UAE residents hoping to escape the summer heat with a European holiday may need to rethink their plans, as Schengen visa appointments are currently unavailable across all 29 participating countries.
Travel agencies confirmed that booking slots are already filled until at least the second week of August, with the earliest availability showing up only in mid-August or later. The situation is making it increasingly difficult to schedule trips during the school break.
Even if one secures an appointment, the waiting time for visa processing—which ranges from two weeks to a month—further complicates plans for a timely summer getaway.
Popular destinations like Italy and France remain top choices among UAE travellers, contributing to the surge in applications and the resulting backlog. For now, those eyeing a European escape may need to explore alternative plans or push their vacation later into the year.