When you hear ‘break,’ you might think of Schengen visa appointments. It can be tough, especially in busy times like summer, to get one. Many people are dealing with fewer available slots and more people applying, which makes it harder than usual to get an appointment.
… which is typically the most hectic period of the year. As anticipated, numerous people aiming to secure a Schengen visa this summer are encountering challenges in booking appointments. Lovin Dubai conducted a survey among its audience, uncovering that a majority are finding it difficult to schedule appointments, which is frequently the initial obstacle in the entire process.
And some of you have contacted us to share your experiences…
Ashwini Michelle, a resident of the UAE, shared her experience obtaining a Spain visa: “I finally got an appointment after a long wait, but the website had many issues, so we had to try 4-5 times per person.”
Reflecting on the challenges, she added, “We couldn’t secure an appointment for my daughter despite multiple attempts in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The website would just refresh when we reached the payment page.”
When exploring other options, Ashwini remembered, “We called them for assistance, but they insisted that appointments must be booked through the website, which was not functioning properly for us.” Eventually, she managed to obtain her visa within a week of her appointment, but unfortunately, her husband and sons had to cancel theirs.
Regarding the challenges in securing visa appointments for France, Flo Ri, another resident, emphasized:
“All appointment slots are taken by agencies, not by individuals. Currently, and for months now, there are no available slots directly on the France visa website. However, if you apply through an agency, you can secure an appointment. It’s quite evident.”
He stressed that the problem has persisted, saying, “Last year, we faced the same issue with no available slots. This isn’t because of the Olympic Games.”
In addition, Flo Ri pointed out changes in the application process: “They closed the Dubai office for applications, leaving only Abu Dhabi. They offer door-to-door service, but it’s limited to a 40km radius, excluding Dubai. It’s disappointing.”
These visas are becoming increasingly high in demand
According to Musafir, an online travel agency, there has been a 40 percent increase in travel demand for summer vacations in Europe this year compared to 2023.
Therefore, people are opting for an alternative route…
If Spain, Italy, Germany, or any of the other 27 countries seem inaccessible, residents are heading to visa-free havens like Mauritius, Georgia, the Maldives, and wherever else they can enjoy some sun without visa complications… and these destinations are just as appealing!
