Schengen Visa Delays Push UAE Residents to Seek Alternatives for National Day Trips
Schengen Visa Delays Push UAE Residents to Seek Alternatives for National Day Trips
UAE residents planning to travel during the upcoming National Day holiday are increasingly considering destinations outside the Schengen region as visa appointment delays make European trips more difficult to organise.
According to travel agents quoted by Khaleej Times, appointments for some Schengen countries are available only after around 45 days, while waiting periods for others can extend to two months. The uncertainty surrounding the length of the National Day break is also encouraging some travellers to postpone their bookings.
Visa Delays Change Holiday Plans
Travel agents report growing interest in destinations that offer visa-free entry, visas on arrival or faster visa processing. Many residents are looking for convenient alternatives that allow them to plan short winter holidays without lengthy visa waits.
Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wise Fox Tourism, said the delays were prompting travellers to look towards destinations in Asia and other regions.
Vietnam and other Southeast Asian destinations are attracting interest, while Sri Lanka remains popular among UAE travellers. Montenegro is also being considered by those seeking a European-style holiday, while Seychelles appeals to residents looking for beach experiences.
Georgia, Armenia and Thailand Among Popular Choices
Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, said National Day is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with residents already enquiring about holiday packages and visa requirements.
Georgia and Armenia are among the nearby destinations seeing demand. Thailand is also attracting travellers, while Malaysia, Indonesia and China are being considered by those seeking relatively convenient visa application processes.
The suitability of each destination depends on the traveller's passport, UAE residency status and the entry requirements in effect at the time of travel.
National Day Holiday Packages Already Available
Travel companies have begun promoting packages ahead of the official confirmation of the holiday dates.
According to the report, Holiday Factory is listing packages to destinations including Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Thailand, Albania and the Maldives.
The advertised packages mainly cover late November to early December, with stays ranging from three to six nights. Prices start at Dh2,799, although the final cost depends on the destination, travel dates and package inclusions.
Some options focus on winter scenery and mountain experiences in Georgia and Armenia, while others offer beach holidays in Thailand and the Maldives.
Travellers Await Official Holiday Dates
Although enquiries are increasing, some UAE residents are waiting for the official announcement confirming the National Day holiday period before finalising flights and accommodation.
Travel agents expect bookings to rise once residents know how many days they will have available for their trips.
Short flights, winter weather, accessible visa procedures and flexible holiday packages are likely to remain important considerations for residents planning their National Day getaways.
Travellers are advised to verify visa eligibility, passport requirements, package inclusions and official holiday dates before confirming their bookings.
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