Dubai, UAE – With cruise tourism on the rise, particularly among UAE residents booking popular European routes, questions around visas needed for cruises to schengen countries are becoming increasingly common. Travellers planning to sail with cruise liners like MSC Cruises UAE to destinations in Schengen countries must ensure they have the appropriate documentation before boarding.

MSC Cruises UAE has updated its 2025 travel guidelines for UAE residents sailing on Northern Europe itineraries, outlining new visa and entry rules for Schengen countries, the UK, and Ireland.

Here’s everything UAE travellers need to know:

Schengen visa needed on cruise?

UAE passport holders can visit Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but must have a passport valid at least three months beyond travel.

In contrast, UAE residents who are not citizens of visa-exempt countries must obtain a Schengen visa—preferably multiple-entry—if their cruise includes several Schengen countries or mixes Schengen and non-Schengen stops.

The Schengen zone covers 27 European countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, and Norway, allowing border-free travel. Since cruises often visit several of these destinations, travellers must hold a valid Schengen visa—unless they’re exempt.

If you don’t have the right visa?

MSC Cruises UAE makes it clear: UAE residents without a valid Schengen visa won’t be allowed to board—even if they plan to stay on the ship during stops in Schengen countries.

To avoid issues, UAE residents from non-visa-exempt countries must secure a valid Schengen visa before boarding any cruise with Schengen port calls.

Cruises that include UK port stops (like Southampton or Belfast) are subject to UK-specific entry rules, which are not part of the Schengen Area.

Ireland cruise stop

If you’re planning a cruise with stops in Irish ports, keep this in mind:

Many nationalities still need a separate Irish visa, even if they already hold a valid UK visa or eTA.

However, some UAE residents may be eligible for Ireland’s Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme (SSVW), which allows entry into Ireland after legally entering the UK first.

A spokesperson for MSC Cruises UAE said, “We always advise our guests from the UAE to double-check visa requirements. While we assist with cruise documentation, the Schengen visa must be arranged by the passenger in advance.”

For UAE travellers eager to set sail across Europe, a dream cruise can turn into a logistical challenge without the right visa. Whether cruising with MSC Cruises UAE or another line, obtaining a valid Schengen visa is a non-negotiable step when visiting Schengen countries by sea.