UAE residents lose millions from Schengen visa rejections
Schengen zone
The residents of United Arab Emirates keen on exploring Europe faced significant financial losses due to rejected Schengen visa applications in 2023, totalling AED16.8 million ($4.57 million), according to a recent report. The massive rejection rate has left many travellers disappointed and significantly out of pocket.
The number of rejected visa applications from the UAE last year stood at 22.44 per cent. This is a 25 per cent increase from the previous year. Schengen Visa Info, which claims to have guided "more than 280 million individuals" since 2013, reported this worrying trend.
As of June 11, 2024, the cost of a Schengen visa application was nearly AED320 ($87.12), excluding the additional service fees which varies by location. To add to the financial burden, the European Commission lately announced a 12 per cent global increase in Schengen visa fees (visa type C).
Also watch |Indian nationals can now apply for multiple-entry, long-term Schengen visas
In 2023, UAE residents filed a total of 233,932 Schengen visa applications, a 24.97 per cent increase compared to 2022. This made up 2.27 per cent of all global visa requests. The UAE features among the top 10 countries for Schengen visa applications. The total expenditure on these applications reached a staggering AED74.9 million ($20.39 million).
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Also read |France most popular destination in Schengen area for Indians, but also has highest visa rejections
The Schengen visa allows for travel across 27 European countries. Germany emerged as the top destination for UAE expats, with 26,024 visa applications. However, Germany also had the highest rejection rate, with 6,283 out of 26,024 applications denied.
Lithuania, on the other hand, was the least sought-after, with just 327 applications from the UAE.
In total, UAE residents were granted 177,213 Schengen visas in 2023. Spain topped the list with 20,843 visas granted, boasting an approval rate of 80.09 per cent. Poland emerged as the easiest country to secure a Schengen visa from the UAE, approving 90.61% of applications.
(With inputs from agencies)