UAE: Planning Europe trip this summer? Apply for your Schengen visa now
Traveling to Europe during the summer holidays has become a common affair for UAE residents, with many seeking to escape the heat and enjoy the pleasant weather, extended daylight hours, and vibrant cultures of European countries.
However, with the high demand for Schengen visas during this peak travel season, the limited availability of appointment slots has made it difficult for many to plan their vacations. Travel agents are urging residents not to delay in applying for their visas, as securing an appointment early is essential to avoid any travel disruptions and ensure they can enjoy their summer getaway in Europe.
According to Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, appointment slots for Schengen visas are already limited for countries. “Currently, a few countries, like the Czech Republic, Austria, and Sweden, have available appointments for April. However, countries such as France and Spain have no open slots at the moment,” he said.
“These will be available in batches, and we expect appointments for these countries to open by May or June, allowing travellers to plan their trips for July and August.”
The processing time for a Schengen visa is typically between one and three weeks, and it’s important for travellers to book their appointments well in advance. Once appointments are confirmed, travellers must visit visa centres, like VFS, to submit their documents.
For countries like Poland, travellers need to submit their documents directly at the embassy, including essential paperwork such as a company NoC, bank statements, and insurance details.
“Biometrics will also be taken, and the passport will be submitted for processing at the embassy,” said Subair.
Mir Wasim Raja, manager at Galadari International Travel Services, advised travellers to apply early and keep their eye on slots. “Slots are limited in April and May, and the demand for Schengen visas is very high, especially for countries like France, Spain, and the Netherlands,” said Raja.
“People usually travel for about one to two weeks during the summer, and booking now is the best way to ensure they get their visas in time,” added Raja.
In addition to applying early, travel agents also advise residents to ensure their travel documents are valid. “Apart from having other travel documents, they must ensure that UAE visa must be valid for at least three months and a passport for at least six months when they are returning to the UAE from a Schengen country,” Subair said.
