UAE Residents Rush for Schengen Visas

UAE Residents Compete for Schengen Visas: Holiday Rush for Europe's Christmas Wonders

As the holiday season approaches, interest among residents in the United Arab Emirates for Europe's Christmas ambiance has rekindled. Many dream of walking through snow-covered city streets, sipping hot chocolate in historical squares, and participating in the continent's most iconic Christmas markets. However, it is becoming increasingly challenging to obtain the necessary Schengen visa in time, as visa slots for the most popular European destinations are almost completely filled.

Festive Europe: Why Is It So Popular?

In recent years, the month of December has been as much about local celebrations as it has been about European Christmas experiences for UAE residents. It has become a popular custom among travelers to head to Europe for the festive season, as cities undergo a fairytale-like transformation during this time. The illuminated streets, Christmas villages nestled among historical settings, mulled wine, and traditional foods create an enchanting atmosphere, particularly appealing to those living in warm climates year-round.

Switzerland Leads Interest

This year, Switzerland is the most popular destination among UAE residents. It's no surprise: the mountainous landscapes, picturesque small towns, and one of the world's most famous Christmas markets, the Basel Advent Fair, draw crowds each year. Italy, Spain, and France are also close to the top, as these countries offer not only spectacular cities but also peaceful retreat in nature for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Timing More Popular Than the Destination

According to travel agencies, the situation has reached a point where many are not planning their trips around a specific country but are instead deciding based on which embassy still has available visa slots. This is especially true for the December period when most people aim to travel around Christmas.

Anyone still looking for a slot now, in early November, has little chance of traveling by mid-December. Most embassies only have appointments available as early as January, or even later – for instance, Dutch visas are only available from March and German ones from January.

Alternative Countries to the Fore

While spots at classic Schengen states are nearly full, some less frequent destinations – like Malta, Bulgaria, or Poland – still offer free slots for November and early December. These countries can be excellent starting points for European travel, as moving on to other Schengen countries from there is no obstacle.

Christmas Markets Worth the Wait

Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Poland, and Finland are this year's Christmas favorites. In these countries, the most famous Christmas villages can be found, such as the Vienna Rathausplatz market, the Prague Old Town Square decorations, or the Helsinki festive lights, which attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Many are willing to plan months in advance just to be part of these experiences. According to some travel agencies, there are already travelers signing up for visa appointments for January 2026 just to ensure they can attend the markets at the end of the following year.

Visa Issuance Pace Can't Keep Up with Demand

The usual processing time for visas is 10–15 days, making the journey uncertain even for those who have secured appointments for early December. Any delay or error in the documentation could mean the collapse of holiday plans. Therefore, experts advise starting the process at least two months before traveling, and even earlier if the destination is Switzerland or Germany.

Planning and Flexibility: Key to Successful Travel

In the current climate, those who approach planning flexibly fare best. It's not worthwhile to focus on just one specific country if the visa slots are booked. Instead, it's advisable to remain open to opportunities like Bulgaria or Malta, which may not be as well-known but also offer rich cultural experiences during Christmas and can serve as gateways to other EU countries.

Summary

The draw of Europe's Christmas atmosphere remains strong among UAE residents, but the increased demand poses greater challenges in timely obtaining a Schengen visa. Those starting the process now should not focus on visas for the most popular countries, but rather on alternative options. The keys are early planning, quick response to documentation, and flexibility – ensuring snowflakes, lights, and the scent of mulled wine are still within reach in festive Europe.

(The article is based on reports from travel agencies.) img_alt: Close-up of a Schengen visa with the EU flag in Berlin.