Suppose you wish to travel and explore the exotic beauty and historic charm of the Schengen region, a union of 29 member countries. In that case, you will need a Schengen visa before your trip. It can be tough to predict the Schengen visa processing timeline. Let us review the visa processing timeline of the Schengen tourist visa from Dubai for better specifics. 

Parameters impacting your Schengen visa processing timeline

Most parameters impacting your overall Schengen visa processing timeline are sometimes beyond the applicant’s control. Hence, providing maximum time for your Schengen visa processing is always important in a way that does not disrupt your travel plans. 

  • Inaccurate or incomplete information in your application form can put your visa application on hold for further processing unless you clarify the information shared. 
  • Lack of supporting documents validating the information shared in your visa application
  • The travel date is too close to the visa application date, which can lead to further delays. 
  • The peak tourist season witnesses a high backlog of applications, leading to a longer lead time. 
  • The overall visa processing timeline can be different for each visa type. Always ensure that you are applying for the right visa type that syncs with your travel requirements
  • The nationality of the visa applicant plays a major role in the visa processing timeline.
  • Additional background checks or security clearances may be required for your visa application, which can lead to a delay.

Schengen visa processing timeline

The Schengen visa processing timeline is usually 15 working days from the submission. However, applications with visa complexities can have an extended timeline, which can take up to 45 working days.

You can get an accelerated visa processing time if you meet one of the following conditions:

  • Your family member is a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) member country.
  • You are an EU/EEA citizen residing in a third country outside the Schengen region.
  • You are traveling with an EEA/EU citizen in their respective Schengen member country.

Extended visa processing timeline 

The Schengen authorities may consult individual member countries while processing your Schengen visa. Hence, the visa processing timeline for the following nationals can be extended.

Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen.

Checking the status of your Schengen visa 

Once your Schengen visa is submitted, you can track your Schengen visa’s exact status through the following modes. You can opt for the one that is most convenient to you:

Physically visit the embassy or consulate-general 

You can visit the embassy or consulate where you have submitted the visa application form and inquire about your visa status.

Online modes

For checking the status online, you need to follow the below steps:

  • Head to the embassy or consulate website
  • Select your residing country and the language
  • Enter your visa reference number or passport details such as number, expiry, and nationality.
  • Click on submit and get to see the real-time status

Important points to note while applying for a Schengen tourist visa from Dubai

You should consider the following while applying for your Schengen visa

  • Plan in advance – Apply for your Schengen visa at least 3-4 weeks before your scheduled travel. If your scheduled travel is during peak tourist season, you should keep more buffer to cater to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Adjust your travel plans – In case of any unavoidable circumstance, be ready to adjust for any delays. This would include rescheduling your flights, accommodation, and other activities you may have booked for your holiday. Look for refundable or flexible options to accommodate financial losses.
  • Understand the visa type and the requirements for your nationality – Each visa type is offered for a specific purpose. You should apply for a specific visa type only if your travel requirements sync with the purpose and duration of the required visa type. In addition, each visa applicant may require additional documentation based on nationality. 

Conclusion –

The Schengen visa processing timeline usually takes 15 working days from submission. The submission window is open six months before your scheduled travel. You should lodge your visa application at least 3-4 weeks before travel. The peak summer season each year between July and August witnesses an extremely high volume of visa applicants, extending the visa processing timeline. Take the help of a reliable travel buddy if you are unsure about the entire visa process to offload the tensions of meeting the deadlines and spending maximum time focussing on the finer aspects of your travel itinerary.