Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who were planning trips to Europe during the National Day holidays are facing issues obtaining a Schengen visa. The main concern for these travelers is not so much the choice of destination as the possibility of timely visa acquisition.
Travel agents reported that appointments for visas to some Schengen countries are only available in 45 days, while waiting times in other countries can reach two months. Since this year's National Day weekend falls on a Wednesday, many residents are considering destinations where the visa application process is simpler and trips can be planned without long waits.
Uncertainty regarding the duration of the holidays complicates travel planning, as the final number of National Day days has not yet been announced. Consequently, some tourists are postponing booking flights and hotels until the official confirmation of the holiday dates.
Nevertheless, travel agencies note an increase in demand, especially for short winter trips to destinations offering visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or expedited visa processing.
Subir Tekepuratvallappil, senior manager at Wise Fox Tourism, noted that the long wait for Schengen visas is changing tourist preferences. He emphasized: 'For some Schengen countries, appointments open in 45 days, while for others, the wait can stretch up to two months.' He added that the visa process itself takes time, so many UAE residents are now looking towards eastern countries where the procedure is simpler.
As a result, there is growing interest in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian destinations, while Sri Lanka remains a popular choice among travelers from the UAE. Furthermore, Montenegro is becoming an option for residents wishing to enjoy a European-style vacation while avoiding visa problems. The Seychelles also attract those seeking a more luxurious beach holiday.
Barat Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, stated that National Day is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and residents have already started requesting information about packages and visa requirements. He noted that people are looking for vacation options where the visa process is simple and does not take much time.
Aidasani also mentioned that demand is observed for neighboring countries such as Georgia and Armenia. Thailand is popular due to its visa-on-arrival option. Additionally, travelers are considering Malaysia, Indonesia, and China because they can complete the visa application within a few days.
Travel companies have already begun offering package tours for the National Day period, giving residents a choice before the official confirmation of the holiday dates. Holiday Factory offers tours to Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey, as well as to Thailand, Albania, and the Maldives.
The packages presented on the company's website are mainly valid from late November to early December, with stays ranging from three to six nights. Prices start from 2,799 dirhams. Many of these options are geared towards the winter season, including mountain and snow tours in Georgia and Armenia. Other packages offer beach holidays in places like Thailand and the Maldives.
These offerings reflect resident demands: short flights, cooler weather, and a simplified visa process. The proximity of neighboring countries also facilitates planning a quick vacation for families, friends, and couples. Subir added that the official announcement of the holiday period could be a turning point for bookings: 'Many are waiting to find out how many days they will get. As soon as the holiday is announced, we expect a rapid increase in bookings.'