UAE Residents Lost Over Dh20 Million in Schengen Visa Rejections in 2024

UAE Travellers Lose Over Dh20 Million on Rejected Schengen Visas in 2024

With almost Dh20.6 million (€4.93 million) lost as a result of denied Schengen visa applications, UAE citizens who were eager to travel around Europe in 2024 suffered severe financial losses, according to data from Schengen Visa Info. This figure highlights the steep cost of unsuccessful visa attempts, as more than 61,000 applications from the UAE were denied last year.

A total of 260,229 Schengen visa applications were submitted from the UAE in 2024 — an 11.24% increase compared to 2023. However, 23.72% of these applications were rejected, marking an 18% increase in the rejection rate year-on-year. The UAE accounted for 2.2% of global Schengen visa applications, placing it 10th worldwide for total application volume.

Schengen visas, which allow access to 29 European countries, cost €80 (around Dh333) per applicant up until June 11, 2024.In 2024, UAE citizens spent around Dh87 million (€20.8 million) on Schengen visa applications, when additional service fees and documentation costs are taken into account.

Since 2014, UAE nationals have collectively spent more than Dh700 million (€170 million) on Schengen visas, indicating a consistent financial commitment in spite of a growing trend of denials.
With 32,956 applications from UAE citizens and 23,753 approvals, Germany was the most popular destination, with a 72.07% approval rate. Additionally, with 8,778 rejections, it had the most. Having 29,473 applications, the Netherlands came in second, followed by France (28,778), Switzerland (27,148), and Spain (24,799). Other well-liked nations were Norway (12,007), Denmark (12,846), Greece (17,974), Italy (23,240), and Hungary (9,717). With only 202 applications, Lithuania received the fewest from UAE citizens.

Out of all applications, 198,093 Schengen visas were approved for UAE residents in 2024.

Poland emerged as the most applicant-friendly country, granting visas to 85.89% of applicants. In contrast, Croatia and Denmark had the highest rejection rates, at 53.03% and 49.75%, respectively.

The data signals a need for UAE travelers to prepare meticulously for Schengen visa submissions, given the financial risks and increasing rejection rates, even for frequent flyers or previously approved applicants.