Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Surge in Visa Applications from UAE Foreign Residents
By mid-2025, it had been indicated that foreign residents in the UAE were encountering severe limitations in securing Schengen visa appointments. The number of Schengen visa applications submitted by this demographic had exceeded 260,000 in 2024 alone. Among these, 196,109 visas were successfully issued, while 61,738 applications were denied, according to official statistics.
Three European countries were highlighted for granting the majority of visas to this group:
Germany: 32,956 applications received; 23,399 visas grantedFrance: 28,778 applications received; 23,093 visas grantedNetherlands: 29,473 applications received; 22,427 visas granted
These figures underline a pressing imbalance between demand and capacity, especially during the peak summer travel months.
Limited Appointment Slots Until August 2025
It was reported that Schengen visa appointment slots were almost entirely unavailable until at least the second week of August. Foreign residents in the UAE found that the only potential availability existed for Greece in the third week of July, though even these few slots were extremely difficult to obtain.
The absence of appointments spanned almost all member states, signaling a massive overload on consular services. The heavy application volume, especially from those targeting Italy and France, was blamed for this processing gridlock. These countries continue to be the top choices for leisure and family tourism from the UAE.
Scandinavian Options Remain Less Popular
A few Scandinavian countries reportedly had more availability, though their low demand in the summer months rendered them less competitive. Despite their easier accessibility, most travelers preferred traditional summer hotspots like France, Italy, and Greece.
As a result, many residents had been advised to either plan their travel well in advance or consider non-EU destinations as alternatives to avoid holiday disruption.
Impact on the Global Travel Industry
The scarcity of appointment slots and overwhelming demand from UAE foreign residents were expected to create ripple effects across the global travel industry. Travel planners anticipated a shift in destination preferences due to the limited Schengen access, potentially boosting tourism in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Key projected impacts include:
Increased pressure on alternative visa systems outside the EUA possible spike in regional travel bookings within the Gulf and Southeast AsiaFinancial strain on travelers who booked EU accommodations but couldn’t secure visasA shift in airline and hospitality market trends for summer 2025
The situation was prompting stakeholders in the global travel market to reevaluate strategies, as travelers redirected their plans away from traditional Schengen destinations.
UAE Nationals vs. Foreign Residents
While UAE passport holders continue to enjoy visa-free entry to the Schengen Area for short-term stays—thanks to a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU—this privilege does not extend to foreign nationals residing in the UAE whose home countries lack such agreements.
This critical distinction has meant that a vast number of expatriates in the UAE remain dependent on consulate appointments, many of which are overbooked, particularly during high-demand travel windows.
Advice for Future Travel
Authorities and travel professionals had been encouraging early application submissions and realistic planning. The general consensus was that those aiming to travel to the Schengen Area from the UAE should either apply months in advance or look toward less popular but accessible destinations.
As part of the guidance, these strategies were suggested:
Start visa applications at least 3–4 months before travelOpt for Scandinavian countries if flexible with destinationsPrepare for delays and possible denials, especially for Italy and France
A Changing Tourism Landscape
The visa backlog faced by UAE foreign residents in 2025 is not only reshaping individual travel plans but also reshaping global tourism dynamics. As EU nations grapple with the pressure of rising visa applications, travelers may increasingly pivot to more welcoming, less congested regions.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of strategic planning, particularly for non-citizen residents in high-demand travel hubs like the UAE. With peak travel season underway and visa access constrained, both travelers and tourism operators are being forced to adapt quickly to the changing landscape.
