All About the Prague Visa from Dubai

Are you travelling to Prague for study, leisure or medical purposes? The first step is to determine your eligibility for a Prague visa from Dubai. As one of the 29 Schengen areas, Prague (the capital of the Czech Republic) issues a Schengen visa to short-term travellers.

Citizens of certain countries, including the UAE, are eligible for a visa-free entry to Prague. Travellers from all other countries, however, must secure a short or long-stay visa. Scroll down to learn more about the eligibility criteria, application process, and fees for a Prague visa from Dubai.

• Overview
• Types of Visas in Prague
• Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Prague?
• Required Documents
• How to Apply for a Prague Visa from Dubai or Abu Dhabi
• Prague Application Centre Details
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs

About the Prague Visa from Dubai

Planning to visit Prague for short or long stays? You must apply for a Prague visa from Dubai, depending on the duration of your stay. As a Schengen state, the Czech Republic issues a 90-day Schengen visa for short-term stays. Additionally, you can apply for a long-term visa for stays exceeding 90 days.

While this is a legal requirement for entering Prague, some foreign nationals are exempt from it. UAE citizens and residents of some nationalities can travel visa-free to Prague for up to 90 days. Read on to learn more about the Prague visa requirements and application process.

Types of Visas in Prague

Prague issues short-stay visas, known as Schengen visas and long-term visas in the following categories:

1. Schengen Visas

You can apply for a Prague tourist visa from Dubai in the following cases:

• If your stay does not exceed 90 days in 180 days.
• If you meet one of these conditions:
  • Directly travelling to Prague and no other Schengen state.
  • Travelling to different Schengen countries, with the longest stay in Prague.
  • Travelling to multiple countries for the same duration, but Prague is the first in the list (the port of entry).

Schengen Visa Types

The following are the types of Prague visit visa from Dubai:

• Tourism
• Business
• Conference
• Culture
• Sports
• Visiting Family or Friends
• Invitation
• Study
• Scientific Research
• Employment
• Seasonal Employment
• Training
• Airport Transit

2. Long-Term Visas

Nationals of other countries must apply for a long-term visa for stays exceeding 90 days. Here are the different visa types under this category:

• Seasonal Employment
• Study
• Scientific Research
• Training
• Entrepreneurship

Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Prague?

According to the Prague visa policy, certain countries, including the UAE, are exempt from visa requirements. This means UAE citizens and nationals of certain countries residing in the UAE are eligible for a visa-free entry to Prague. Let’s look at the list of visa-exempt and visa-required countries:

1. Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a 90-day visa-free entry: 

2. Nationals that Require a Prague Visa from Dubai

Nationals of the following countries require a Prague visa from Dubai for short and long stays:

Required Documents

The Prague visa application process is quite simple if you follow the guidelines. First, you need to arrange some general and supporting documents. Here are the Prague visa requirements from Dubai:

General Documents

The following documents are required for all visa types:

• A duly filled and signed visa application form
• Original passport and copy with at least two blank pages (must be valid for at least three months after the planned date of return from Prague)
• Two passport-size photographs with a white background
• Copy of Emirates ID (front and back)
• A no-objection letter from the sponsor (individual or company)
• Last six months’ bank statement (attested)
• Copy of UAE tenancy contract (if applicable)
• Copy of return tickets
• Hotel reservation proof
• Invitation letter (if applicable)
• Travel insurance certificate with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros
• Copy of birth certificate (for minors)

Supporting Documents

Additional documents may be required depending on your visit purpose, such as:

• Medical letter proving that the applicant needs treatment in the Czech Republic (for a medical visa)
• Trade licence (for the business visa)
• Proof of enrollment in a course (for a study visa)

How to Apply for a Prague Visa from Dubai or Abu Dhabi

VFS Global and the Embassy of the Czech Republic manage visa applications in the Emirates. Applicants must submit a visa application between six months and 15 calendar days prior to the intended travel date.

For Schengen visas, applications must be submitted at VFS Global Visa Application Centres. Family members of EU citizens or those travelling for humanitarian reasons can apply directly to the Czech Republic Embassy.

Moreover, long-term visa applications must be submitted at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Abu Dhabi.

Schengen Visa Application Process

Let’s look at the complete application process of a Prague visa from Dubai:

1. Determine Your Visa Type

First, identify the correct visa type depending on your travel requirements. You can choose from a tourist visa, a medical visa, a study visa and more. Once you have selected the right type, check your eligibility criteria.

2. Download and Complete the Visa Application Form

If you’re eligible to apply for a Prague visa, download the visa application form from VFS Global’s official website. Fill out the form, select Prague as your primary visit destination and print it.

3. Book an Appointment at the Visa Application Centre or the Embassy of Prague

Once you have completed the form and gathered the necessary documents, the next step is to schedule an appointment. Book an appointment at the Visa Application Centres in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Abu Dhabi (if eligible).

Simply visit the relevant website, book an appointment and receive a confirmation email.

4. Head to the Visa Application Centre or Embassy

Next, visit the Visa Application Centre or Embassy on your appointment date with the required documents. Please arrive at the centre at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Here are the appointment details when you are applying for a Prague visa from Dubai:

• Only applicants and guardians of minors are allowed to enter the application centre.
• Carry all the relevant and supporting documents.
• Pay the visa fees at the centre.
• After applying, complete the biometrics.

5. Pay the Visa Fees and Service Charges

Once you have completed your application, the next step is to pay your visa fees. Easily pay the fees in cash or via card at the centre. Here is the Prague visa cost from Dubai:

• General charges: AED 388.93
• Children between 6 and 12: AED 194.46
• Children under 6: Free
• Service fees (charged at the Visa Application Centres): AED 107.5

6. Track Your Visa Application

Easily track your application status using the Reference Number mentioned on your invoice (issued by the Visa Centre). Simply, visit the VFS Global or Embassy of Prague website and enter your Reference Number and your last name to view the status of your application.

7. Visa Approval and Passport Collection

The Czech Republic visa processing time in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is around 15 calendar days. However, processing may take up to 60 calendar days in some cases. During this period, the visa officers might arrange an interview and request additional documents.

Upon the approval of your application, you can collect your passport from the Visa Centre or request a courier service for an additional fee. For in-person collections, show the receipt or invoice and identification card.

Long-Term Visa Application Process

Long-term visa applications can be submitted at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Abu Dhabi. Follow these steps for a successful application:

• First, email your visa appointment request to: AbuDhabi.visa@mzv.gov.cz.
• When writing an email, enter your full name, visa type, purpose of travel and passport number in the subject line.
• Scan and attach the documents: Emirates ID (showing that you’re staying in the UAE for at least two years), passport data page and the purpose of your travel.
• Once the application is approved, the consulate will send a confirmation request for an appointment within one week.
• Visit the Embassy on the appointment date.
• Submit the documents.
• Pay the visa fees.
• Submit fingerprints and a digital photo.
• Wait for visa approval.
• Collect your passport or receive it via courier.

Visa Fee

• Long-Term Visa (Type D): AED 438.63
• Long-Term Visa (Type D – Entrepreneurship): AED 877.25

Prague Application Centre Details

Here are the details of VFS Global Visa Application Centres and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the UAE:

1. VFS Global, Dubai

Location

First Floor, Wafi Mall, Phase 5, Umm Hurrair 2, Dubai, UAE

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

Contact Information

+971-4-205-5715

2. VFS Global, Abu Dhabi

Location

Level B2 (Lower Ground), The Mall, World Trade Centre, Khalifa Bin Zayed, The 1st Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

Contact Information

+971-4-205-5715

3. Embassy of the Czech Republic

Location

Villa A-09, Marina Village, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 09:00 am to 12:00 pm

Contact Information

+971-2-678-2800

Key Takeaways

• A Prague visa from Dubai is a mandatory requirement for travelling to Prague.
• UAE citizens and nationals of some countries are eligible for a visa-free entry to Prague.
• The Prague Schengen visa application in Dubai can take anywhere from 15 days to 60 days, depending on the case.

FAQs

That concludes our guide on obtaining a Prague visa from Dubai. Follow our step-by-step process for a stress-free and smooth application process.

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