Tearful residents sell Taylor Swift concert tickets, cancel travel plans

UAE residents visa

In the early hours of May 5, Liz Gonzales desperately refreshed the VFS Global visa website, hoping to secure a Schengen visa appointment to attend Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in The Netherlands on June 6. Her efforts proved futile, leading the Dubai resident to sell her concert ticket. "It would have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said the heartbroken 34-year-old, who fortunately had refundable flight tickets.

Liz's experience is not unique. Jam Tutanes from Abu Dhabi also failed to secure a visa slot despite three months of attempts. The 30-year-old Filipina sold her ticket and plans to see Swift in London instead. Similarly, Pam Daquinan, a 26-year-old Dubai resident, sold her tickets after months of trying to book an appointment.

The high demand for Schengen visas from the UAE, coupled with the post-pandemic travel surge, has overwhelmed the system, explained Monaz Billimoria, Regional Head of VFS Global. "Demand for visas to Schengen countries remains high," she noted, attributing it to the UAE's proximity to Europe and the destination's popularity.

Industry experts highlight how this demand affects travelers. "Twenty percent of our clients cannot secure visa appointments," said Mona Tavakoli, CEO of Souq Al Safar Tourism. Harpreet Singh of EzVisas echoed this, mentioning daily inquiries about visa appointments. Travel counsellor Lisa Foley added that the lack of appointments leads to stress and sometimes forces clients to book last-minute trips to visa-free destinations or cancel plans altogether.

The UAE saw a 25% increase in visa demand in 2023 compared to 2022, according to VFS, indicating a sustained interest in European travel. Processing delays can exacerbate the situation, as Abu Dhabi resident Farron experienced when he missed a work conference due to delayed visa processing.

Travelers often turn to agencies for help with the application process. Dubai resident Zahrah Noor resorted to an agency after months of unsuccessful attempts to find a slot herself. Despite high fees, agencies can secure appointments by constantly monitoring the portals, said Harpreet Singh. He advised travelers to check government websites and VFS Global for the latest information and document requirements.

Monaz Billimoria emphasized that visa appointments and processing decisions are controlled by embassies or consulates, and VFS Global does not collaborate with external entities to provide appointments for a fee. She warned travelers to be wary of scammers promising guaranteed slots or positive results for a price.

The scarcity of appointments has forced many to alter their travel plans. Zahrah Noor had to change her family's itinerary, entering Europe through the Netherlands instead of Switzerland due to appointment availability. Agencies recommend flexibility in travel plans to secure appointments, sometimes suggesting alternate entry points to the Schengen area.

For those unable to secure Schengen visas, alternative destinations offer similar experiences. Mona Tavakoli suggested Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, and several other countries, while Harpreet Singh noted the rising popularity of Central Asian destinations. Victoria Baajour added that Southeast Asia and Africa, including up-and-coming spots like Madagascar and Mozambique, are increasingly popular among clients.