Can’t book Schengen visa slots? What UAE travellers should do to save summer

Dubai: If you are planning a summer vacation in Europe but haven’t applied for a Schengen visa yet, you might want to consider other destinations. According to travel agents speaking to Gulf News, Schengen visa appointment slots in the UAE are fully booked until August due to the Eid and summer travel rush.

However, if you are willing to take a chance, you can try booking an appointment after the Eid Al Adha break, as some countries have introduced waitlists and occasional slot openings.

“At present, Schengen visa appointment slots in the UAE are fully booked. However, more slots are expected to become available soon for various countries. Tentatively, new openings are anticipated around July or August, though this may differ based on the destination country,” explained Hadi Umer, country head of UAE operations at Visa Guy, a Dubai-based visa consulting service.

It is still possible, but mainly for travel from August onwards, which may be tricky for families, as schools in the UAE typically reopen around August 25.

“If you use a specialised travel agency, they can closely monitor visa appointment availability and help clients secure slots as soon as they are released,” said Umer.

When regular slots aren’t available, travellers may consider premium services such as Platinum Lounge appointments or visa-at-the-doorstep and home services. These options, however, are limited to certain countries and come at a higher cost, which might not suit every budget.

While such premium services offer greater flexibility, early planning is still strongly advised, as Schengen visa applications can be submitted up to 180 days before the intended travel date.

Securing a last-minute appointment can be very challenging, but some countries have introduced a waitlisting option.

“Countries such as Germany, Greece, and Switzerland now allow applicants to join a waitlist and receive notifications if slots become available. However, availability remains limited, so early planning is still the best way to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience,” explained Rashida Zahid, vice president of operations at musafir.com.

If you cannot secure a Schengen visa in time, it’s worth exploring alternative destinations that are easier to access. With Schengen appointments hard to come by, many UAE residents are looking to countries like the UK, Japan, Vietnam, Turkey and South Africa.

“These countries are popular among summer travellers, and some offer premium services that can speed up visa processing or help secure earlier appointments, depending on each country’s visa procedures,” Umer added.

There are also numerous visa-on-arrival and e-visa destinations that provide rich travel experiences without the lengthy wait.

“Countries such as the Maldives, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Nepal offer visa on arrival for UAE residents, making spontaneous travel much easier. Additionally, destinations like Turkey, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Kenya offer convenient e-visas that can be applied for online in just a few simple steps,” Zahid said.

Some travel agencies claim they can secure Schengen visa appointments and process visas within a week. However, travellers should approach such promises with caution.

“Schengen visas follow strict embassy regulations, and there are no shortcuts unless you opt for official premium services, which are limited and costly, and the processing time remains the same as normal appointments. It is crucial to conduct thorough research and only work with reputable, authorised agencies to avoid scams, delays or visa rejections. Planning ahead remains the safest and most reliable way to ensure a smooth European holiday,” she warned.