With the long holidays for Eid Al Adha 2023 approaching fast, many nationals of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are looking to tour the Schengen Countries to enjoy a quality time.
The Schengen Area is an area comprising 27 European Countries that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders.
The following are 27 Schengen Countries;
- 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
- Switzerland
The UAE residents can apply for the Schengen Visa with ease but it is best applied for six months in advance due to its exceptionally high demand.
Those applying for a Schengen Visa are required to submit their application via the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen Country they intend to visit.
In the UAE, the astronomical calculations suggest that Eid Al Adha holidays are likely to be from June 27-30, 2023, and with the addition of weekend (Saturday and Sunday), practically the holidays will be extended to six days.
Therefore, the UAE residents are planning to spend their upcoming holidays in Schengen area.
However, according to travel agents, the UAE nationals will have to wait till September 2023 to secure their Schengen Visa appointments as at present already a huge demand is being witnessed.
“We are receiving an overwhelming number of nearly 700 daily enquiries, with over 200 calls and 500 by e-mail, chats, and website enquiries” Senior Manager for Inbound and Outbound Operations at Regal Tours Worldwide Subair Thekepurathvalappil was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.
The travel agents noted that those who applied for the Schengen Visa earlier in 2023 have no issue; therefore, they urged UAE residents to plan their overseas trips and apply for the visa well in advance.