The process of traveling to Europe has become both cheaper and faster for foreign residents in the UAE. The Schengen visa processing time has been reduced to an average of two weeks or less, as reported by Gulf News and SchengenVisaInfo.com. This change comes amidst a notable increase in travel to European destinations by UAE and GCC residents during the recent winter holiday season.
While UAE passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to Schengen countries, foreign residents in the UAE have not had this privilege. Previously, obtaining a Schengen visa could take up to two months, often deterring potential travelers. Now, European embassies in the UAE have increased booking slots for visa appointments, enabling faster processing times.
As the demand for travel to Europe rises, especially with the approaching Eid holidays in April, authorities like Monaz Billimoria, Regional Head at VFS Global, advise early booking of visa appointments to avoid delays. The surge in interest is evidenced by a 12% growth in visa applications in 2023 compared to 2019, and a staggering 145% increase between 2021 and 2023.
Kristi Gole, Executive Vice-President of Strategy at GHA, highlighted Europe’s continued popularity among UAE travelers for 2024, despite a 22% rise in travel expenses. Travelers seem willing to pay more for premium experiences, maintaining optimism for a strong travel year in 2024.
Another boon for travelers is the significant reduction in airfares to various European cities, now under €276. Spain, Switzerland, Italy, France, and Germany are particularly popular destinations. Daniel Rosado, Director of the Spanish Tourism Office in Abu Dhabi, noted a substantial increase in travel demand to Spain from the UAE, with airline bookings rising by 29.1%.