Travel & Tourism

With the summer vacation fast approaching, travellers hoping to visit Europe face a major hurdle: Schengen visa appointments across the 29-member countries are fully booked until mid-August or later. This makes planning European trips during the school break nearly impossible, as visa processing can take two weeks to a month after the appointment.

Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, confirmed, “There are no appointments for any country at the moment. A few limited slots for Greece in late July are hard to get, and even then, summer holidays would be nearly over by the time visas are issued.”

Italy and France remain the top choices for UAE residents, but the overwhelming demand is pushing travellers to explore alternative destinations.

Travel agents recommend considering popular African and Asian alternatives that offer unique experiences with easier access:

• Africa: Kenya’s Great Migration (July-August), South Africa, and Zanzibar are highly recommended for wildlife and scenic beauty.

• Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Japan offer attractive beaches, vibrant culture, and more affordable options during the monsoon season.

• Turkey: A practical European alternative with visa processing times of about a month.

While some Scandinavian countries still have visa slots, their northern location makes them less convenient for those seeking southern Europe’s climate and attractions.

Tour operators hope that more Schengen visa appointments will become available soon, urging travellers to stay flexible and consider less conventional holiday destinations.

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