Germany is exploring the possibility of introducing five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas for residents of the UAE, a move aimed at easing travel for frequent visitors and responding to growing demand.
Yamina Soufou, Director of Marketing and Sales at the German National Tourist Office for the GCC, shared the news during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held at World Trade Centre in Dubai, where Germany participated for the tenth time.
According to a report, Soufou said that the proposal targets UAE residents who have a history of travelling to Germany, with the goal of making the visa process smoother and more flexible.
Germany visa for UAE residents
“We are seeing a sharp increase in demand for Schengen visas from the UAE,” she said. “We’ve suggested granting long-term, multiple-entry visas to those who visit frequently—similar to the current visa arrangements offered to GCC nationals — and we’re hopeful this will be approved soon,” she was quoted as saying.
Soufou also highlighted the surge in visa applications, noting that over 10,000 Schengen visas were issued to UAE residents in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
In 2024, the total number reached more than 36,000 — a 26% rise compared to the previous year. She added that UAE travelers continue to lead tourism to Germany from the GCC region, followed by visitors from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.
The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) has reported a continued rise in visitor numbers from the Gulf region. In 2024, a total of 489,689 GCC travellers visited Germany — marking a 1.2% increase from the previous year and a 21% surge compared to 2022.
“We have now witnessed considerable growth in visitor numbers from the GCC countries since the end of the pandemic. These figures underscore Germany’s increasing post pandemic popularity with GCC visitors and bodes well for 2025,” said Sofo.
She added, “With direct flights from the GCC countries to Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hannover, Stuttgart, Cologne and Hamburg, this year we want to encourage GCC residents to visit Germany and experience our diverse year-round tourism offering.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
