With only a month left before the end of summer holidays, UAE residents are finding it increasingly challenging to secure visas for certain destinations.
Notably, the waiting period for a US visa has now extended to over a year. However, several countries offer visas within a few days, making them attractive alternatives for last-minute summer travel.
Travel experts report a growing trend among UAE residents to favor destinations in the Far East. Many countries offer the easiest and quickest visa application processes for UAE residents.
Popular Destinations with Easy Visa Processes
Rashida Zahid, Vice President of Operations at Musafir.com, highlighted some of the most accessible destinations. “Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, Albania, Montenegro, and Oman offer arrival visas for certain nationalities residing in the UAE. Countries like Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, Turkey, Seychelles, and Bosnia provide visas on arrival for certain nationalities,” she said.
Visa Approval Durations
According to industry experts, Schengen visa approvals can take months, which can disrupt plans for European summer travel. In contrast, visas for countries in the Far East can be processed within 3 to 10 days. “Malaysia and Vietnam offer visa approvals in about three working days, while Indonesia provides visa on arrival for some nationalities,” said Shamsheed, a travel consultant.
E-Visas and Quick Approvals
“In some countries like Cambodia, Jordan, Kenya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, and Australia, one can apply for an e-visa with processing times ranging from approximately 3-10 working days for eligible nationalities,” Zahid added.
European Travel Challenges
While most European destinations pose visa challenges this summer, there are exceptions. “The Balkan countries are in demand, but visa processing times remain an issue. However, appointments for European countries like Turkey and the UK are readily available,” noted Shamsheed.
Required Documents
For visa applications, essential documents include a passport, Emirates ID, and photos. Some countries may also require a bank statement.
Shift in Travel Preferences
According to travel experts, more UAE residents are favoring mountain landscapes over beach destinations this summer. “The CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, including Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, continue to be popular due to their visa on-arrival policies,” said Shamsheed.
Independent Travel Trends
Industry executives have observed a shift towards independent travel planning, particularly among younger travelers. “Many youngsters prefer to tailor their itineraries themselves as they seek to explore less popular spots,” Shamsheed explained.
Emerging Preferred Destinations
“South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam are now preferred destinations for UAE residents due to the easy visa process. Japan, in particular, has been a top favorite. Given the increasing demand for the ‘Land of the Rising Sun,’ visa applications must now be submitted through VFS from August 1,” said Shamsheed CV, Senior Consultant for Outbound Travel at Wisefox Tourism.