Starting June 18, 2025, UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa must now complete the online visa application form on VFS Global before scheduling an appointment. This change targets non-Emirati residents traveling to Europe for various purposes like tourism, business, or family visits. The updated process aims to streamline visa applications, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency. Emirati passport holders remain unaffected by this new requirement, retaining their visa-free access to the Schengen zone.