US, Europe visa delays prompt UAE residents to rethink winter holiday travel plans

Detailed summary

The uncertainty is driving greater interest in destinations offering visa-free entry, visas on arrival or online applications ...

Visa appointment delays and lengthy processing times are prompting UAE residents to reconsider their winter holiday plans, with some travellers postponing trips or switching from European and US destinations to countries offering simpler entry requirements.

As the UAE National Day holiday and winter school break approach, travel agents say visa availability is increasingly influencing where residents choose to travel, with some checking appointment dates and processing times before booking flights or accommodation.

While European destinations continue to face appointment shortages, some applicants seeking US visas are encountering waiting periods of nearly a year for regular interviews, according to travel agents.

Bharat Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, said the shift is especially noticeable among residents planning European holidays, where difficulty securing visa…

Opening of the article, excerpted from Khaleej Times. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.