Enjoy Lower Fares & Quicker Schengen Visa Processing Times in the UAE as a Foreigner
Reduced airfares and accelerated Schengen visa processing times are now available to foreign nationals living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who are planning vacations to Europe. Wait periods for visas are typically two weeks or less.
There has been a noticeable rise in the number of UAE and GCC citizens visiting European destinations for the Christmas and New Year holidays during the recent winter travel season, according to Gulf News.
United Arab Emirates passport holders are not required to have a visa, but foreign nationals living in the nation need to apply for a Schengen visa in order to travel to European nations. In the past, processing visa appointments for October through December may take up to one or two months, deterring prospective tourists.
Thanks to the opening of booking slots by European embassies in the UAE, people may now plan their trips to Europe more effectively, especially as visas can now be approved in less than two weeks.
Even with the faster visa processing timelines, UAE citizens should schedule appointments well in advance to avoid any delays, particularly during the busiest travel seasons, according to Monaz Billimoria, Regional Head at VFS Global. According to VFS Global, the number of visa applications increased by 12 percent in 2023 over 2019—a notable 145 percent increase in applications from 2021 to 2023.
Despite a 22 percent increase in travel costs, Kristi Gole, Executive Vice-President of Strategy at GHA, noted that Europe continues to be the most popular destination for tourists from the UAE in 2024. Tourists are prepared to spend more for the greatest experiences, suggesting that 2024 will be a prosperous year.
According to World Trips, tourists spent, on average, €2,602 in 2022 and €2,326 in 2023 when visiting Europe.
Apart from the simplified visa application process, flights to many European cities have dropped dramatically to less than €276. Travelers from the UAE mostly go to Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, France, and France in April. The demand for travel to Europe increased by 40–50% last year compared to 2019.
The Spanish Tourism Office’s director in Abu Dhabi, Daniel Rosado, emphasized the rising demand. Strong competitive signs are also being shown by airlines; between January 10 and January 24, economy fares for the Dubai-Paris route range from €131 (Wizz Air) to €248 (Emirates), down from approximately €414 in December.
Tagged:SchengenUAEVisaVisa Processing Times
There has been a noticeable rise in the number of UAE and GCC citizens visiting European destinations for the Christmas and New Year holidays during the recent winter travel season, according to Gulf News.
United Arab Emirates passport holders are not required to have a visa, but foreign nationals living in the nation need to apply for a Schengen visa in order to travel to European nations. In the past, processing visa appointments for October through December may take up to one or two months, deterring prospective tourists.
Thanks to the opening of booking slots by European embassies in the UAE, people may now plan their trips to Europe more effectively, especially as visas can now be approved in less than two weeks.
Even with the faster visa processing timelines, UAE citizens should schedule appointments well in advance to avoid any delays, particularly during the busiest travel seasons, according to Monaz Billimoria, Regional Head at VFS Global. According to VFS Global, the number of visa applications increased by 12 percent in 2023 over 2019—a notable 145 percent increase in applications from 2021 to 2023.
Despite a 22 percent increase in travel costs, Kristi Gole, Executive Vice-President of Strategy at GHA, noted that Europe continues to be the most popular destination for tourists from the UAE in 2024. Tourists are prepared to spend more for the greatest experiences, suggesting that 2024 will be a prosperous year.
According to World Trips, tourists spent, on average, €2,602 in 2022 and €2,326 in 2023 when visiting Europe.
Apart from the simplified visa application process, flights to many European cities have dropped dramatically to less than €276. Travelers from the UAE mostly go to Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, France, and France in April. The demand for travel to Europe increased by 40–50% last year compared to 2019.
The Spanish Tourism Office’s director in Abu Dhabi, Daniel Rosado, emphasized the rising demand. Strong competitive signs are also being shown by airlines; between January 10 and January 24, economy fares for the Dubai-Paris route range from €131 (Wizz Air) to €248 (Emirates), down from approximately €414 in December.
