Smart Schengen Travel Tips for UAE Residents
UAE residents gearing up for Eid Al Fitr 2024 and the summer break are advised to schedule their Schengen visa appointments well in advance to avoid potential delays. With the holiday season approaching, VFS Global, a leading visa outsourcing and technology services company, urges applicants to plan ahead due to an expected surge in travel demand.
1. Anticipated Surge in Travel Demand: As the UAE residents prepare for Eid Al Fitr in April 2024 and the subsequent summer holidays, there is a foreseen increase in travel demand. VFS Global recommends early visa appointment bookings to manage the expected surge efficiently.
2. Six-Day Holidays for Eid Al Fitr: UAE residents will enjoy a six-day break during Eid Al Fitr in April 2024. This extended holiday period contributes to an increased interest in travel, particularly to Schengen countries.
3. Summer Break and School Closure: The summer break aligns with school closures, providing residents with a couple of months to spend quality time with family and friends in cooler destinations. The combination of Eid Al Fitr and the summer break enhances the appeal of European travel.
4. Historical Challenges in Visa Appointment Availability: Over the past few years, securing visa appointments for Schengen countries has posed challenges for UAE residents and business professionals. High demand for travel, coupled with limited visa slots, has created difficulties in obtaining timely appointments.
5. Importance of Early Visa Applications: VFS Global's regional head, Monaz Billimoria, emphasizes the significance of booking visa appointments well in advance. The application process for entry permits to the 27 EU member countries allows submissions up to 180 days before the intended travel date, providing residents with ample time to plan their trips.
6. UAE to Europe Travel Peak: The summer witnesses a peak in travel from the UAE to Europe, with nationals and expatriate residents choosing European destinations for their vacations. While UAE nationals enjoy visa-free access to Schengen countries, expatriate residents must apply for visas.
7. VFS Global's Role: VFS Global, as a prominent visa outsourcing and technology services company, manages visa applications on behalf of various governments in the UAE and other countries. The company facilitates the visa processing procedures by collecting applications and forwarding them to the respective missions.
In conclusion, the proactive booking of Schengen visa appointments is crucial for UAE residents planning travels during Eid Al Fitr and the summer break. VFS Global encourages applicants to initiate the process well in advance to ensure a smooth and timely visa application experience. Early planning will be instrumental in overcoming historical challenges associated with limited visa slots and high travel demand.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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