UAE residents lost a combined Dh16.8 million (€4.19 million) in rejected Schengen visa applications in 2023, as the rejection rate surged to 22.44% — a 25% jump compared to the previous year, according to data published by Schengen Visa Info on November 30.
UAE Schengen Visa Applications Hit Record High in 2023
Citizens and residents of the UAE submitted a total of 233,932 Schengen visa applications in 2023, up 24.97% on the previous year. That volume represented 2.27% of all Schengen applications lodged globally, ranking the UAE 10th among all nationalities worldwide.
Of those applications, 177,213 Schengen visas were ultimately granted. Total spending on applications — including both approved and rejected — reached Dh74.9 million (€18.7 million). The Dh16.8 million lost to rejections alone underscores the financial cost of a high refusal rate.
Germany Tops UAE Application List — and Rejection Tally
Germany received the largest share of UAE Schengen applications in 2023, with 26,024 submissions filed for travel to the country. It also recorded the highest number of outright rejections, turning down 6,283 applications from UAE residents.
At the other end of the spectrum, Lithuania attracted the fewest applications from UAE residents, with only 327 submitted.
Spain and Poland Offer Best Approval Odds
For UAE applicants seeking favourable odds, Spain and Poland stood out in the 2023 data:
- Spain granted the highest volume of Schengen visas to UAE residents — 20,843 approvals — at an approval rate of 80.09%. - Poland recorded the highest approval rate of any Schengen member state for UAE applicants, clearing 90.61% of applications.
Schengen Visa Fee Rise in June 2024
The application fee for a Schengen Type C visa stood at approximately Dh320 (€80) until June 11, 2024. On that date, the European Commission raised fees by 12%, adding further cost pressure on UAE residents planning European travel. Additional service charges applied on top of the base fee, varying by member state and visa application centre.
What This Means for UAE Travellers
The steep Schengen visa rejection rate for UAE residents in 2023 — nearly one in four applications turned down — reflects a broader tightening of short-stay visa approvals across Europe. With fees now higher following the June 2024 increase, the financial stakes of a rejected application have risen further. Applicants are advised to ensure documentation is complete and travel insurance is in place before lodging a Schengen application.
