UAE: Residents must wait until December to get Schengen visas for some European countries despite delays eased – News

During the summer, people had to wait months for visa appointments as tourism reopened after post-pandemic restrictions were eased

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UAE residents wishing to travel to Schengen countries may have to wait until December to obtain visas for some European countries, although visa processing times for other countries have been significantly reduced.

Schengen visa applications are in high demand among UAE tourism executives. Processing times in some countries have dropped to just 15 days, up to two months, depending on the destination and applicant’s documents.

Bitto Peter, Director of Operations at Al Ghazi Tourism Office, said they had received many inquiries about visas to visit the 26 countries. “However, due to the peak period in previous months, the wait time is still there,” Peter said.

He noted that countries such as Germany, France and Switzerland are in high demand from expats in the UAE. Travelers may have to wait until December to obtain a visa.

“For countries like Austria, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Poland, it can take at least 15 days to get a visa,” Peter added.

Travel experts also point out that UK visa approval takes nearly 5-8 weeks.

During the summer vacation, people have to wait until septemberr Visa appointments experienced by the tourism department “Vengeance Journey” As it reopened after easing restrictions after the pandemic.

Travelers exploring other destinations

Some travel executives say visa availability remains a huge challenge due to demand. “The wait time in some countries is as long as 12 months,” said Raja Mir Wasim, manager of Galadari International Travel Agency.

Wasim added that appointments in some countries were already full by the end of November and mid-December.

Libin Varghese, sales and marketing director at Rooh Tourism, said some residents opted to travel to the Caucasus because of delays in Schengen appointments.

“Residents chose Georgia, Azerbaijan and neighboring countries, as well as Eastern European countries such as Serbia, Albania and Montenegro. However, we received many inquiries from untapped countries,” Varghese said

Libin added that Kazakhstan and Montenegro are at the top of the list where residents are now showing interest.

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