Starting June 18, 2025, UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa to Switzerland must complete their application form directly within the VFS Global appointment system before selecting a time slot. This procedural shift replaces the previously separate steps of form submission and appointment booking, now consolidating them into a single online process.
The update affects all non-citizen residents in the UAE who require a visa to enter Switzerland, including frequent travelers and family applicants. With little public notice ahead of implementation, many applicants may be unaware that skipping this step will block access to available appointments.
What Changed?
Applicants in the UAE seeking a Schengen visa for travel to Switzerland are now required to complete the visa application form directly within the VFS Global portal before they can access the appointment calendar. This change went into effect on June 18, 2025, and is specific to appointments handled by VFS Global on behalf of the Swiss authorities.
Previously, the process allowed applicants to first secure a time slot through VFS and then complete the visa application form separately, often via the Swiss embassy’s official platform. Under the new system, this sequence has been reversed and consolidated. Applicants must now fill out the entire visa form online as part of the appointment scheduling workflow.
The change was introduced without a formal public announcement, causing some applicants to encounter booking issues or system errors when trying to follow older procedures. VFS Global now blocks appointment access unless the form has been completed in full. Once submitted, the applicant can then choose from the available time slots and continue preparing for the in-person appointment.
This approach mirrors what has already been implemented for other Schengen countries such as France and Germany, where similar requirements exist. While the update currently applies only to Switzerland, it signals a shift toward more centralized digital workflows in Schengen visa processing from the UAE.
Who Is Affected?
The new integrated visa form requirement affects a wide range of UAE residents applying for travel to Switzerland. While it does not apply to Emirati citizens, it directly impacts most foreign nationals residing in the UAE who require a Schengen visa. Understanding who falls under this change can help applicants avoid booking errors or delays.
UAE Residents Requiring a Schengen Visa
The update applies to all non-citizen residents of the UAE who hold passports from countries that require a Schengen visa. This includes expatriates living in the UAE on employment, family, investor, student, or long-term residence visas. Regardless of whether the trip is for tourism, business, or personal reasons, eligible applicants must now submit their form through the VFS Global system before proceeding to appointment selection.
UAE Citizens Are Not Affected
Holders of UAE passports are not subject to this change. Swiss authorities, like other Schengen member states, allow Emirati nationals to enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No application or appointment through VFS Global is required for short stays. The policy exclusively affects foreign nationals applying through VFS services within the UAE.
Group and Family Applications
The requirement also applies to those applying as part of a family or group. Each individual applicant must complete their own visa form within the VFS Global portal before a group appointment can be scheduled. This step cannot be bypassed, even if applicants plan to travel together. Attempting to book without submitting the forms will result in no appointment slots being shown.
Users of Third-Party Agencies
Applicants using visa consultants or travel agents must ensure that the agency follows the updated process. The form must be completed directly within the VFS Global system linked to the applicant’s registered profile. Forms prepared offline or outside the system are not accepted at the booking stage and will prevent appointment access.
Updated Process for Switzerland Schengen Visa from UAE
To meet the new requirement from VFS Global, all applicants must complete the Switzerland visa application form online before they can book an appointment. This process must be followed in full for the system to allow appointment scheduling.
- Visit the official VFS Global Switzerland UAE portal: Go to the official VFS Global Switzerland UAE portal and select “Apply for a visa.”
- Log in or register an account: You must have a personal VFS Global account. Group applications still require individual submissions for each traveler.
- Fill out the online application form: The system now requires completion of the full visa application form before any appointment dates can be viewed.
- Submit the form through the portal: Only after submitting the form can you proceed to the appointment booking section. Skipping this step will block access to the calendar.
- Book your appointment: Once the form is submitted, you can select an available date and time for your appointment at a Visa Application Centre.
- Prepare required documents: Review the checklist issued by the Swiss embassy and VFS Global, including travel insurance, proof of accommodation, flight bookings, financial proof, and a valid passport.
- Attend your appointment: Bring all required documents in physical form. Missing paperwork may lead to delays or rejection.
This sequence is now mandatory for all UAE-based applicants submitting Switzerland visa requests via VFS Global. Failure to submit the form through the official portal will prevent access to appointment scheduling.
Why the Process Was Changed
The integration of the visa application form into the VFS Global portal aligns with a broader move toward streamlined digital processing across Schengen member states. By requiring applicants to submit the form before booking an appointment, VFS Global and the Swiss authorities aim to reduce administrative errors, improve document matching, and limit incomplete applications arriving at visa centers.
Similar systems have already been adopted by France and Germany, which also require online form completion as a prerequisite for booking. This updated workflow minimizes appointment misuse, helps standardize application intake, and supports more efficient document verification. For applicants, it introduces a clearer sequence of steps but also eliminates the flexibility of reserving a slot before finalizing form details.
The change was not widely announced before implementation, which has resulted in confusion among users who attempted to follow previous procedures. VFS Global has since updated its guidance, but affected travelers are advised to confirm all requirements directly through the official portal before starting their application.
Conclusion
Applicants in the UAE planning to visit Switzerland must complete the updated VFS Global procedure by submitting their visa form before booking an appointment. Skipping this step will block access to available slots. Accuracy in the application is essential to avoid delays.
Starting the process early is important, especially during busy travel periods. Staying informed about visa requirements helps prevent unexpected issues. For assistance with Schengen visa applications, travelers should seek professional guidance or consult official sources.