Schengen visa delays: UAE travellers face no appointments until August
African and Asian holidays now trending due to European travel delays
DUBAI: Summer travel plans to Europe are falling apart for many UAE residents, with Schengen visa appointment slots fully booked until at least the second week of August.
With demand at its peak and consular systems overwhelmed, residents are being urged to rethink their holiday itineraries and consider alternative destinations.
Inquiries at consulates and visa centres have surged, with appointment slots for nearly all 29 Schengen member states completely booked. A few limited slots for Greece in the third week of July have surfaced sporadically, but these are rare and highly competitive.
According to industry data, over 260,000 Schengen visa applications were filed by foreign residents in the UAE during 2024. Out of these, 196,109 were approved while 61,738 were rejected, highlighting both the immense demand and the growing scrutiny in processing applications.
Schengen visa gridlock
Countries like France, Italy, and the Netherlands continue to top the list for UAE travellers. The numbers reflect this preference:
- Germany: 32,956 applications; 23,399 approved
- France: 28,778 applications; 23,093 approved
- Netherlands: 29,473 applications; 22,427 approved
Such figures show a growing imbalance between application volume and embassy capacity, especially during the peak travel months of June to August. Processing timelines have become equally sluggish, often stretching from two weeks to over a month even after securing an appointment.
The UK is seeing similar delays, with visa processing times now reaching up to two months. Travel agents have noted that the ripple effect is now being felt across non-Schengen destinations too, as tourists scramble to revise their plans.
Shift to new destinations
With traditional European options out of reach, interest in alternative destinations is surging. Tour operators in the UAE report growing demand for African getaways like Kenya, where the Great Migration from July to August offers a world-class safari experience. Other African favourites include South Africa and Zanzibar, praised for their ease of access and rich travel experiences.
Asia is also seeing a spike in bookings. Destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Japan are now on the radar for UAE families. These countries offer vibrant cultures, scenic landscapes, and, most importantly, smoother visa processes.
Turkey is emerging as a viable substitute for Europe, with visa approvals generally processed within a month. It continues to attract those seeking European flair without the bureaucratic headache.
Changing travel patterns
Though some Scandinavian nations reportedly have open visa appointments, they remain less in demand. Their location in northern Europe, combined with higher travel costs to southern hotspots like Italy and Spain, makes them a less appealing option for most UAE travellers.
While UAE nationals enjoy visa-free travel to Schengen countries for short stays under existing EU agreements, this privilege does not extend to foreign residents. As a result, the majority of expatriates must rely on a heavily backlogged appointment system, which is struggling to cope with surging interest.
Travel agencies are now advising residents to apply three to four months in advance for Schengen trips or shift focus to more accessible regions. Many have begun reshaping their summer offerings to reflect this shift, catering to demand in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Industry observers predict this visa bottleneck could influence global tourism trends for the rest of the year. Airlines, hotel operators, and tour companies are already responding to changing preferences, with more promotions and capacity being diverted to non-European markets.