VFS Global urges advance visa appointments for summer holidays and Eid Al Fitr travel

• UAE citizens were urged to book 2024 visas in advance due to high demand.
• A six-day break in April boosts Schengen visa demand for the summer.
• Residents have 180 days to apply for Schengen entry permits.

It is encouraged that UAE citizens who intend to go to Schengen countries for the summer holidays and Eid Al Fitr 2024 make their visa appointments well in advance, as demand is likely to increase.

“As we get close to the holiday season, we expect a surge in demand for travel, so we continue to urge applicants to book their appointments well in advance to avoid any delays,” stated Monaz Billimoria, regional director of VFS Global, the largest provider of technology services and visa outsourcing to governments and diplomatic missions across the globe.

Visa applications are received by VFS Global on behalf of a number of governments, including the UAE and other nations, and are then forwarded to the relevant missions for processing.

During Eid Al Fitr in April 2024, inhabitants of the UAE will have six days off. Schools are closed for a few months during the summer so that locals can visit relatives and friends in milder climates. Due to a high demand for travel in the post-pandemic period, UAE residents and businessmen have found it extremely difficult to obtain a visa appointment to Schengen countries in the last few years.

Summer is the busiest season for travel from the United Arab Emirates to Europe, as many citizens and foreign residents choose to spend time there. Due to free visa for short-term stay in Schengen for the UAE citizens, many apply for it to enjoy the summer there.

Apply at least 180 days before travel

According to the regional head of VFS Global, residents of the UAE will have ample time to arrange their travels, as applications for entry permits for the 27 member countries can be filed in the country up to 180 days prior to the anticipated travel date.

“Europe remains a high-demand destination from the UAE, and we urge travellers to book their appointments early to avoid any delays,” Billimoria said.

She advised those applying for visas to be wary of companies pretending to be VFS Global or employees of embassies or consulates.

Billimoria made it clear that the client governments are in charge of scheduling appointments and determining how long it takes to process visas; the company has no control over it.

25% increase in Schengen visa fee

As outbound business and leisure travel continue to rise exponentially, visa applications from the UAE to the Schengen nations have increased at a double-digit rate in 2023 compared to the pre-pandemic level.

“The demand for Schengen visas from the UAE has seen a 25 per cent growth in 2023 versus 2022 and an 18 per cent growth over 2019, which reflects the continued high demand for travel to Europe,” said Billimoria.

However, Billimoria withheld the identities of the nations where visa demand is greater.

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