Due to long visa processing times and delays in scheduling interviews, residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are forced to reconsider their plans for the winter holidays. Some travelers are deciding to postpone trips or change destinations, opting away from European and American countries in favor of those offering simpler entry requirements.
As the UAE national holiday and winter school break approach, travel agencies note that visa availability is increasingly influencing residents' destination choices. Many are now checking appointment scheduling timelines and document processing times even before booking flights or accommodation.
While European destinations continue to experience shortages in appointment slots, some applicants seeking a US visa face waiting times for regular interviews approaching a year, according to travel agents.
Bharat Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, noted that this shift is particularly noticeable among those planning European vacations, as the difficulty in obtaining visa invitations prompts them to explore alternative destinations. He emphasized that the traditional approach—choosing a destination first and then applying for a visa—is changing: 'Today, many clients check the availability of visa appointments and processing times even before finalizing their destination.'
Fazil Firous, founder of Dubai-based Go Now Tourism, reported that visa delays also affect those planning trips to the United States, where some applicants encounter very long waits. He stated: 'The United States is currently one of the most affected destinations in terms of visa interview scheduling delays. In some cases, applicants face waiting periods of almost a year to obtain a regular visa interview.'
Firous explained part of this delay was due to a temporary global suspension of US visa issuance services lasting over three months. Although additional appointment slots sometimes appear, he noted that availability remains limited.
Applicants for Schengen visas are also facing difficulties: for some countries, appointment slots are unavailable for weeks or longer. Furthermore, some embassies take over a month to process applications and return passports after submission, he added.
As a result, as Firous said, some travelers have had to postpone their vacation, change their destination, or seek visas in other countries.
Rashida Zahid, Vice President of Operations at musafir.com, noted that travelers planning visits to Schengen countries or the United States are generally aware of the lengthy visa procedures and tend to make bookings and applications at least two to three months before the trip. She stressed that advance planning remains critical for these destinations, especially during peak seasons when obtaining visa invitations can be difficult.
Uncertainty is stimulating increased interest in destinations offering visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or online applications, especially among expat families planning trips during the upcoming holiday period.
Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are among the destinations attracting more attention, and Kazakhstan is also becoming an alternative for residents seeking simpler travel options.
Aidasani noted that convenience has become one of the strongest factors influencing the choice of holiday spot, as travelers are increasingly prioritizing visa accessibility over their initial vacation preferences.
Firous reported a similar trend, especially among holders of Indian passports residing in the UAE. He commented: 'Travelers are increasingly preferring destinations where the visa application process is simple, predictable, and does not require a long wait for an appointment.'
He added that travel agencies and operators are actively promoting package tours to Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in response to demand from residents looking for alternatives to destinations with lengthy visa procedures.
Zahid pointed out that destinations with visa-free regimes or visa on arrival remain popular among residents making spontaneous holiday plans, including those deciding to travel just a week before departure. She named popular options for greater flexibility as Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, as well as Malaysia and Thailand. She also added that Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore are showing growing demand as tourist destinations.
This shift is particularly significant ahead of the national holiday and winter school break, when families are preparing for short trips and longer international journeys.
According to Firous, travel preferences differ between UAE citizens and expats. He observed that European destinations and the UK remain popular among Emirati travelers, who generally face fewer visa-related obstacles, while expats, especially holders of Indian passports, show greater interest in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Kazakhstan.
He concluded: 'Many residents are now prioritizing visa accessibility over their initial destination preferences.'
Instead of risking missing planned holidays, travelers are increasingly choosing destinations where entry requirements and processing times are more predictable.
Travel agencies also note that delays are changing how residents organize vacations, as visa requirements have become a crucial factor to consider before booking flights and hotels.
Aidasani reported that those who already have valid visas are continuing with their European travel plans, while those who still need to apply are exploring destinations with simpler procedures. He specified: 'Those who already have valid visas are continuing their European travel plans, while others are increasingly considering destinations where the visa procedure is simpler and more predictable.'
During the national holiday period, short destinations are expected to be in high demand, as residents aim to maximize the limited break without spending extra time on visa matters.
For the longer winter period, travel agencies predict sustained interest in Southeast Asia, the Maldives, African destinations, and several European countries.
Despite appointment scheduling issues, Zahid noted that demand for European holidays remains, and some travelers continue to book trips in advance. She mentioned that musafir.com offers guaranteed visa appointments for certain Schengen destinations when booked with individual or organized holiday packages.
Firous stated that residents are becoming more flexible in choosing travel locations but more cautious about making international bookings until visa requirements and processing times are confirmed. Aidasani advised travelers to apply for visas well in advance, especially for destinations requiring embassy appointments. He urged: 'Do not let visa uncertainty stop you from traveling, but do not leave visa planning until the last minute.'
