Residents of the United Arab Emirates planning to travel to Europe this summer are facing significant difficulties in obtaining Schengen visa appointments.

Current reports indicate that appointments for the 29 Schengen Area countries are fully booked until mid-August, with the next available slots unlikely to be accessible until then.

Travel consultants note that many applicants may struggle to secure appointments, particularly with demand surging this year.

Subair Thekepurathvalappil, a senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, stated that there are extremely limited openings available, with some sporadic availability for Greece in late July.

However, even if travelers manage to secure an appointment, visa processing times can extend from two weeks to a month.

The rush for Schengen visas this summer is attributed to Italy and France being among the top destinations for UAE travelers, compounding the pressure on appointment availability.

Pavan Poojari, a travel consultant at Luxury Travels, highlighted that the UK visa application process is similarly lengthy, taking about two months.

Travel agencies are responding to these challenges by encouraging residents to consider alternative destinations.

Kenya has emerged as a favorable option, especially with the Great Migration occurring between July and August, providing opportunities for safari experiences.

Other African countries such as South Africa and Zanzibar are similarly attracting interest due to their scenic offerings and more accessible visa processes.

In addition to African options, several Asian countries are noted for their appeal during the summer months.

Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Japan are identified as popular choices, offering travelers unique experiences at potentially lower costs compared to Europe.

For travelers still desiring a European experience, Turkey has been recommended, as visa processing times there are reported to be more favorable, typically taking about a month.

While some Scandinavian countries still have available Schengen visa appointments, travel agents warn that these locations may not be practical for those wishing to visit more popular southern destinations like Italy or Spain, due to increased travel times and costs.

Agents expect that more visa appointment slots may open in the coming weeks and encourage flexibility in travel plans.

The local travel community expresses hope that embassies will respond to the high demand for travel by increasing the available appointments for Schengen visas.