UAE Residents Face Schengen Visa Challenges in 2024

Residents of the UAE lost nearly 20.6 million dirhams in declined Schengen visa applications in 2024, according to a recent report. A total of 260,229 visa applications were submitted from the country throughout the year, representing an 11.24% increase compared to 2023. However, 61,738 of these applications were rejected, resulting in a 23.72% rejection rate, which is 18% higher than the previous year.

The Schengen visa enables travel between 29 European countries, with a fee of 80 euros (approximately 333 dirhams) until June 11, 2024, along with additional service and documentation charges. As a result, UAE residents spent nearly 87 million dirhams on Schengen visa applications in 2024. Looking back to 2014, the total amount spent on applications from the UAE exceeds 700 million dirhams.

According to travel agencies, the demand for Schengen visas in the UAE this year has been exceptionally high. Currently, appointments for the 29 countries are unavailable, with the next slots expected to open from mid-August. Agencies encourage travelers to remain flexible and consider exploring new, less popular destinations.

Germany was the most popular destination, receiving 32,956 applications from the UAE, with 23,753 visas approved, signifying a 72.07% approval rate. However, Germany also declined the most applications, totaling 8,778. The Netherlands ranked second with 29,473 applicants, followed by France with 28,778 applications. Spain was fifth with 24,799 applicants. The top 10 was rounded out by Italy, Greece, Denmark, Norway, and Hungary. Lithuania received the fewest applications, only 202.

Poland was the most welcoming destination, approving 85.89% of applications. Conversely, Croatia and Denmark had the highest rejection rates at 53.03% and 49.75%, respectively.

The increasing demand and rising rejection rates present significant logistical and financial challenges for travelers. Flexibility, planning, and considering alternative destinations can be crucial for avoiding unnecessary expenses and time losses. According to travel agency experiences, more slots are expected to open in the coming months, so it is worth keeping an eye out for new opportunities.

(Source: Based on submitted visa applications.)