🕒 As of March 10, 2026
VFS Global visa application centers in Dubai have partially reopened after temporarily closing earlier this month. Schengen restrictions: Several European centers (including Greece, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, and others) have suspended or severely limited appointments due to staffing shortages and security measures.
Issuance of passports:
Return of already issued passports is carried out as usual for most countries.
Greek Schengen Visa: Hotel Reservations and Documentation
Obtaining your first Schengen visa to Greece from Dubai includes the preparation of the necessary documents, submission of an application through a visa center (for example, VFS Global) or an online service (for example, whats up), as well as waiting for a decision.
The main steps are collecting documents, scheduling an application, paying visa fees, and providing biometric data.
A positive result largely depends on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided, including information about place of work and income level.
Who cares?
For Russians who:
- Apply for a Greek Schengen visa in the Russian Federation;
- live in the UAE and apply through VFS in Dubai/Abu Dhabi.
Why is the right hotel important?
Booking in Athens:
Guaranteed confirmation of residence in Ermass Modern Living Apartments to apply for a visa.
Location in Athens: 5 minutes from Omonia metro station.
Visa support and accommodation in Europe for UAE residents
Planning a trip from Dubai to Greece or other Schengen countries? The team Whatsapp will help you connect your business in the Emirates with your vacation in Europe.
We offer this:
- Consultation on documents: Assistance in preparing documents for VFS Global in Dubai (NOC, statements, insurance).
- Accompaniment: Full information support on the way from the UAE to Greece.
Contact information:
- WhatsApp/Telegram:
+971 55 709 0383 - Email:
dubai@whatox.com - Location in Athens: 5 minutes from Omonia metro station.
Consulates are increasingly asking payment confirmation.
Better to book directly at the hotel.
Request invoice with payment and seal.
A screenshot from the aggregator is not enough.
What should be on a hotel bill?
- Full name as in passport.
- Name and address of the hotel.
- Arrival and departure dates.
- Total amount and currency.
- Mark Paid/Paid or prepayment is indicated.
- Hotel contacts, seal/signature.
Tip: Ask for a PDF on company letterhead.
How We Help (Whatox Concierge, Dubai)
- We select a hotel that issues correct invoices.
- We are corresponding with the hotel on your behalf.
- We receive the invoice with the necessary details.
- We check dates, names, amounts.
- We arrange insurance, routes, and ticket reservations.
- We fill out the questionnaire and prepare the kit.
- We record in VFS, prepare for submission.
- We provide translations and notarized texts if necessary.
Important: Visa decisions are made by the consulate.
🇬🇷 Experience of obtaining the first Schengen visa to Greece (from Dubai)
We are sharing the experience of our family of four (husband, wife and two children aged 15 and 7) - our first Schengen visa application to Greece from Dubai.
📅 Chronology:
- July 27 – sign up for the waiting list
- September 11 – Biometric submission
- September 16 – Visa approved ✅
- We received the passport in a few days.
🗂️ Submitted all documents according to the checklist:
- Non-refundable tickets Air Arabia
- Paid bookings Airbnb (2bhk)
- Bank statement with balance 50,000 AED
- We haven't traveled abroad before.
📎 Additionally attached:
- Certificates from children's school
- A copy of the lease agreement and invoice SEWA
- Real Estate and Investment Documents in India
- Old UAE resident visas (since 2007)
✈️ We are planning a trip to Athens and Santorini.
💬 The visas were approved without any problems! The process took less than a week after submission.
How to get your first Schengen visa to Greece from Dubai
Obtaining a Schengen visa to Greece for Dubai residents is a fairly straightforward process if you prepare all the documents in advance and follow the established steps.
1. Determine the visa type
First, you need to determine which type of visa is right for you:
- Tourist — for recreation and short-term trips;
- Business — for meetings, conferences and business trips;
- Guestbook - if you are visiting relatives or friends;
- Student or medical — if the purposes of the trip are appropriate.
2. Prepare the necessary documents
The basic package includes:
- International passport (valid for at least 3 months after the date of return);
- Copy of Emirates ID and UAE resident visa;
- A completed application form (can be completed online);
- Current photographs (in visa-approved format);
- Confirmation of air ticket and hotel reservations;
- Medical insurance covering the entire period of the trip;
- A certificate from work or a sponsorship letter (indicating position and income);
- Bank statements for the last 3-6 months.
3. Sign up to submit your documents
You can submit your application:
- Through VFS Global Visa Application Center (the most common option);
- Through an online service, for example Atlys, which helps fill out the application form and collect the documents.
4. Pay the visa fee
Upon submission, the following must be paid:
- Visa fee (about 80 euros);
- Visa application centre service fee.
5. Submit your biometrics
If you are applying for a Schengen visa for the first time, you must submit your fingerprints and photo in person at the visa application centre.
6. Wait for a decision
Application review usually takes from 7 to 15 business days, but the timing may vary depending on the season and the workload of the consulate.
7. Obtaining a visa
Once approved, you will receive your passport and visa either in person at the center or by courier delivery.
🟢 Tips for successful visa application:
- Make sure all documents are translated and completed correctly.
- Check that your hotel booking dates and flight tickets match.
- Do not provide false information about your employment or income—the consulate carefully verifies the information.
- If you do not have an employment contract, you can provide a sponsorship letter from a family member with proof of income.