In 2023, UAE residents hoping to visit Europe collectively lost Dh16.8 million (€4.19 million) on rejected Schengen visa applications, according to a recent report.
The rejection rate for visa applications from the UAE stood at 22.44%, a 25% increase from the previous year, according to Schengen Visa Info, which has provided guidance to over 280 million individuals since 2013. As of June 11, 2024, the cost of a Schengen visa application was approximately Dh320 (€80), not including additional service fees that vary by region. On June 11, the European Commission announced a 12% global increase in the cost of Schengen visas (visa type C).
The report also revealed that UAE residents submitted 233,932 Schengen visa applications in 2023, marking a 24.97% rise from 2022. These applicants represented 2.27% of all global Schengen visa requests, placing the UAE as the 10th highest country for such applications. The total expenditure on Schengen visa applications by UAE residents reached Dh74.9 million (€18.7 million).
The Schengen visa allows for unrestricted travel across 27 European countries. Germany emerged as the most popular destination for UAE expats, with 26,024 visa applications in 2023. However, Germany also led in rejecting applications, with 6,283 out of 26,024 visas turned down. Lithuania saw the fewest applications from the UAE, receiving only 327.
In total, UAE residents were granted 177,213 Schengen visas in 2023, with Spain issuing the most visas at 20,843 and an approval rate of 80.09%.
Poland was the easiest Schengen country to obtain a visa from the UAE, approving 90.61% of 20,843 applications.
