Foreign residents in UAE who need a Schengen visa to enter the EU will not be able to secure any visa appointment slots in July or August.
According to travel agents, appointments for Schengen visas are fully booked until the end of August, Schengen.News reports.
While there may be some available slots here and there occasionally, the travel agents suggested that the majority of those who plan trips to the bloc will have to wait until early September, when new slots are made available.
The lack of appointments suggests that the interest among UAE residents in visiting the EU this year is particularly high.
According to the Khaleej Times, UAE foreign residents mainly choose to travel for Eid Al Adha and during the summer vacation period, more specifically in July and August.
However, since there are no available slots until the beginning of September, many who plan to travel to the area during the summer vacation will not be able to do so.
Those who manage to secure appointments in early September must note that the visa processing takes around two weeks and are advised to plan accordingly.
VFS Global Calls on UAE Foreign Residents to Apply for Schengen Visas Ahead of Time
Taking into account the high demand, VFS Global has called on all foreigners in UAE to apply for Schengen visas ahead of time.
UAE VFS Global Regional Head Monaz Billimoria said that application should be made as soon as travellers have clear travel plans.
The same reminded everyone that Schengen visa applications can be made up to six months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.
UAE Foreign Residents Applied for Over 233,900 Schengen Visas in 2023
UAE passport holders are permitted visa-free entry to the EU. However, the case is not the same for foreigners who do not hold UAE citizenship and whose country of citizenship does not have a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU.
Foreigners in UAE applied for a total of 233,932 Schengen visas in 2023. Of the total number of applicants, 175,601 were granted a Schengen visa, whereas 52,485 had their visa application rejected.
The top three Schengen member states that received the highest number of visa applications from foreigners residing in UAE are Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
These three member states received 26,024, 26,023, and 25,421 Schengen visa applications from UAE foreign residents in 2023.
Source: https://schengen.news/schengen-visa-appointments-in-uae-fully-booked-until-early-september/
