Applicants for Schengen visas in the UAE have risen by 20% this summer for the Paris Olympics and Taylor’s Eras Tour. These are thus the fascinating elements of sports, tourist attractions, and legendary music that have created a travel craze among the UAE inhabitants.
Visa Application Spike
Data by The Visa Services, a specialist in visa matters based in Dubai, shows that the number of the UAE residents who applied for Schengen visa in the second quarter of 2024 was 20% higher than during the same period in the previous year. Europe remains to be one of the most important travel destinations with having taken a record of 65% of all travel bookings done by the company.
Reasons for the Surge
These applications are observed at the times of excessive travels and are mainly driven by good weather in Europe, major events such as EURO 2024, the Paris Olympics, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. These events have made Europe an unmissable sports fan and Swift’s fan troposphere. Majority of Muhammad and Fatema’ s neighbors go to Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and Switzerland during their holidays.
Visa Processing Insights
As for the Schengen visa, it generally takes fifteen days to process; however, some Countries could take 45 days. UAE residents’ 2023 reject rate stood at 22. 44% while approve rate was 77. 56%. The trend in visa types has also shifted: In 2024 the percentage of the awarded visas to indicate stay length is 45% for 3-6 months, 30% for more than a year, and only 25% for a one-time visit. Visa touring accounted for the highest number at 70% while visa business accounted for the second-largest proportion at 20% proportion followed by study at 7% and medical at 3%.
Demographics of Applicants
According to the same data, the applicants of this period were majorly Russians followed by Indians, Filipinos, Egyptians, Jordanians, and South Africans respectively.
Planning Ahead
While Europe expects more UAE travellers – sports fans, music lovers, and concert goers especially Taylor Swift’s fans– the presence of big names and events or business and pleasure travel, has boosted Schengen visas’ popularity and demand. Thus, the best advice for the travelers is to start preparing and applying for visa as early as possible to avoid the hustle and bustle of last moment rush.
