In 2026, visa applications from Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be possible, but some consulates and visa centers are operating with restrictions. In some cases, appointments are temporarily suspended or rescheduled due to workload, technical maintenance, or regional issues. Schengen visas from Dubai for Russians.
📢 Current status of consulates and visa centers in the UAE (2026)
According to visa centers and immigration consultants, some VFS Global and BLS centers in the UAE were temporarily closed or operated on a limited basis, resulting in appointment delays and extended processing times.
Also, some consulates have temporarily reduced application acceptance times or rescheduled appointments, so it is recommended to check the status before submitting.
In some cases, visa application centres have announced temporary closures for specific dates or restrictions on accepting new applications.
🇦🇪 We help UAE residents 🇪🇺 Refusal rate less than 5%
A common question is what to do if the visa center's calendar is full. This is covered separately: appointment at the visa application center in Dubai.
Questions about visa validity
❔ “How long will the visa last if I book hotels for 15 days?”
→ "The consulate usually issues a visa +15% to the booking dates. For 15 days they can give 17-20 days. For a longer period, compelling reasons are needed (business invitation, family circumstances)."
❔ “Is it possible to get a multiple entry visa the first time?”
→ There is a chance with: 1) Ideal documents, 2) History of Schengen visas, 3) Strong ties to the UAE (residence permit, work). The first visa is usually issued for specific dates
Financial issues — Schengen visa from Dubai
❔ “How much money do I need to show in the account?”
→ "We recommend a minimum of 100€/day + reservation. For a 2-week trip - from 1,500€. If the reservations are already paid, you can pay less."
❔ “Will a statement from a Russian bank be suitable?”
→ "Yes, but it is better to add a bank statement from the UAE (if available). Consulates check financial stability."
3. Documents
❔ “Is it necessary to translate documents from Russian?”
→ “Yes, all certificates (work, bank) are required translation into English or the language of the consulate."
❔ “What to do if there is no hotel reservation for the entire period?”
→ "You can: 1) Include a letter explaining the itinerary, 2) Add an invitation from friends in the EU (with a copy of their passport), 3) Book refundable hotels."
Logistics
❔ “Is it necessary to fly through Spain if you have a Spanish visa?”
→ "No, but first entry must be in Spain or spend there more days, than in other countries."
❔ “Do you need tickets between Schengen countries?”
→ "Yes, the consulate requires proof of transport (train/bus reservation, even without payment)."
5. Special cases
❔ “How to get a visa to visit friends/relatives?”
→ "Need to official invitation, certified by the EU city hall, + a copy of the inviting person’s passport/visa.”
❔ “Will they give me a visa without work?”
→ "If there is no employment, please provide: 1) Sponsorship letter, 2) Statement with a large balance, 3) Property documents."
6. After filing
❔ "Is it possible to change the booking after receiving the visa?"
→ "Yes, but: 1) Do not cancel your reservations before passing through passport control, 2) Keep the original itinerary in case of inspection."
❔ "What to do if refused?"
→ "We analyze the reason and help: 1) File an appeal, 2) Reapply with an improved package of documents."
7. Other nuances
❔ "Do I need insurance for a visa?"
→ "Yes, Necessarily! Requirements: €60,000+ coverage, valid for all travel dates, includes repatriation."
❔ “How can I prove that I will return to the UAE?”
→ “Please attach: 1) UAE residence permit, 2) Employment contract, 3) Documents for children/property in the UAE.”
❔ “Is it possible to submit documents without a personal visit?”
→ "No, biometrics (fingerprints) Mandatory every 5 years. Exception: children under 12 years old."
A special case is study trips: if the purpose of the visa is not tourism, but a language course or educational program, the document requirements are different. For this purpose, we have Malta visa support For UAE residents, including applicants under 18 years of age.