Due to the rising demand, residents of the United Arab Emirates who want a Schengen visa in order to go to the EU may have to wait an additional month, until March, for an appointment.
Despite shorter processing times at several embassies and consulates, data shows that there are hardly any open appointments for February. This has made it difficult for UAE citizens who require visas to plan their vacations for the Eid holidays.
According to Khaleej Times, UAE citizens who have previously filed for a Schengen visa or who want to do so have expressed a preference for travelling to France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, and Sweden.
These nations have been having the largest number of Schengen visa applications when popularity is taken into account.
The processing time for Schengen visa applications is currently one month, according to various travel agencies in the UAE, who claim to get about 20 requests every week.
Galadari International Travel Services manager Mir Wasim Raja commented on the state of affairs, stating that the high volume of applications has caused appointment times in numerous consulates to be postponed.
certain travel businesses have already advised UAE citizens who require a Schengen visa to visit the bloc to choose other nations, such as the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, since those have lower waiting times, because certain consulates have no open appointment slots until next month.
All UAE citizens who do not hold UAE passports or who do not fall under one of the categories excluded from needing a Schengen visa must apply for one.
A short-stay visa known as a Schengen visa enables its holders to visit the Schengen Area's member nations for stays of up to 90 days for tourism.
UAE citizens asking for a Schengen visa must also provide two passport-sized pictures, a fully filled out application form, and proof of their UAE residency, which must be valid for at least three more months after the desired date of travel.
In addition to the aforementioned, UAE citizens asking for a Schengen visa must additionally provide evidence of their airline reservation, proof of accommodation in Schengen, evidence of sufficient funds, and evidence of EU travel insurance.
