Visa processing times have been streamlined for applicants.
Exciting news for travel enthusiasts in Dubai. Planning a European adventure just got speedier as Schengen visa processing times have been significantly reduced.
With airfares to major European destinations on the decline, now is the perfect time to book your spring or summer break. The Schengen visa, which used to take longer, now takes approximately two weeks for processing, offering a quicker turnaround for eager travellers.
While UAE citizens are already exempt from obtaining a visa for European nations, expats living in the UAE still need to go through the paperwork. This faster processing time is a welcome change until the new Schengen digital visa system, approved last year, becomes operational.
It’s advisable not to wait until the last minute; experts recommend booking visa appointments early to avoid any potential delays. The Schengen area includes 27 countries, each with its unique charm waiting to be explored. Whether it’s the historic streets of Prague or the sun-soaked beaches of Greece, now’s the time to plan your European getaway.
According to reports, there has been a remarkable surge in visa applications, with a 12% growth in 2023 when compared to 2019. Even more impressively, between 2021 and 2023, there has been an astounding 145% increase in visa applications, indicating a significant uptick in global travel interest. As more people eagerly explore the possibilities of international journeys, these numbers reflect a growing eagerness to discover new destinations and experiences.
The 27 Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
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