of the Schengen members including Canada and the UK except Spain which is represented by BLS International.

Do take note that Schengen members HAVE DIFFERENT VFS Global websites and they may require different details, requirements, and costs. So check accordingly with the respective website of YOUR destination. This post is based on my experience when I applied for a Schengen Visa from Portugal VFS Global (Dubai Application Center).

VFS Global Application Center Details

• Address - Wafi Mall, 2nd Floor, Falcon, Phase 2 Umm Hurair 2, Dubai UAE
• Opening Hours - Monday to Friday from 9 AM - 5 PM (Submission cut off at 3 PM)
• Contact Number - varies depending on the country they represent

Steps of the Application Process

Breaking down the process into a simple and easier explanation, the whole process is only a total of 4 steps:

1. Book your Appointment

Based on my experience, booking an appointment from VFS Global can be a pain in the ass because there are limited slots or no slots at all. This is my first step and I will suggest the same for you. While you gather your documents, make sure to check the slots as frequently as you can. Different countries may have different processing times as well so book yours as early as you can before your travel date.

I found a slot after patiently checking every day for two weeks in January (2022) until I found the earliest slot which is in February. If your travel date is near, make sure to book your appointment first before anything else as you never know the availability of slots.

Once you find a slot, book it right away and wait for your confirmation e-mail from VFS with an attached Appointment Letter. The e-mail should look like this:

2. Gather documents and requirements

The appointment date is set, so now focus on preparing your documents and requirements. Since I applied from Portugal, I followed their requirements checklist as required by VFS Global. The general requirements needed are:

• Application form (handwritten forms are NOT accepted)
• Recent passport size photo
• Original passport and one passport photocopy
• Copy of the latest 3 Schengen Visas issued during the last 3 years (if applicable)
• UAE Residence visa and one photocopy
• Valid travel insurance (original and stamped)
• Original letter from local sponsor - NOC
• Flight reservation including return ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Personal UAE Bank Account Statement (Originally signed and stamped for the last 3 months)

There will be additional requirements IF YOU are a minor, not employed but business owner or self-employed, or if you have a sponsor (if business) or spouse or family in the Schengen Area (if tourism). Check the necessary documents applicable to you with VFS Global directly.

Apart from the documents required, I brought a printout of the Appointment Letter (attached to the Appointment Confirmation e-mail by VFS) and a cover letter. Cover Letters are technically not required but are suggested by other blogs. From my experience, it was not accepted or suggested. The VFS Employee told me that based on her experience, it doesn't help the application at all. However, I will not discourage you to prepare one.

3. Visit the application center for submission

Finally, visit the VFS Global Application Center (on the date of your appointment). Please take note that you can only enter 15 minutes before your booked time (not earlier than that and avoid being late). Show your Appointment Letter sent to you (the one with the barcode) and you will be given a token number to be used inside the Center.

Once inside the Application Center, you will do the following:

• Have your documents checked by the VFS Employee (they will check for missing/wrong documents)
• Submit the documents
• Do your biometrics (fingerprint scanning)

This is the most crucial step which depends on your documents. Based on my experience, I overlooked a rule* (fewer nights in Portugal & longer in Spain - honest mistake btw) so they didn't want to accept my application at first. They are insisting on applying from Spain. Fortunately, I was allowed by the Employee to modify my accommodation bookings so that I will be staying longer in Portugal than Spain.

*As a rule, wherever Schengen Territory you are staying the longest, that's where you should apply for your Schengen Visa. If you are staying at different Schengen Territories with an equal number of nights, you should apply where you will enter first.

Anyhow, make sure that all the information and documents with you are 100% correct and aligned with the visa application rules to avoid unnecessary mishaps like mine.

Going back to the process, after the documents are all verified, pay for your visa fees and extra charges (if there are any). Your documents will be kept in a plastic envelope and will be handed to you. Then take your biometrics (photo & fingerprint) and leave the plastic envelope (with your documents) with them.

4. Wait for the result

Once you successfully submit your documents and the biometrics, there is nothing left but to WAIT.

Different embassies/countries have different processing times so note this when planning your visa application especially when your travel date is near. With Portugal, it takes 15 calendar days as mentioned in the VFS Website and as reminded by the VFS Employee.

You can track your application online using the Reference Number given to you after paying the Visa Fees.

Visa Application Costs

Based on my application for a single-entry Schengen Visa entering Portugal, I spent the following costs as of February 14, 2022:

• VFS Global Service Charge* - AED 143.97 (paid during BOOKING the appointment date)
• Visa Fee* - AED 348.99 (paid at the application center after submission of documents)
• Courier Fee - AED 50 (to send my passport back through courier)

*VFS Global Service Charge and Visa Fee differ from country to country so please check accordingly.

The result... drumroll, please.

As unfortunate as it is and no matter how I practice the law of attraction, my lack of luck strikes again - I got an email from the embassy after more than 30 calendar days of waiting with the below:

It's such a shame but I was not broken-hearted as I thought I would be. But it makes me wonder where it went wrong. I have the correct documents and I have a sufficient amount of money (as far as I know).

Anyhow, it means I have to try and re-apply next time but I'll miss the opening season of Camino and I might miss Camino's summer season too. Worse comes to worst, I'll have to wait for another year for the Camino. But that's life, full of surprises, so let's just go with it 😉

And that's it! That's the step-by-step process on how to apply for a Schengen Visa in Dubai! I hope it sounds easy to you and it can be of help. If by any chance you have questions that I may have an answer to, please feel free to comment below and I will reply to you at the soonest!