All about VFS Global in the UAE
Are you planning to travel out of the UAE to a new destination, but not sure how to get the visa? Whether it is to apply for a Schengen visa or to process travel documentation for Australia, China, Vietnam or other applicable countries, visit the VFS Global Visa Application Centres in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. They will be your one-stop-shop for all visa application processes to your next travel destination.
WHAT IS VFS GLOBAL?
VFS Global, aka Visa Facilitation Services Global, is an authorised authority that outsources visa applications for different countries. They deal with visa application and processing, passport issuance, document attestation and other related services. They have outlets across the globe to help travellers with their visa application process. It’s important to note that VFS Global is not involved in the decision-making process behind visa applications. Hence they have no control over whether a visa is granted or denied.
Currently, there are a total of three VFS Global branches in the UAE – Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Residents of the UAE can use VFS to apply for a Schengen visa, which allows entry to Austria, Hungary, Norway, Belgium, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, Latvia, Slovakia, Estonia, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Finland, Lithuania, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, Greece and Netherlands.
Some of the other VFS approved countries include Australia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Ireland, Malaysia, Turkey, UK and Ukraine.
How can I apply for a visa with VFS Global?
VFS Global simplifies the process of applying for a visa for all travellers with a few simple steps. The length of this VFS visa application process can differ, depending on the country’s visa requirements.
STEP 1: Find out the type of visa you need
Every visa application has certain guidelines that need to be met. This is why the first step to applying for a visa through VFS Global in Dubai or any other emirate, is identifying the pertinent details of the visa. This includes information such as eligibility criteria, documents, guidelines, fees etc. This will help to determine the timeframe for the entire process, fees and more. You can easily find all this information with VFS in Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. They offer a comprehensive account of all visa requirements of every country that they are in collaboration with.
Step 2: Begin your application
Every country has a different method when it comes to its visa application process. Once all the pertinent details of the visa are identified, the next step is to download and fill out the visa application forms. The Dubai VFS centre offers all assistance in finding these visa application forms and in many cases also aid in filling them out in the country’s native language if required. This step also involves preparing all the supporting documents to apply for a visa.
Once you’ve got all your documents in order and have filled out the forms, you can book an appointment with the VFS in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, depending on whichever is closest to you.
Step 3: Book an appointment at any VFS Visa Application Centre and pay the fees
To apply for a visa using VFS Global, travellers must make an appointment to visit the VFS Centre in their location which can be scheduled through their website. Each of these appointments come with a service fee. The cost for VFS Global’s visa services can range anywhere between AED 60 to AED 300 or more, depending on the country you are applying to.
Before booking the VFS visa appointment in Dubai, make sure you are aware of all the details relating to your visa application. The type of appointment can vary depending on the country you are applying to. For example, some countries don’t require an appointment with VFS. If so, avoid making a booking as you may not get a refund.
STEP 4: Visit a Visa Application Centre
On the day of your appointment, it’s important to carry the originals and copies of the visa application form, passport and other relevant documents required at VFS Global. It’s advisable to reach there 15 minutes prior to the time given. Once you’re there, the attendant there will verify all the details that have been submitted and advise on the next steps. After the details are verified, a digital photograph will be taken on the spot and your biometric information will be recorded. Once everything has been submitted, you will be issued a tracking/reference number which you can use to track your visa application.
SETP 5: Track your application and collect your passport
There are multiple ways to track your visa application with VFS Global. You can view the status online with the reference number on an invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name. You also have the option to receive email and SMS updates to know the application status. Once you’ve got the confirmation, you then have two options by which you can collect your visa: visit the centre or have it delivered to you via a courier.
VFS Global Branches in the UAE
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah each have their own VFS Global Visa Application Centre. Here are the exact details of their location, timings and contact.
DUBAI
VFS Global Dubai Location
The VFS Global office in Dubai is located in Level 3 of WAFI Mall, situated in the Umm Hurair 2 district. It’s closest for the residents in the apartments in Oud Metha and Bur Dubai.
Timings for VFS Global Head Office in Dubai
- Business hours: Sunday to Thursday from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm
- Primetime appointments: Sunday to Thursday from 08:00 – 09:00; Saturday from 09:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Passport collection: Sunday to Thursday from 04:00 pm – 05:00 pm
VFS Global in Dubai Contact Details
- +971-4-205-5666
ABU DHABI
VFS Global Abu Dhabi Location
Abu Dhabi’s VFS Global centre has a new location. It is now situated on Level B2 (Lower Ground) of The Mall at World Trade Centre in the Khalifa Bin Zayed area. The relocation of the VFS Global centre was done to have it closer to the city and provide a more seamless experience for visa applications in Abu Dhabi for travellers.
Timings for VFS Global Head Office in Abu Dhabi
- Business hours: Sunday to Thursday from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm
- Primetime appointments: Sunday to Thursday from 08:00 am – 09:00 am
- Passport collection: Sunday to Thursday from 04:00 pm – 05:00 pm
VFS Global in Abu Dhabi Contact Details
- +971-4-205-5904
Sharjah
VFS Global Sharjah Location
The VFS Global location in Sharjah is on Level 3 of the UK Premium Visa Application Centre in the Al Qasimiya neighbourhood. The closest landmark to the VFS Global Sharjah location is Mega Mall Sharjah
Timings VFS Global Head Office in Sharjah
- Business hours: Sunday to Thursday from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm
VFS Global Sharjah Contact Details
- +971-6-598-5100
That concludes this guide to VFS Global in the UAE. We hope you found this helpful in your visa application journey. It’s the easiest way to apply Schengen visa from Dubai or any other emirate. Take advantage of their services the next time to ensure a hassle-free visa application process the next time you travel.
Most of these visa applications may require you to have a valid visa for a minimum of three months. If you have a renewal coming up soon, here is a list of visa medical centres in Dubai that you can visit. If you are living in the capital city, here are the top visa medical centres in Abu Dhabi.
If you are still not sure where to travel for your upcoming holidays, here are our picks for the top three travel destinations from Dubai.
