The interest of United Arab Emirates foreign residents in applying for Schengen visas has started to increase now that warmer months are approaching.
Certain foreigners living in the country need to obtain a Schengen visa in order to enter the bloc. Many of them have already started the visa application process, with visa outsourcing companies saying that the demand is really high, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
Due to the high demand for Schengen visas, VFS Global said that appointment slots are already filling up.
The same revealed that those who are booking Schengen visa appointments mainly plan to reach the Schengen Area during the summer months.
Taking into account the large number of individuals who have already scheduled appointments and the anticipated influx of applicants in the next week, it is strongly recommended that everyone takes care of this requirement well ahead of time.
VFS Global Advises UAE Foreign Residents to Begin Visa Application Process As Early as Possible
To avoid any inconveniences that may occur along the way, VFS Global has advised all UAE foreign residents who need a visa to begin the application process as soon as they have a clear travel plan.
As Khaleej Times explains, the UAE VFS Global Regional Head, Monaz Billimoria, reminded once again that Schengen visa applications can be filed up to six months before the planned travel date to the Schengen Area.
Billimoria further stressed that those who plan to travel to the EU during the Eid holiday should especially consider applying for a visa as soon as possible, as the company expect to see a surge in applications during this period.
The same said that VFS Global expects to see tourism numbers fully recover and reach the pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
VFS Global has also called on UAE foreign residents applying for Schengen visas to stay cautious of scammers.
The company reminded everyone that booking an appointment is free of charge and that there is no need for them to pay intermediaries. Schengen visa applicants are only required to pay the processing fee.
Here Are Some of Most Welcoming Destinations You Might Want to Visit This Summer
UAE foreign residents who plan on visiting the EU this summer are recommended to explore the continent as much as possible and consider visiting some places that have been crowned as the most welcoming.
Booking.com shared its 2024 awards with the Travellers Review Awards, which included countries like Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, and France.
Ermoupoli, which is the capital of Syros in the Cyclades, has been ranked as the second most welcoming place in the continent.
Following this destination, Portugal’s Viana do Castelo and Switzerland’s Grindelwald secured second and third place as the most welcoming destinations, respectively.
