UAE Enhanced: Indian residents in the United Arab Emirates planning European trips will now benefit from more cost-effective airfares and accelerated Schengen visa processing, currently taking an average of two weeks or less.
Gulf News notes a significant increase in UAE and GCC residents traveling to European destinations during the recent winter season, particularly over Christmas and New Year.
UAE Enhanced Visas
The Schengen visa acts as an entry permit for short-term visits within the Schengen area, spanning multiple European countries. Although UAE passport holders are exempt from visa requirements, foreign residents in the UAE must apply for Schengen visas to travel to these European countries.
European embassies in the UAE have introduced expedited booking slots, enabling visa processing in under two weeks. This streamlined process is especially beneficial for those expressing interest in European travel.
Notably, France has unveiled plans to transition entirely to online procedures for its French Schengen Visas, pioneering the issuance of digital Schengen visas, notably for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The European Union’s broader initiative to digitize Schengen visas was announced last year, with EU foreign ministers approving a shift to online platforms in November.
Once implemented, this digital transformation will eliminate the need for physical visa stickers, simplifying the application process and removing consulate or service provider appointments. The move signifies a substantial advancement in the Schengen visa application landscape.
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