Applying for Schengen Visa as a Family from Dubai
Traveling to Europe with your family is exciting, but the visa application can be stressful — especially when children are involved. Each family member needs their own application, including babies and toddlers. Here is everything you need to know about applying as a family from the UAE.
Documents for Children
Children need their own passport, visa application form signed by both parents, birth certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, school enrollment letter if the child is of school age, no objection letter from the school, consent letter from the non-traveling parent if only one parent is accompanying the child, and a copy of both parents passports and UAE residence visas.
When Only One Parent Travels with Kids
If only the mother or father is traveling with the children, you need a notarized consent letter from the other parent giving permission for the child to travel. This must be attested. Without this, the embassy will reject the application. If the parents are divorced, you need the custody agreement and a consent letter from the other parent.
How Many Applications Do You Need?
Every person needs a separate application — there is no family application. However, you can book family appointment slots together at VFS or the embassy so everyone goes on the same day. Bank statements only need to be provided by the sponsoring parent, but each person needs their own flight booking, hotel reservation, and travel insurance.
Budget Tip
Schengen visa fees are EUR 80 per adult and EUR 40 per child (ages 6 to 12). Children under 6 are free. Travel insurance for a family of 4 costs approximately AED 200 to 400. Factor in VFS service charges of around AED 150 per person.
Al Baron Tourism Family Visa Service
We handle complete family Schengen visa applications. Our team prepares all documents for parents and children, books family appointment slots, and ensures consent letters and birth certificates are properly attested. One point of contact for your entire family application.
Application Timeline for Families
Family applications take longer because there are more documents to prepare and verify. Start at least 45 to 60 days before travel. Book family appointment slots at VFS — you can usually get consecutive slots so everyone goes the same morning. Have all documents photocopied and organized by person in separate folders. Label each folder clearly with the applicant name.
Attestation of Birth and Marriage Certificates
Birth certificates for children must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Marriage certificates also need MOFA attestation. This process takes 2 to 5 working days depending on your location. Some embassies also accept apostilled documents from your home country. Check the specific embassy requirements for the country you are applying to. At Al Baron Tourism, we handle the attestation process for our family clients.
School Letters and Leave Permission
If traveling during the school year, you need an official letter from your child school confirming enrollment, the class, and approving the absence. During school holidays, an enrollment letter is usually sufficient. Some embassies specifically ask for the school letter to confirm the child will return to their studies.
Travel Insurance for the Whole Family
Each family member needs individual travel insurance. Many insurers offer family policies that cover all members under one plan, which is cheaper than individual policies. Coverage must be EUR 30,000 minimum per person, valid for all Schengen countries, and cover the entire trip duration. A family of 4 can expect to pay AED 300 to 600 for a 2-week policy.
Accommodation for Families
Book family-friendly hotels with rooms that accommodate your group. Embassies check that your accommodation matches your group size. An apartment booking on platforms like Booking.com is often better for families than a small hotel room. Make sure the booking is refundable in case of visa delay or rejection.
Family Budget Planning
Schengen visa fee per person: EUR 80 adults, EUR 40 children 6 to 12, free under 6. For a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children over 6), visa fees alone are EUR 240 (AED 960). Add VFS charges of AED 150 per person (AED 600), insurance (AED 400), and agent fees if using one. Total visa-related cost for a family of 4 is approximately AED 2,500 to 3,500.
Family Travel FAQs
Can grandparents take children to Europe? Yes, with written consent from both parents, attested by a notary.
What if parents have different nationalities? Each person applies based on their own passport. The family goes to VFS together but may have different document requirements.
Can we apply for a family of 6? Yes, there is no maximum family size. Each member needs their own application.
Apply for Your Schengen Visa with Al Baron Tourism
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