Top 10 countries UAE residents should apply to for multiple-entry Schengen visas
Germany and Slovenia lead approvals ahead of busy holiday travel season
DUBAI – UAE residents planning European holidays this summer are being urged to act early as fresh European Commission data reveals which Schengen countries are most likely to issue coveted multiple-entry visas.
With schools across the UAE preparing for nearly two months of summer holidays, demand for flexible travel access across Europe is expected to rise sharply in the coming weeks.
The figures come amid a wider recovery in global Schengen travel demand. EU and Schengen-associated consulates received nearly 12 million short-stay visa applications in 2025, up 1.8 percent from 2024 and 15.5 percent higher than 2023. More than 10 million visas were issued this year, marking a 3 percent increase from 2024, although application levels remain below the 17 million recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.
For UAE-based travellers hoping to avoid repeated visa applications while visiting multiple European destinations, the latest data offers a clear roadmap.
Slovenia
Slovenia tops the rankings with an impressive 85.22 percent multiple-entry visa rate. While the country handled a relatively modest number of applications, it approved 588 multiple-entry visas from 1,049 applications.
The Central European destination has become increasingly attractive for travellers seeking easier Schengen access alongside scenic alpine escapes, lakeside towns and cross-border connectivity with neighbouring Italy, Austria and Croatia.
Germany
Germany emerges as the strongest large-scale performer for UAE applicants. Out of 40,555 visa applications submitted from the UAE, Germany approved 31,124 visas, with 85.20 percent granted as multiple-entry permits.
The country’s combination of high processing volume and strong multiple-entry approval rate has positioned it as the preferred gateway for frequent travellers, business executives and families planning extended European itineraries.
Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg continue to attract heavy UAE tourism traffic, particularly during the summer travel season.
Croatia
Croatia secures third place with an 80.07 percent multiple-entry visa rate, although the numbers come with a major caveat. The country approved only 53.97 percent of overall UAE applications, meaning nearly half of applicants faced rejection.
Despite the tougher approval environment, Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, island tourism and historic cities such as Dubrovnik and Split continue drawing strong demand from Gulf travellers.
Austria
Austria delivers one of the strongest all-round performances in the rankings. The country combined a healthy 75.18 percent overall approval rate with a 79.47 percent multiple-entry visa success rate.
For UAE residents planning repeat visits to Europe’s cultural hubs, Austria’s balanced approval figures make it one of the safest Schengen application choices heading into summer 2026.
Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck remain among the most popular Austrian destinations for Gulf tourists.
Switzerland
Switzerland continues its reputation for reliability among UAE travellers. According to the latest figures, 68.55 percent of successful applicants received multiple-entry visas.
The country processed 19,881 successful applications from the UAE, reinforcing its position as one of the most dependable Schengen destinations for repeat travel.
Luxury tourism, alpine resorts and seamless transport connections across Europe continue making Switzerland a major attraction for UAE residents.
Belgium
Belgium posts a solid 59.83 percent multiple-entry visa rate, giving applicants nearly a six-in-ten chance of receiving long-term travel flexibility across the Schengen zone.
Brussels remains a major destination for both leisure and business travellers from the UAE, while Belgium’s rail links with France, the Netherlands and Germany strengthen its appeal for multi-country summer trips.
Greece
Greece ranks close behind Belgium with a 59.23 percent multiple-entry visa rate.
The Mediterranean country remains one of the strongest summer tourism magnets for UAE residents, driven by demand for Santorini, Mykonos, Athens and Crete. Multiple-entry visas are especially valuable for travellers combining Greek island holidays with broader European itineraries.
Romania
Romania stands out as one of the easiest countries for UAE residents to secure Schengen approval overall. While its multiple-entry visa rate stood at 59.04 percent, the country recorded an impressive 85.39 percent overall approval rate.
That combination makes Romania particularly attractive for applicants prioritising approval certainty alongside access to wider European travel.
Interest in Romania has also increased following its deeper Schengen integration and rising tourism profile.
Norway
Norway secures a 58.86 percent multiple-entry visa rate, rounding out the Nordic entries on the list.
The Scandinavian destination continues attracting adventure tourists, cruise travellers and nature enthusiasts seeking access to fjords, Arctic experiences and northern European rail routes.
Denmark
Denmark completes the top 10 rankings with a 58.80 percent multiple-entry visa rate.
Copenhagen’s growing popularity among Gulf travellers, combined with Denmark’s connectivity to wider Scandinavia, continues driving strong application numbers from the UAE.
Global visa trends
The latest Schengen data also highlighted broader global visa trends. The worldwide refusal rate remained unchanged at 14.8 percent in 2025, although individual countries recorded significant swings.
Refusal rates dropped in Russia, Algeria and Ethiopia, while they rose sharply in Senegal, Burundi, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
China remained the largest Schengen applicant market globally with 1.8 million applications, followed by Turkiye with 1.25 million and India with 1.15 million.
Of the more than 10 million visas issued worldwide this year, 51.2 percent allowed multiple entries into the Schengen area, slightly lower than the 52.2 percent recorded in 2024.