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UAE residents are facing significant Schengen visa delays and restricted stays, as heightened summer demand exacerbates the issue. Travellers from the UAE report frustration over obtaining short-term visas despite submitting all necessary documentation, while others have received extended stays.
Siddarth Sivaprakash, a Dubai resident with a history of multiple Schengen visas, received only a 10-day permit for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, despite presenting comprehensive documentation. In contrast, a colleague secured a two-year visa. “The disparity is perplexing,” Sivaprakash remarked, highlighting the inequity in visa allocation.
Pakistani passport holder Sadiq Saleem had to cancel a planned European holiday after being issued an 11-day visa, which lacked the flexibility needed for alterations. Similarly, NM, another Dubai expatriate, received a single-entry visa for 10 days, while his family members were granted longer visas.
Visa processing delays are also reported. Abhishek Nair, a Dubai resident, endured a nearly month-long wait only to receive a seven-day visa for the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Syrian passport holder DA’s visa application to Spain was rejected, reflecting a broader trend of stringent approval processes.
The surge in visa applications, driven by events like Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics, has compounded the issue. VFS Global, the agency handling Schengen applications in the UAE, indicated it does not influence visa validity decisions.
A recent report by SchengenVisaInfo highlights that UAE applicants incurred €4.19 million in losses due to rejected visa applications in 2023. Experts advise travellers to plan their trips well in advance, as appointment availability remains limited.