Residents are advised to book Schengen visa appointments in advance

Entry permit applications for the 27 EU countries can be submitted up to 180 days before your planned travel date.

UAE residents planning to travel to Schengen countries in the next Eid Al-Fitr 2024 and summer vacationers are encouraged to schedule their visa appointments early, anticipating a surge in demand.

“As we approach the holiday season, we expect an increase in travel demand, so we continue to urge applicants to book their appointments well in advance to avoid delays.”

saying Monaz Billimoria, Regional Director of VFS Globalthe world’s largest visa outsourcing and technology services company for governments and diplomatic missions around the world.

VFS Global receives visa applications on behalf of various governments of the UAE and other countries and delivers them to the respective missions for visa processing.

UAE residents will enjoy a six-day holiday during Eid Al Fitr in April 2024. In summer, schools close for a couple of months, allowing residents to spend time with families and friends in cooler climates. Getting a visa appointment for Schengen countries in recent years has been a major challenge for UAE residents and businesspeople due to the unavailability of visa slots amid strong travel demand in the post-pandemic period.

Travel from the UAE to Europe peaks during the summer, when many nationals and expat residents choose to spend time in Europe. Since UAE nationals enjoy visa-free travel to Schengen countries for short stays of up to 90 days, many expat residents must apply for visas.

Apply for a visa 6 months before the trip.

VFS Global The regional head said applications for entry permits for the 27 member countries can be submitted to the UAE up to 180 days before the planned date of travel, giving residents enough time to plan their trip.

“Europe remains a high-demand destination for the UAE and we urge travelers to book their appointments in advance to avoid delays.”

Billimoria saying.

Urged visa applicants to be careful when dealing with third-party entities posing as VFS Global or embassy/consulate staff.

Billimoria clarified that the company does not control appointment availability or visa processing times, as they are under the control of the respective client governments.

25% increase in Schengen visa

UAE visa applications to Schengen countries have increased at a double-digit rate in 2023, as well as the pre-pandemic level, as business and leisure travel abroad continues to grow exponentially.

“Demand for UAE Schengen visas has seen 25 percent growth in 2023 compared to 2022 and 18 percent growth compared to 2019, reflecting the continued high demand for travel to Europe” .

saying Billimoria.

BillimoriaHowever, it did not reveal the names of the countries that are experiencing increased demand for visas.

News Source: Khaleej Times