Schengen visas: What UAE travellers must know to avoid fraud
Visa applicants urged to avoid scammers and apply well in advance
DUBAI: With the summer travel season in full swing, Schengen visa appointment slots are rapidly filling up across the UAE, leaving many residents scrambling to secure travel documents. As frustrations rise over delays and unavailability, a more serious concern has emerged – visa scams targeting desperate applicants.
In response, VFS Global and multiple European embassies have issued strong warnings for travellers to avoid fraudulent offers promising guaranteed appointments or fast-track visa approvals.
The urgency of this advisory is underscored by a sharp rise in fake visa incidents, including one that led to a man's arrest at India’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after he attempted to enter Slovakia using a counterfeit visa obtained through an unauthorised agent.
Schengen visa demand
Schengen visa demand remains high in the UAE. In 2024 alone, more than 260,000 applications were submitted from the UAE, with over 196,000 approvals. France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands remain the top destinations for UAE travellers. However, the backlog has led to appointment slots being fully booked until mid-August 2025, especially for popular destinations.
Breakdown of visa applications from UAE in 2024:
- Germany: 32,956 applications | 23,399 approved
- France: 28,778 applications | 23,093 approved
- Netherlands: 29,473 applications | 22,427 approved
Despite a healthy approval rate, appointment delays and post-submission processing times, which now stretch over four weeks, are fuelling demand for shortcuts – a gap that scammers are increasingly exploiting.
Fraud red flags
VFS Global, the official outsourcing partner for over two dozen Schengen countries, has categorically stated it does not partner with any third-party agents or agencies. Appointments are released directly by client governments and updated in real-time on the official VFS Global website.
"There is no fast-track service for Schengen visas," confirmed Monaz Billimoria, Regional Head – UAE, VFS Global. She warned that any promises of early appointments or guaranteed visas by agents or unofficial parties should be treated as red flags.
Scam tactics reported include:
- Demands for advance payments into personal accounts
- Fake email IDs offering job visas or immigration deals
- Pixelated logos and forged documents mimicking embassy correspondence
- False claims of partnerships with VFS Global
One high-profile case involved a INR700,000 (Dh30,800) scam where a 38-year-old Indian man obtained a fake Schengen visa through an Angamaly-based agency. Despite clearing embassy scrutiny, Sharjah immigration detected the forgery, resulting in deportation and police action.
According to India’s district crime records, visa fraud cases have surged from 15–20 annually (2021–2023) to 66 cases in 2024, with 23 cases already reported in 2025.
No shortcuts
VFS Global emphasises that all appointments should be booked only via its official website. While premium services such as Platinum Lounge, courier passport return, and visa-at-your-doorstep are available, they do not influence visa processing timelines or outcomes.
Bernard Vijaykumar, VFS Global’s Head for North Asia and the Philippines, said: “Waiting until the last moment not only increases the risk of delays but also exposes applicants to fraudulent entities seeking to exploit their urgency.”
He reiterated that visa decisions are solely made by embassies or consulates. VFS Global merely handles logistics such as document collection and biometric data.
Common applicant mistakes leading to rejections include:
- Mismatched personal data
- Unauthenticated or outdated bank statements
- Incomplete document submissions
- Incorrect photo formats
Travellers are advised to use the official checklists provided by the embassies or VFS Global and verify all requirements before submission.
Upcoming changes
Adding another layer to the evolving visa landscape, the European Union is launching its Entry/Exit System (EES) – a biometric platform set to replace manual passport stamping. Slated for full rollout by 2026, the system will register passport details, fingerprints, and facial images, and track stays based on the 90-days-in-any-180-days rule.
The rollout will occur over six months, with countries starting at 10 percent of border points and scaling up to full biometric checks by the end of the period. This change is designed to boost border security and streamline immigration, particularly for non-EU travellers such as those from the UAE.
Until then, manual stamping will continue during the transition phase. Member states can also temporarily suspend EES for up to six hours during peak travel or technical issues.
Plan smart, apply early
UAE-based travellers can apply for a Schengen visa up to six months before their intended travel date. While this window provides flexibility, many applicants still wait too long, falling prey to last-minute panic and scam offers.
VFS Global advises:
- Book your visa appointment immediately after flight and hotel confirmations
- Avoid agents claiming priority slots or guaranteed approvals
- Visit only the official embassy and VFS Global websites for latest requirements
- Verify the authenticity of all emails and correspondence
Currently, processing timelines vary by country, and most embassies report a four to five-week delay following submission. Some embassies occasionally release waitlist slots or open last-minute appointments, but these are rare and highly competitive.
Even non-Schengen destinations such as the UK are feeling the impact. UK visa processing now averages nearly two months, as demand spills over from Europe-bound travellers seeking alternatives.