Some UAE residents planning summer trips to Europe are finding it difficult to secure long-term Schengen visas, experiencing what feels like a visa application lottery.
Many have received short-term permits, while colleagues and family members obtained extended stays.
Travellers have expressed frustration over limited visas for work and holidays, despite presenting all required documentation and facing lengthy delays in securing initial visa appointments.
The challenges come as demand for travel to Europe surges, with events like the Euro 2024 football tournament and the Paris Olympics on the horizon.
Visa Frustrations and Financial Burdens
The Schengen visa allows entry to 29 European countries, most of which are in the European Union, for non-EU nationals for visits of up to 90 days or multiple visits over a longer duration.
While Emiratis do not need a visa to visit Schengen countries under a UAE-EU agreement, expat residents must still apply. The non-refundable visa fee of €80 (Dh320.6) adds a significant financial burden for tourists.
Visa Process and Planning Ahead
VFS Global, which facilitates the Schengen visa process in the UAE, stated it is not responsible for the visa validity period. Monaz Billimoria, Regional Head of VFS Global, explained that the organization has no visibility in the decision-making process.
The European Union recently announced that Indian citizens could be issued long-term, multi-entry visas valid for five years after obtaining and lawfully using two visas within the previous three years.
A recent report by SchengenVisaInfo indicated that UAE applicants faced a loss of €4.19 million (Dh16.83 million) in 2023 due to rejected Schengen visa applications. The study highlighted that UAE residents spent €18.71 million (AED 75.02 million) on Schengen visa applications in the same year.
Advising Early Planning
Due to the high volume of applications, waiting times for Schengen visa appointments can range from weeks to months. VFS Global urged travellers to start planning their holidays months in advance due to higher demand this year.
Rishal Mohammed, executive director of travel agency TravelShop in Dubai, advised planning at least three to four months ahead for summer travel. “Even when we approach individual embassies, they’ve told us that other than business or medical reasons, no dates will be available for tourism,” he said.
He added that dates are now opening up for the end of August, September, and October, allowing travellers to plan for UAE National Day holidays or winter breaks.
