High Demand for Schengen Visas Causes Delays for UAE Residents

Due to increased demand, residents of the United Arab Emirates who want a Schengen visa to travel to the EU may have to wait another month, until March, for an appointment.

Data reveal that there are barely any accessible appointments for February, despite the fact that processing times in many embassies and consulates have dropped. This has produced issues for UAE citizens who require a visa, as they have been unable to finalise their Eid vacation plans.

According to the Khaleej Times, UAE citizens who have previously filed for a Schengen visa, as well as those who want to do so, are most interested in visiting France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, and Sweden.

Considering their popularity, these countries have received the most number of Schengen visa applications.

Various travel businesses in the UAE have stated that they receive around 20 requests per week and that it presently takes roughly a month for Schengen visa applications to be approved.

Mir Wasim Raja, manager of Galadari International Travel Services, commented on the current situation, saying that the appointment time has been postponed at many consulates due to the large amount of applications.

Because certain consulates do not have accessible appointment slots until next month, some travel businesses have already suggested that UAE residents who require a Schengen visa to enter the EU consider other countries with lower waiting times, such as the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

All UAE residents who do not hold a UAE passport, as well as those who do not fall into one of the Schengen visa-exempt categories, must get a Schengen visa.

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows holders to travel to Schengen Area member countries for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes.

UAE residents asking for a Schengen visa must submit a fully filled application form, a valid passport, two pictures, and proof of UAE residency permits that are valid for at least three months beyond the desired date of departure for the area.

By fLEXI tEAM