UAE Foreign Residents Warned Against Schengen Visa Scams as Demand Surges

Foreign residents in the UAE applying for Schengen visas are being warned about rising visa scams. According to Monaz Billimoria, VFS Global’s Regional Head for UAE, fraudsters are offering fake visa appointments and approvals in exchange for money—claims that are entirely false.

“We urge applicants to beware of any third-party entities or individuals posing as VFS Global staff or partners, promising visa appointments or guaranteed visas for an additional fee. These are the sole prerogatives of the Embassies or Consulates,” Billimoria said.

Apply Only Through Official Channels

Billimoria emphasized that all visa applications must be made through official government or authorized visa centers. To avoid the need for intermediaries, applicants are strongly advised to plan their trips and apply as early as possible—up to six months before their intended travel date, as permitted under Schengen rules.

“We constantly urge applicants to plan their trips and apply for their visas well in advance to avoid any delays ahead of their travels,” she added.

Appointment and Processing Times Depend on Member States

Demand for Schengen visas from the UAE tends to spike during the summer season. Appointments are limited and are released in accordance with guidelines set by each Schengen country. Processing times and availability vary significantly.

“Appointment availability and processing timelines vary from country to country,” Billimoria confirmed, noting that countries receiving higher application volumes often have longer processing periods.

Over 260,000 Schengen Visa Applications From UAE in 2024

In 2024, residents in the UAE submitted 260,229 Schengen visa applications. Of these, 196,109 were approved while 61,738 were rejected, according to SchengenVisaInfo statistics. Recently, travel agents have reported a shortage of appointment slots, with many dates fully booked until at least mid-August.