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DUBAI: UAE residents who want to travel to Europe must insist on applying for a Schengen visa a full four to six months before their planned trip to avoid unnecessary delays. This will remain the case even as the EU begins the transition to digitize and process the online Schengen visa process – as it will take another 2 years for the project to become a reality.
Visa appointment delays have been a recurring problem for UAE tourists traveling to Europe for the past 12 months and more.
“Delays in visa processing are not something unique to Germany,” said Yamina Sofo, head of the German National Tourist Office in Dubai. “This is the challenge most Schengen countries face.
“Applicants who are unable to attend their appointment on the indicated date are also advised to cancel their appointment online. This will open up a slot for other applicants.”
A customer chooses magnets at a souvenir shop in Zagreb, Croatia, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Croatia joined the euro zone and the European Union’s visa-free travel zone on January 1, completing its journey from the war-torn Balkans to mainstream Europe.Photographer: Petar Santini/Bloomberg
Image source: Bloomberg
Mohammed Halabi, executive director of Omeir Travel Agency, UAE and GCCtravel, said headcount to Europe has yet to return to pre-pandemic capacity. “People are very sensitive to time and price,” Halabi said. “Travelers in this market often make last-minute bookings.
“The opportunity to obtain a Schengen visa within a short period of a few weeks before travel will encourage more people to go on holiday.”
Additionally, Emirates is enhancing its services to European cities and will continue to do so. “That means connectivity to Europe won’t be an issue,” Halaby said. “Through the services of ultra-low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, there will be options for travel for all budgets.”
How much does the e-Visa cost?
While the proposal to the EU Council did not specify any changes to e-visa costs, tourism industry sources said application costs could change once implemented. The draft proposal states that payment of visa fees should be made using a third-party gateway linked to the online application platform, with payments to be transferred directly to the respective EU member state being visited.
The current UAE Schengen visa fee is 340 dirhams and 170 dirhams for children aged 6-12.
Passengers check carry-on baggage notices in the check-in area during pay-related strike action by EasyJet Plc and Ryanair Holdings Plc workers at Barcelona’s El Prat airport, Friday, July 15, 2022. A wave of airline strikes and flight cancellations is deepening Europe’s transport crisis, disrupting travel plans ahead of the region’s peak summer season.Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg
Image source: Bloomberg
Proposed rules for EU digital visas
The visa will be issued in digital format, as a 2D barcode, cryptographically signed. This will reduce the security risks associated with counterfeit and stolen visa stickers.
“Online applications will reduce travellers’ trips to consulates and make the process smoother for national administrations,” said Swedish Immigration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.
At the same time, digital visas will end the risk of visa stickers being counterfeited and stolen.
Visa applicants should be able to apply for a visa online through a single EU platform, regardless of the destination Member State.
In addition, visa applicants can submit personal data, scanned copies of travel documents, supporting documents and travel medical insurance through the platform.
Physical presence at the consulate or using the services of an external service provider – VFS Global – should only be mandatory for first-time applicants and those obtaining new travel documents, requiring verification, as well as collection of biometric identifiers.
Repeat applicants should be able to apply online within five years of a successful application, provided they use the same travel documents.
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