This step-by-step guide shows how UAE travellers can apply for a Schengen visa easily
If you’re a UAE resident planning a trip to Europe, chances are the thought of applying for a Schengen visa brings a mix of anxiety and frustration.
From securing an appointment to understanding which documents are required, the process is often long, unclear, and prone to costly mistakes.
But thanks to platforms like Atlys, applying for a Schengen visa no longer has to be a stressful experience.
Here’s a simplified, step-by-step guide to getting your Schengen visa easily, especially if you’re applying from the UAE.
Why it’s hard to get a Schengen visa from the UAE
Let’s face it: applying for a Schengen visa from the UAE is notoriously difficult. In 2024, over 23 per cent of UAE applicants were rejected, that’s nearly 1 in 4.
On top of that:
Appointments are scarce and often disappear within minutes.
Forms are long and confusing.
Mistakes lead to rejections, and lost visa fees.
Reapplying takes weeks, if not months.
This is where tools like Atlys come in, helping simplify and automate the entire process.
Step-by-Step: Applying for a Schengen Visa with Atlys
Step 1: Check Which Embassy to Apply Through
The Schengen country you’re staying in the longest, or entering first if stays are equal, determines where you apply.
Atlys helps route your application to the correct embassy or consulate, avoiding delays or rejections.
Step 2: Secure a Visa Appointment
Appointment slots are one of the biggest hurdles. Most applicants spend days refreshing embassy websites.
Atlys continuously monitors official embassy and consulate systems and alerts you the moment a slot opens up, sometimes within 24 hours.
Pro tip: Atlys doesn’t jump the queue or use unofficial channels. It works entirely within the official embassy system, just faster and smarter.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application
Using Atlys, you can autofill most of the application form using your passport and travel data.
The platform walks you through every section with real-time guidance and explains what each field means, minimising errors and confusion.
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Step 4: Upload Documents with Built-In Checks
One of the most common reasons for rejection is incomplete or incorrect documents. Atlys helps in two major ways:
“What If” Evaluator: Instantly tells you how missing documents (like a shorter bank statement) could impact your application.
Financial Proof Checker: Scans your uploaded bank statements and highlights issues like low balance, short history, or unusual transactions, all before submission.
Step 5: Track Your Visa in Real-Time
Once you submit your application, you can track progress through Atlys with real-time updates. No need to keep logging into embassy websites — you’ll get notified automatically when there’s movement.
Bonus: You can also chat with support 24/7 if you have questions at any stage.
Step 6: Apply for Group or Family Visas Easily
Travelling as a group or family? Instead of filling out forms for each member from scratch, Atlys lets you manage all applications in one dashboard.
Shared info (like flight details or accommodation) is reused across forms, saving tons of time.
Final Tips Before You Apply
Apply early – slots fill fast, especially in peak seasons.
Double-check documents – particularly your financial proof and travel insurance.
Use official channels – Atlys operates fully within official embassy guidelines.
Don’t ignore embassy-specific rules – Atlys customizes guidance for different consulates.
How to Start
You can start your visa application via the Atlys app (available on iOS and Android) or visit atlys.com
The app handles everything from appointment booking to document submission, all in one place.
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