Category: visas

Athletes, artists and members of UAE clubs or associations travelling to a sports or cultural event in Europe apply for a short-stay Schengen visa, usually under a “culture / sports” category. Besides the normal documents, the file needs two letters:

• One from the UAE club, federation or association
• One from the European organiser or host club

Both letters must say who pays for travel and accommodation. Minors also need consent from both parents and a letter from their school.

Going only to watch a match or concert? That is an ordinary tourist application; see the Schengen checklist.

Checked on 5 November 2026 against the culture and sports checklists for the UAE of Germany (VFS), Belgium (VFS) and Luxembourg (VFS, Abu Dhabi). These rules come from the purpose of your trip and your UAE residence; your passport decides whether you need a visa.

Letter from the UAE club or association

Germany and Belgium both ask for it. It should include:

• The association’s full address and contact details, and the name and position of the person signing
• Confirmation that you take part in the event, and your role (athlete, coach, performer, crew)
• The event’s or camp’s dates and schedule, and the host’s full address in Europe
• Who pays for accommodation and travel
• For professionals: your position, salary and years of employment (Belgium)

Invitation from the European organiser

• The organiser’s or host club’s full address, and its UAE cooperation partner (Germany)
• The purpose and length of the stay, with a detailed programme (Belgium, Luxembourg)
• Who pays for the stay
• Proof of accommodation for the whole visit

Luxembourg accepts an invitation from a sport federation, a congress or a similar organiser, with the full programme of the visit.

Minors and school or academy groups

Germany’s UAE checklist asks, for each participant under 18:

• A letter of no objection from the school or university confirming participation
• A signed consent letter from the parents, with copies of their passports and UAE residence visas
• Proof of parenthood: birth certificate or custody decree

Each child still needs their own application, passport and insurance. Plan for the parents’ signatures early; see Schengen visas for children.

The rest of the file

• Application form, passport (valid 3 months after you return or after the visa ends), one or two photos depending on the consulate
• UAE residence visa valid 3 months after the trip
• Round-trip flight reservation
• Travel insurance of at least €30,000, valid in all Schengen states
• Proof of funds: 3 months of stamped bank statements, payslips or employer letter (Belgium does not accept cash or credit-card statements)
• Documents in English (or French, Dutch or German for Belgium), on A4 paper for Luxembourg

How to apply: step by step

1. Get the event confirmed by the organiser and agree who pays.
2. Collect both letters: UAE association and European organiser.
3. For minors, collect school letters, parent consent and birth certificates.
4. Book appointments for the whole group close together, at the consulate of the country hosting the event. Allow at least 15 days for decisions; apply up to 6 months ahead.
5. Attend: every member gives fingerprints (children under 12 are exempt) and pays the fee in AED.

Fees

The standard €90 (€45 for ages 6–11) applies, plus the centre’s service fee. Under the EU Visa Code (Article 16), there is no visa fee for representatives of non-profit organisations aged 25 or under taking part in sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations. Ask the consulate whether your event and organiser qualify. Germany’s UAE leaflet says all fees are paid in cash (AED) on submission. See Schengen visa fees from Dubai.

Questions people ask

Our academy team is going to a tournament in Spain. Who applies?

Every player, coach and parent travelling applies individually, at the consulate of the country hosting the tournament, with the academy’s letter and the organiser’s invitation.

Is there a fee waiver for young athletes?

It can be. Representatives of non-profit organisations aged 25 or under, taking part in events run by non-profit organisations, pay no visa fee. The consulate checks whether your event qualifies.

I am a musician performing at a festival. Is that work?

Short performances are normally done on a Schengen visa under the cultural category, but some countries need a work permit for paid engagements. Ask the organiser to confirm with the destination’s authorities.

Do spectators need special documents?

No. Spectators apply as tourists. Match or concert tickets help show the purpose of the trip.

Related guides

• Schengen business visa from the UAE
• Schengen visa for children from the UAE
• Which Schengen country to apply to

Sources

• Consulate General of Germany, Dubai (via VFS Global): Culture and sports checklist
• Belgium (via VFS Global UAE): Cultural and sports events checklist
• Embassy of Luxembourg (via VFS Global, Abu Dhabi): Sports and conference checklist
• EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009: Article 16 (visa fee and waivers)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 5 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

For treatment in Europe, UAE residents apply for a short-stay Schengen visa under “medical reasons” at the consulate of the country where the hospital is. Most of the file proves three things:

• A hospital or doctor has accepted you, with dates and payment terms.
• You have a recent medical report.
• The treatment costs are covered, by you, a sponsor or a UAE authority.

A family member travelling with you as an escort applies for their own visa with a letter explaining why.

Checked on 5 November 2026 against the medical-treatment checklist of the Consulate General of Germany in Dubai (published via VFS Global, leaflet dated May 2022), the EU Visa Code and Estonia’s medical, sport and culture checklist category. Germany publishes the most detailed medical-treatment checklist for UAE applicants, so it is the model here. Other consulates are similar; always check your own.

Documents for the patient

• Appointment letter from the hospital or doctor in Europe, signed and stamped, with the treatment dates and how costs will be paid (paid on arrival, deposit required, and so on)
• A recent medical report from your doctor in the UAE
• If a UAE authority pays (Germany’s checklist gives a health authority or GHQ as examples): a letter from it covering all expenses and the treatment period. Otherwise, a written statement naming who will pay.
• Proof that you can pay for any treatment not covered by insurance: personal bank statements for at least the last 3 months, and property or assets if relevant
• The usual documents: application form, passport (valid 3 months after the visa ends, issued within 10 years), photo (within 6 months), UAE residence visa valid 3 months after the trip

Documents for an escort

A spouse, child or carer travelling with the patient applies separately and adds:

• A cover letter naming the escort, giving the reason they are needed and the patient’s full name
• A copy of the patient’s hospital appointment letter
• The cost letter (authority or sponsor) or a statement of who pays for the escort
• The escort’s own employer letter, bank statements, insurance and residence visa

Apply for the patient and escort together, for the same dates, so the consulate can see the files side by side.

Insurance for a medical trip

Travel medical insurance is still required, even though you are travelling for treatment. Germany’s checklist sets these conditions:

• At least €30,000 per person, including repatriation, emergency treatment and hospital care
• Valid for all Schengen countries and the whole visa period
• Credit-card insurance is not accepted
• The insurer must have an office in a Schengen state, Switzerland or Liechtenstein

Travel insurance normally does not pay for the planned treatment itself, which is why the consulate also wants proof you can pay the hospital. See Schengen travel insurance from the UAE.

How to apply: step by step

1. Get the hospital’s appointment letter with dates and payment terms, and a recent report from your UAE doctor.
2. Arrange the cost letter (authority, employer or sponsor) or prepare your own bank statements.
3. Book appointments for the patient and any escort at the consulate of the hospital’s country.
4. Translate documents that are not in English or the consulate’s language (Germany accepts German or English).
5. Attend and apply. If the treatment is urgent, say so: the Visa Code lets consulates accept late applications in justified urgent cases.

If treatment will take more than 90 days

A Schengen visa covers up to 90 days in any 180. For longer treatment you need that country’s national (type D) visa for medical treatment, applied for at its embassy, with the same hospital and cost documents. Also check that your UAE residence stays valid: see staying outside the UAE for more than 6 months.

Questions people ask

Which country do I apply to for treatment in Germany?

Germany, through VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, because the hospital and the main purpose of the trip are there.

Does my escort need a separate visa?

Yes. The escort applies for their own visa, with a letter explaining why they are accompanying you and a copy of your hospital letter.

Can I use credit-card insurance for a medical visa?

Not for Germany. Its UAE checklist says credit-card medical insurance is not accepted.

Do I need to pay the hospital before applying?

Not always. The hospital letter must state the payment terms, such as a deposit or payment on arrival. Some hospitals require a deposit before they issue the letter.

Related guides

• Germany Schengen visa from the UAE
• Health insurance for European visas from the UAE
• Schengen visa processing time from the UAE

Sources

• Consulate General of Germany, Dubai (via VFS Global): Medical treatment checklist
• EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009: Articles 9 and 14, Annex II
• VFS Global: Estonia checklist categories (medical, sport, culture)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 5 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

A Schengen business visa from the UAE is the same short-stay visa (type C, up to 90 days) as a tourist visa, applied for under “business”. The fee is the same €90, and you apply at the visa centre or embassy of the country where most of your meetings are.

What changes is the file. Two letters carry it:

• An invitation from the company, organiser or authority in Europe
• A letter from your UAE employer confirming your job, salary and approved trip

Both letters need to say who pays for the trip.

Checked on 5 November 2026 against the UAE business checklists of Germany (VFS, trade fair and congress), Sweden (Embassy in Abu Dhabi) and Switzerland (version 09/25). The business rules come from your UAE job and company; your passport decides whether you need a visa at all.

The invitation letter

From the European company, organisation or authority you are visiting. Across the UAE checklists it should:

• Be on company letterhead, signed by an authorised person, showing their name and position
• Give the inviting company’s full address and the signatory’s email and phone
• Name you, with your passport number
• State the purpose, the dates and the planned business activities
• State the financial arrangements: who pays for travel, hotel and medical costs

If the host pays for your hotel, the letter should say so in plain words, for example “the company will cover the accommodation costs” (Sweden’s wording). Switzerland asks the host to guarantee accommodation and medical costs if applicable. More in Schengen invitation letters.

The UAE employer letter

• On letterhead, stamped, signed, with the signatory’s name, position, email and phone
• Your position, joining date and salary
• The approved travel dates and the purpose of the trip
• Your return-to-work date. Switzerland asks the company to confirm your job continues after the trip.
• Who pays for the trip (your company, the host, or you)

Company owners also need an employer-style letter, but Switzerland says it must not be signed by the owner; ask a manager or partner to sign. See salary certificate and employer letter.

Company documents

• A copy of your UAE company’s valid trade licence (Germany)
• Evidence of trade relations between the two companies: contracts, invoices, emails about the deal (Germany, Sweden)
• Self-employed: the original trade licence is mandatory (Switzerland), plus your company and personal bank statements
• If your European host is not a well-known company, Switzerland also asks for hotel confirmations, a trade licence and 3 months of bank statements

Trade fairs and congresses

Germany notes that trade-fair documents showing your name or your employer’s name may qualify for a free visa. Ask when you apply. Register for the fair early, because the confirmation is part of your file.

Everything else in the file

• Application form, passport (valid 3 months after the visa ends), photo
• UAE residence visa valid 3 months after the trip
• Travel insurance of at least €30,000, valid in all Schengen states
• Flight and hotel bookings (unless the host provides the hotel)
• Personal bank statements or payslips for 3 months

Sweden asks for documents in Swedish or English, on A4 paper, and at least 15 days before the trip.

How to apply: step by step

1. Choose the country where most of your business days are.
2. Ask your host for the invitation with the points above, and your HR for the employer letter.
3. Book a business appointment; some centres have a separate business category.
4. Attend with originals, give fingerprints and pay the fee.
5. Ask for multiple entry if you travel often for work, and show earlier visas used correctly. See multiple-entry visas.

Questions people ask

Can I work in Europe on a Schengen business visa?

No. It covers meetings, negotiations, trade fairs and conferences. Paid work for a European employer needs a work permit and national visa. See finding a job in Europe from the UAE.

Is the business visa fee different?

No, it is the standard €90 plus the centre’s service fee. Some trade-fair visitors may qualify for a fee waiver; ask the consulate.

I own my company. Who signs my letter?

Not you. Switzerland, for example, says the owner’s letter must not be self-signed, so ask a manager or partner, and bring your original trade licence.

Do I need an invitation for a trade fair?

Your registration, ticket or exhibitor confirmation from the organiser does that job, with the event details.

Related guides

• Schengen visa for self-employed and freelancers
• Germany Schengen visa from the UAE
• NOC letter templates

Sources

• Consulate General of Germany, Dubai (via VFS Global): Business, trade fair and congress checklist
• Embassy of Sweden, Abu Dhabi (via VFS Global): Business checklist
• Embassy of Switzerland (via VFS Global): Business visa checklist (09/25)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 5 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

UAE residents who hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, or a biometric residence permit from a Schengen country, can visit Kosovo without a Kosovo visa for up to 15 days. Emiratis can stay up to 90 days visa-free under a 2024 agreement.

Everyone else needs a Kosovo visa. You apply in person at a Kosovo embassy or consulate, the fee is €40, and you have only 8 days to appeal a refusal.

Checked on 5 November 2026 against the Kosovo Ministry of Foreign Affairs embassy portal (visa page last modified 13 November 2025) and the UAE–Kosovo visa exemption reported by Gulf News in January 2024. Here, your passport and the visas already in it decide what applies; your UAE residence alone does not.

Which rule applies to you?

Kosovo is stricter than its neighbours here. Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia also accept UK and US visas; Kosovo accepts only Schengen ones. See the Balkans with a US, UK or Schengen visa.

If you need a Kosovo visa

Apply in person at a Kosovo diplomatic or consular mission. The ministry says to apply well ahead, up to three months before travel. Contact the mission that covers the UAE for an appointment and its local rules.

Documents

• Signed application form (type C). Parents sign for children.
• Passport valid 3 months after departure, with 2 blank pages
• One recent photo
• Proof of purpose and accommodation: hotel bookings or an invitation from your host
• Proof of funds for the stay and your return: UAE bank statements and an employer letter
• Health insurance covering the whole stay
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copies

How to plan the trip: step by step

1. Check your Schengen visa: it must be multiple-entry (“MULT”) and valid on the day you enter Kosovo.
2. Keep the stay to 15 days.
3. Plan the route around Serbia (see below).
4. If you don’t qualify, contact the Kosovo mission at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
5. Carry your passport with the visa, a return ticket and your hotel bookings.

The Serbia border rule

Serbia does not recognise Kosovo’s border crossings as international entry points. If you enter Kosovo first (for example, flying into Pristina) and then try to cross by land into Serbia, Serbian police may refuse you entry. The safer order is Serbia first, then Kosovo, or leave Kosovo through North Macedonia, Albania or Montenegro.

Kosovo is not in Schengen, so your days there don’t count towards the Schengen 90/180 limit. If you reached Kosovo on a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can go back into Schengen while that visa is valid.

Questions people ask

Can I visit Kosovo with a UK visa?

Not visa-free. Kosovo’s exemption covers multiple-entry Schengen visas and Schengen residence permits only.

Do Emiratis need a visa for Kosovo?

No. Since the January 2024 agreement, UAE citizens with a passport valid at least 6 months can stay up to 90 days per visit.

How long can I stay in Kosovo with a Schengen visa?

Up to 15 days, if the visa is multiple-entry and still valid.

How long do I have to appeal a Kosovo visa refusal?

8 calendar days, to the mission where you applied.

Related guides

• The Balkans with a US, UK or Schengen visa
• Albania visa for UAE residents
• Serbia visa for UAE residents

Sources

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, embassy portal: Visas
• Gulf News: UAE, Kosovo sign entry visa exemption MoU (January 2024)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 5 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

Nepalese citizens living in the UAE apply for a Schengen visa in the UAE, at the visa centre or consulate of their main destination, like any other resident. A Nepali passport always needs a Schengen visa, but it has fewer extra hurdles than some neighbouring passports. Unlike Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Nepal is not on the EU’s common airport-transit-visa list.

For most Nepali applicants, the things that decide the result are a valid e-passport, a clear employment record and funds that match the trip.

Checked on 5 November 2026 against the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009, Articles 3 and 6 and Annex IV), the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi, the daily funds published by each Schengen state (EU Visa Code Handbook, Annex 18, July 2025) and Sifqa’s country guides. This page separates what comes from your Nepali passport from what comes from your UAE residence.

Passport rules vs residence rules

Your passport: check it first

• Issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months after your planned return. Some countries, such as Bulgaria, ask for 6 months.
• At least 2 blank pages.
• Renew early if you are close to the limit. Nepali passports are renewed through the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi, whose consular and passport services run Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Allow time for the new passport to arrive before you book a visa appointment.
• Your residence visa moves with you. After a passport renewal, make sure your UAE residence details are updated to the new passport before you apply.

Airport transit: an advantage over neighbouring passports

The EU requires an airport transit visa (ATV) from a short list of nationalities, including Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Nepal is not on that common list, so Nepali passport holders can normally change planes in a Schengen airport without one.

But some countries add Nepal to their own national lists. The EU’s July 2026 table of national airport transit visa requirements appears to list Nepal for Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece and France. If your connection is in one of these countries, you may need an airport transit visa even though you never leave the airport. A UAE residence visa does not exempt you; only permits from countries such as the US, Canada, the UK and Japan do. Ask your airline before you book a connection through Europe.

What to show for your job

Your salary should arrive in your bank account every month. Consulates read regular salary credits as proof of a stable job you will return to. Cash in hand that never reaches the bank is hard to prove. See salary certificate and employer letter and bank statements.

How much money do you need?

Each country sets its own daily amount, on top of flights and accommodation:

Do not choose a country just because its funds rule is low. You must apply to the country where you spend the most nights, or where the main purpose of your trip is. A file sent to the “easy” country for a trip that is really elsewhere is a common reason for refusal. See which Schengen country to apply to.

How to apply: step by step

1. Check your Nepali passport and UAE residence: both should be valid 3 months beyond the trip.
2. Get your leave approved and ask HR (or your sponsor) for the letter.
3. Choose your main destination and book an appointment at its visa centre or embassy.
4. Prepare 3 months of stamped bank statements, insurance of at least €30,000, a flight reservation and hotel bookings.
5. Attend, give fingerprints and pay the €90 fee (plus the centre’s service fee), then wait about 15 days.

How Nepali applicants do

European Commission figures for 2024, as summarised by Europe Visa Check, show about 18,000 Schengen applications from Nepali nationals worldwide, with around 22% refused. That is higher than the global average. The EC does not publish results for Nepalis applying from the UAE separately. Our UAE statistics page shows how strict each consulate is for all applicants.

Questions people ask

Can a Nepali in Dubai apply for a Schengen visa?

Yes. As a legal UAE resident, you apply in the UAE at the consulate or visa centre of your main destination.

Do Nepalese need a transit visa for European airports?

Not under the common EU list. But several countries, including France, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Greece, appear to require one from Nepali nationals under their own rules. Check before booking a connection through those airports.

Can a domestic worker get a Schengen visa from the UAE?

Yes, if you can show approved leave, a salary paid into a bank account, enough funds and a reason to return. A clear letter from your sponsor is essential.

Which Schengen country is easiest for Nepalis?

None is reliably “easy”. Apply to your genuine main destination with a complete, consistent file. That matters more than which country you pick.

Related guides

• Schengen visa from the UAE by nationality
• Schengen visa for Indian passport holders
• Schengen visa for Sri Lankan passport holders
• Nepal visa for UAE residents (for friends visiting Nepal)

Sources

• EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009: Articles 3 and 6, Annex IV (airport transit visas)
• Embassy of Nepal, Abu Dhabi: Consular and passport services
• EU Visa Code Handbook, Annex 18: Reference amounts (31 July 2025)
• Europe Visa Check: Schengen visa statistics for Nepalis (2024)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 5 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

UAE residents who hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, an EU or Schengen residence permit, or a valid UK, US or Canadian visa can enter North Macedonia without a visa for up to 15 days.

The rule comes from a temporary government decision valid from 1 January to 31 December 2026, so check it again for 2027 trips. Emiratis need no visa. Holders of only a UAE residence visa need a Macedonian visa.

Checked on 5 November 2026 against reporting of the North Macedonian government’s visa decisions (MIA news agency) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs entry rules as summarised in public references. Here, your passport and the visas already in it decide what applies.

Which rule applies to you?

The 5-day rule for UK, US and Canadian visas

Your UK, US or Canadian visa must still be valid 5 days after the day you plan to leave North Macedonia. If your US visa expires on 20 June, your last day in North Macedonia should be no later than 15 June.

The Macedonian-language text of the decision also says the visa must be multiple-entry and affixed in a passport. An eVisa or ETA with no sticker may not count. Check before you rely on a UK eVisa.

What to carry at the border

• Passport valid at least 90 days from your arrival date
• The qualifying visa or residence permit, in the passport you travel on, or the old passport too
• Accommodation booking for your stay, if you don’t live in North Macedonia
• Return or onward ticket, plus enough money for the trip

If you need a Macedonian visa

Visas are issued by North Macedonia’s diplomatic missions; there is no tourist e-visa. North Macedonia has an ambassador accredited to the UAE. Contact its embassy for the current application process, fee and appointment.

For many residents it is simpler to get a Schengen visa first. A multiple-entry Schengen visa then covers North Macedonia, Bosnia, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo, each under its own conditions.

How to plan the trip: step by step

1. Check your visas against the table: type, number of entries and expiry date.
2. Keep the stay to 15 days or less. For UK, US or Canadian visas, leave at least 5 days before the visa expires.
3. Confirm the rule still applies if you travel in 2027 or later, because the decision is renewed each year.
4. Book accommodation and a return ticket.
5. Plan the next border. Each Balkan country has its own rule.

North Macedonia is not in Schengen, so your days there don’t count towards the Schengen 90/180 limit. If you use your Schengen visa to reach North Macedonia, make sure it is multiple-entry so you can go back into Schengen.

Questions people ask

Can I visit North Macedonia with a UK visa?

Yes, for up to 15 days, if the UK visa is affixed in your passport, multiple entry, and valid at least 5 days after you leave.

Do Emiratis need a visa for North Macedonia?

No. UAE citizens have been visa-free since May 2015.

Can I stay longer than 15 days?

Not under the visa-free rule. For a longer stay, you need a Macedonian visa.

Is the 15-day rule permanent?

No. It is a temporary decision, renewed year by year. The current one runs until 31 December 2026.

Related guides

• The Balkans with a US, UK or Schengen visa
• Albania visa for UAE residents
• Serbia visa for UAE residents

Sources

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia: visa regime and entry information (mfa.gov.mk)
• MIA news agency: Government temporarily cancels short-stay visas for holders of UK, US and Canadian visas
• UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: UAE–North Macedonia visa exemption MoU (March 2023)
• The National: UAE nationals granted visa-free travel to Macedonia (May 2015)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 5 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

Many UAE residents can visit Bosnia and Herzegovina without a Bosnian visa if they hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen, EU or US visa, or a residence permit from one of those countries. Each visit can last up to 30 days, with no more than 90 days in any 180.

A UK visa does not qualify, and neither does a UAE residence visa. Emiratis need no visa at all. Everyone else applies to the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Abu Dhabi.

Checked on 5 November 2026 against the Bosnian Council of Ministers’ Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) visa page and reporting on the 2023 UAE–Bosnia visa agreement. Here, your passport and the visas already in it decide everything. Your UAE residence only decides where you apply if you do need a visa.

Which rule applies to you?

The visa must be valid on the day you enter. Look for “MULT” in the entries field. Carry the passport that holds the visa. If your visa is in an old passport, bring both passports.

Saudi, Bahraini and Omani citizens had a visa-free summer window from 1 June to 30 September 2025. Outside such windows, they use the Schengen/EU visa rule above.

If you need a Bosnian visa

Bosnia has no tourist e-visa. Visas are issued by its embassies and consulates. UAE residents apply to the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Abu Dhabi. Contact the embassy first for an appointment and its current checklist.

Fees are from FIPA’s visa page. Ask the embassy for the amount in AED.

Documents

• Visa application form and one passport photo
• Passport with blank pages, valid well beyond your trip (allow at least 3 months)
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
• Private visit: an invitation letter from your host in Bosnia, certified by the competent Bosnian authority
• Business trip: an invitation from your Bosnian business partner, also certified
• Tourism: hotel bookings and a return flight reservation
• Bank statements, an employer letter or NOC, and travel insurance

How to plan the trip: step by step

1. Check your passport and visas against the table above.
2. If you qualify visa-free, make sure your Schengen, EU or US visa is multiple-entry and valid on your entry date. Keep each visit to 30 days or less.
3. If you don’t qualify, contact the Bosnian Embassy in Abu Dhabi at least 4 weeks before travel.
4. Visiting a host? Ask them to get the invitation certified in Bosnia early.
5. At the border, show your passport, the qualifying visa, a return ticket and your hotel booking.

Combining Bosnia with other countries

Bosnia is outside Schengen, so days there do not count towards your Schengen 90/180 limit. A common route is Croatia (Schengen) to Mostar and Sarajevo, then Montenegro or Serbia. Each border has its own rule; see the Balkans with a US, UK or Schengen visa.

If you enter Bosnia on your Schengen visa and then go back into Schengen, a single-entry visa is already used up. That is another reason the multiple-entry rule exists.

Questions people ask

Can I visit Bosnia with a UK visa?

Not visa-free. The list covers Schengen, EU and US visas and residence permits, not UK ones. Serbia and Montenegro do accept UK visas.

Do Emiratis need a visa for Bosnia?

No. UAE citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa. The two countries signed a mutual visa exemption agreement in November 2023.

How long can I stay in Bosnia with a Schengen visa?

Up to 30 days per visit and 90 days in any 180, if the Schengen visa is multiple-entry and valid.

Is there a Bosnia e-visa?

No. If you need a visa, you apply at a Bosnian embassy. For UAE residents, that is Abu Dhabi.

Related guides

• The Balkans with a US, UK or Schengen visa
• Montenegro visa for UAE residents
• Serbia visa for UAE residents

Sources

• Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of BiH (Council of Ministers): Visas: information for visitors
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina: visa information (mvp.gov.ba)
• The National: UAE approves visa-free travel for Bosnia and Herzegovina (November 2023)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 5 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

Romania has been a full Schengen member since 1 January 2025, so a Romania visa from the UAE is now a standard Schengen visa. You fill in the online form, then hand in the application by appointment where you live:

• Dubai and the Northern Emirates: the Consulate General of Romania in Dubai
• Abu Dhabi and Al Ain: the Embassy of Romania in Abu Dhabi

The fee is €90. Romania asks for €50 per day, with a minimum of €500 for the trip.

Checked on 5 November 2026 against the Romanian Border Police, Annex 18 of the EU Visa Code Handbook (July 2025), European Commission 2025 statistics reported by Gulf News, and the Romanian missions’ published contact details. Your UAE residence (which emirate you live in) decides where you apply; your passport decides whether you need a visa.

Romania at a glance

Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Apply where you live

Romania has two visa offices in the UAE. Apply to the one that covers the emirate on your residence visa. An application at the wrong office can be refused or sent back.

How much money do you need?

The Romanian Border Police publishes these minimums:

The €500 minimum matters for short trips: even a 4-day visit to Bucharest needs €500 (about AED 2,000), not €200. A 14-day trip needs €700.

Documents you need

• Online application form, printed and signed
• Passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months after you leave Schengen, with 2 blank pages, plus copies
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID (copies), valid 3 months after you leave Schengen
• Recent passport photos
• Return flight booking and hotel booking, or an invitation
• Travel insurance of at least €30,000, valid in all Schengen states
• Stamped bank statements for the last 3–6 months, and salary proof
• Employer letter or NOC, or a trade licence if you own the business

Ask the mission for its current checklist when you book.

How to apply: step by step

1. Confirm that Romania is your main destination and which mission covers your emirate.
2. Fill in the online application.
3. Wait for the mission to check your file and email you an appointment.
4. Attend in person with the originals, give fingerprints and pay the fee.
5. Wait for the decision, normally within 15 days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel.

What full Schengen membership changed

• One visa for the whole area. A Romanian Schengen visa lets you travel to the other Schengen states, and a visa from another member covers Romania.
• The old shortcut has ended. Before 2025, holders of some Schengen visas could enter Romania without a Romanian visa. Now Romania simply counts as part of Schengen, and your days there count towards the 90/180-day rule.

If you are refused

Your refusal form explains the reason and how to challenge it. Under general Romanian administrative law you first ask the issuing authority to reconsider, usually within 30 days, before going to court. Follow the deadline on your letter. See the refusal letter explained.

Questions people ask

Is Romania in Schengen now?

Yes, a full member since 1 January 2025, together with Bulgaria.

Where do I apply for a Romania visa in Dubai?

Residents of Dubai and the Northern Emirates apply at the Consulate General of Romania in Al Safa, Dubai. Residents of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain apply at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

How much money do I need for a Romania tourist visa?

€50 per day, and never less than €500 in total.

Can I use my Romanian Schengen visa to visit Bulgaria or Hungary?

Yes, within the visa’s validity and the 90/180-day limit, as long as Romania stays your main destination.

Related guides

• Bulgaria Schengen visa from the UAE
• Hungary Schengen visa from the UAE
• Schengen proof of funds from the UAE

Sources

• Romanian Border Police: Justifying documents and means of subsistence
• European Commission: Romanian representations in the UAE
• EU Visa Code Handbook, Annex 18: Reference amounts (31 July 2025)
• Gulf News: Multiple-entry visa rates (EC 2025 data)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 5 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

UAE residents apply for a Slovenia Schengen visa at the Embassy of Slovenia in Abu Dhabi, by appointment booked by email. The visa fee is €90, paid in AED, and Slovenia asks for €70 per person per day.

Slovenia is one of the most generous consulates for UAE residents. In 2025, 85.22% of the visas it issued to UAE applicants were multiple-entry, the highest share of any Schengen country.

Checked on 5 November 2026 against the Slovenian Embassy in Abu Dhabi (page updated 31 August 2026), Annex 18 of the EU Visa Code Handbook (July 2025) and European Commission 2025 statistics reported by Gulf News. These rules come from your UAE residence. Your passport decides whether you need a visa (Emiratis don’t) and which fee applies.

Slovenia at a glance

VFS Global began taking Slovenian applications in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2018, but the embassy’s current visa page lists only the embassy. Ask in your appointment email whether you should go to the embassy or to VFS.

What your passport changes

Documents you need

• Signed application form, one per person. Parents sign for children under 18.
• Passport valid 3 months after you leave Schengen, issued within 10 years, with 2 blank pages
• Recent ICAO-standard photo
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
• Travel insurance of at least €30,000, valid in all Schengen states for the whole stay
• Proof of purpose, funds and accommodation: bank statements, employer letter or trade licence, hotel bookings and flight reservation
• Visiting someone: a guarantee or invitation letter, certified and registered at the administrative unit (upravna enota) in Slovenia

The embassy links a separate UAE supporting-documents list on its visa page. Download it before you email for an appointment.

How to apply: step by step

1. Confirm that Slovenia is your main destination. Ljubljana and Lake Bled are often combined with Croatia or Italy, so count your nights.
2. Email the consular section for an appointment, at least 15 days before travel.
3. Prepare your file using the embassy’s UAE checklist.
4. Attend in person in Abu Dhabi for fingerprints, and pay in AED.
5. Wait for the decision. If you applied less than 15 days before travel, the decision may come after your planned departure.

The embassy is closed on Slovenian and UAE public holidays, including 25 June (Statehood Day), 2 December (UAE National Day) and 25 December.

How much money do you need?

Slovenia’s daily amount is €70 per person. Children travelling with their parents need 50%, or €35 a day. You don’t need to show this amount if your stay is already covered by a sponsorship declaration, a guarantee letter or a prepaid tour package.

Example: two adults and one child for 6 days need 6 × (€70 + €70 + €35) = €1,050, about AED 4,200.

Why Slovenia gives multiple-entry visas

In 2025, 85.22% of Slovenian visas issued to UAE applicants allowed more than one entry. Every consulate still decides case by case, though. A clean travel history and earlier Schengen visas used correctly help most. See multiple-entry Schengen visas from the UAE.

If you are refused

The refusal form gives the reason and tells you how and where to appeal, and by when. The embassy’s visa page does not publish the appeal procedure, so follow your letter exactly. See the refusal letter explained.

Questions people ask

Where do I apply for a Slovenia visa in the UAE?

At the Embassy of Slovenia in Abu Dhabi (Capital Plaza, Corniche), by appointment booked at [email protected].

How much bank balance do I need for Slovenia?

€70 per adult per day, and €35 per day for a child travelling with parents.

Is Slovenia good for a multiple-entry Schengen visa?

It had the highest multiple-entry share for UAE applicants in 2025 (85.22%), but apply to Slovenia only if it is really your main destination.

Does my host in Slovenia need to register the invitation?

Yes. A guarantee or invitation letter must be certified and registered at the administrative unit in Slovenia.

Related guides

• Croatia Schengen visa from the UAE
• Austria Schengen visa from the UAE
• Schengen refusal rates by consulate

Sources

• Embassy of Slovenia, Abu Dhabi: Visa information
• EU Visa Code Handbook, Annex 18: Reference amounts (31 July 2025)
• Gulf News: Countries most likely to give UAE residents a multiple-entry visa (EC 2025 data)
• Gulf News: VFS Global to process visas to Slovenia (2018)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 5 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

There is no Icelandic visa office in the UAE. Denmark handles Iceland’s Schengen visas here. You fill in Denmark’s ApplyVisa form online, pay the €90 visa fee there, and hand in your application at VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The Royal Danish Consulate General in Dubai makes the decision.

Iceland’s own funds rule applies: ISK 8,000 per person per day, with at least ISK 40,000 for each entry.

Checked on 5 November 2026 against the Royal Danish Consulate General in Dubai, the Danish Immigration Service, Iceland’s official portal island.is and Annex 18 of the EU Visa Code Handbook (July 2025). These rules come from your UAE residence; your passport decides whether you need a visa (Emiratis don’t).

Iceland at a glance

Why you apply through Denmark

Schengen countries without a visa office in a country can ask another member to process visas for them. In the UAE, Denmark does this for Iceland. Your file goes into the Danish system and is decided by the Danish Consulate General in Dubai, but it is still a visa for a trip where Iceland is your main destination.

If you are also visiting Denmark or Norway, count your nights. Apply as an Iceland trip only if most nights are in Iceland. Otherwise see Denmark or Norway.

How to apply: step by step

1. Fill in the ApplyVisa form at applyvisa.um.dk, choosing Iceland as your main destination.
2. Pay the visa fee online in ApplyVisa.
3. Print and sign the cover letter (pages 3 and 4). For children, both parents sign.
4. Book a VFS appointment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi at least 15 days before travel. Download the VFS checklist for your visa type.
5. Attend, give fingerprints and pay the VFS service fee. Then wait about 15 days. The Consulate does not give status updates.

The Danish Consulate advises not to buy flight tickets until the visa is approved. Use a reservation; see flight and hotel reservations.

Documents you need

• Passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months after your return
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
• Signed ApplyVisa cover letter and a photo
• Employer letter or NOC and recent payslips
• Stamped bank statements showing regular income and enough for the trip
• Genuine flight reservation and accommodation for every night. Iceland road trips need a booking for each stop.
• Genuine travel insurance of at least €30,000, valid in all Schengen states

The Danish Consulate has warned about a rise in fake insurance and hotel bookings. Buy and book everything yourself; a forged document means refusal and a record in the Schengen system.

How much money do you need?

ISK 8,000 is roughly €55. A 7-day trip therefore needs about ISK 56,000 (around €385) on top of flights, hotels and car hire. Iceland is expensive, so your statements should show far more than the minimum.

If you are refused

Because Denmark made the decision, you appeal under Danish rules, not Icelandic ones. Iceland’s Visa Appeals Board handles only refusals made by Iceland itself.

• Deadline: no later than 8 weeks after you receive the refusal
• To whom: the Danish Immigration Service, using its online contact form (“Short stay visa”) or by post to Farimagsvej 51A, DK-4700 Næstved
• Include: your case number, full name, nationality, the decision date and your reasons

Always follow the instructions in your own refusal letter. See the refusal letter explained.

Questions people ask

Is there an Iceland embassy in the UAE?

Not for visas. Denmark processes Iceland Schengen visas in the UAE through ApplyVisa and VFS Global.

Can I see the Northern Lights in Iceland on a Schengen visa?

Yes. Iceland is in Schengen, so a normal short-stay Schengen visa covers it. Greenland and the Faroe Islands are different: they are outside Schengen and need a visa valid specifically for them.

How much money do I need for an Iceland visa?

At least ISK 8,000 per person per day and ISK 40,000 per entry, or half the daily amount if someone else pays for your stay.

How long does an Iceland visa take from Dubai?

About 15 days after you hand in at VFS, and longer around holidays.

Related guides

• Denmark Schengen visa from the UAE
• Schengen travel insurance from the UAE
• Which Schengen country to apply to

Sources

• Royal Danish Consulate General, Dubai: Schengen visa
• Danish Immigration Service: You have got a no to visa
• Iceland, island.is: Visa refusal appeal procedures
• EU Visa Code Handbook, Annex 18: Reference amounts (31 July 2025)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 5 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.