In the early hours of May 5, Liz Gonzales anxiously refreshed the VFS Global visa website, her heart racing with anticipation. This was her final effort in a string of desperate attempts to secure a highly sought-after Schengen visa appointment for the opportunity to attend Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in The Netherlands on June 6. However, fortune was not in her favor.
The 34-year-old Dubai resident, who ultimately decided to sell her concert ticket due to the lack of an appointment slot, said, 'I don't remember crying this much after my breakup. It would have been a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see her perform. At least, my flight tickets were refundable,' expressing her deep disappointment.
Liz is not alone; many UAE-based 'Swifties' have faced similar challenges. Jam Tutanes, an operations manager from Abu Dhabi, tried for three months to book a slot. The 30-year-old Filipina shared, 'I wanted to watch Taylor Swift in Europe, but since I couldn't get a VFS appointment, I sold my ticket and will now just see her in London in August.'
Pam Daquinan, another disheartened fan, also sold her tickets after months of unsuccessful attempts to book an appointment. 'I'd bought the show ticket for the July 2024 show in July last year and had been trying to get an appointment for several months,' said the 26-year-old Dubai resident.
The difficulty in securing a visa appointment is attributed to the high demand for visas to Schengen countries, driven by the UAE's proximity to Europe and the region's popularity among global travelers. Monaz Billimoria, Regional Head at VFS Global, explained, 'After the pandemic, we have seen a surge in demand extending beyond the traditional summer months, putting pressure on available appointments.'
Industry experts have noted the impact of this high demand on travelers. Mona Tavakoli, CEO of Souq Al Safar Tourism, mentioned that 20% of their clients fail to secure visa appointments. Harpreet Singh from EzVisas added, 'We receive several inquiries daily from tourists seeking help with visa appointments. The summer rush has always been a factor affecting UAE residents.'
The lack of appointments can lead to significant stress and frustration among travelers, forcing them to either book last-minute trips to visa-free destinations or cancel their plans. According to VFS, the UAE saw a 25% growth in visa demand in 2023 compared to 2022, and an 18% rise over 2019, indicating a sustained demand for travel to Europe.
Delays in visa processing have also been reported, causing missed opportunities. Farron, a South African expat in Abu Dhabi, missed a work conference in the Netherlands due to such delays. 'The entire process took 18 working days, when it usually takes '5-15 days',' he said, expressing his frustration.
Travelers are advised to apply for their visas well in advance to avoid such issues. Schengen countries accept documents up to six months before the date of travel. However, the processing time can vary significantly depending on factors such as nationality, visa category, and document submission.
Many travelers turn to agencies for assistance, as they can continuously monitor appointment slots. Harpreet from EzVisas explained, 'As agencies have more people resources, we are constantly checking the portals to see if slots open up so we can allocate them to clients.'
Despite these challenges, alternative travel destinations are suggested for those unable to secure a Schengen visa. Mona Tavakoli recommends destinations like Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, and Japan for those seeking European experiences, while Southeast Asia and Africa are popular among UAE residents for tropical getaways.
