Long wait times for Schengen visa appointments are prompting many United Arab Emirates residents to reconsider their travel plans for the upcoming National Day holiday. With visa slots for certain European destinations reportedly available only after 45 days and in some cases extending to two months, travelers face uncertainty amid the yet-to-be-confirmed duration of the National Day break.
Travel agents have observed a shift in demand toward destinations with simpler visa requirements or visa-free entry. The National Day holiday, which falls on a Wednesday this year, has not yet been officially announced, leading many residents to delay booking flights and accommodations until the break dates are finalized.
According to industry experts, inquiries are increasing for short winter trips to countries offering streamlined entry processes. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wise Fox Tourism, noted that the lengthy wait for Schengen visas has nudged travelers to explore alternatives. “Many UAE residents are now looking eastwards and choosing countries where the process is easier,” he said, citing growing interest in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, as well as Sri Lanka and Montenegro. The Seychelles is also attracting attention for those seeking a luxury beach vacation.
Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, confirmed that National Day is typically a peak season for travel, with demand already rising for destinations where visas can be obtained quickly. He identified Georgia, Armenia, and nearby countries as popular options, along with Thailand, which offers a visa-on-arrival facility. Malaysia, Indonesia, and China are also on the list for travelers wanting faster visa processing.
Travel companies have begun promoting holiday packages that span from late November to early December, even though the official holiday period remains unconfirmed. Offerings include trips to Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Thailand, Albania, and the Maldives. The tours range from three to six nights, with prices starting at around 2,799 dirhams. Many packages emphasize winter experiences such as mountain and snow stays, as well as beach vacations in warmer climates.
Travel experts suggest that the formal announcement of the National Day holiday could trigger a surge in bookings, as prospective travelers finalize their plans based on the confirmed length of the break. “Once the holiday is announced, we expect bookings to rise quickly,” said Subair. Until then, the combination of extended visa wait times for Europe and uncertainty over travel dates is encouraging UAE residents to explore more accessible alternatives.