Nations that offer quick Schengen visa approvals to UAE residents

 Many travellers complain about the limited availability of Schengen visa appointments. Appointments may not be available at this time due to the large number of applications and the limited availability of appointments offered by embassies.

This is especially true given that VFS Global and BLS International offer appointments for individuals through their official websites free of charge, subject to processing fees, which vary slightly from one European country to another.

With the summer vacation just a few months away, and families and residents in the UAE considering vacationing abroad, thousands of travellers are rushing to apply for a Schengen visa. The real challenge lies in securing an appointment, especially during the peak travel season, when many families find it difficult to secure an appointment for all of them.

Tourism and travel experts and those working in tourism companies in Dubai advise individuals to plan their travel to Schengen countries at least four months in advance to secure an appointment to submit their documents at any Schengen embassy or consulate.

According to travel agents in Dubai, applicants for a Schengen visa from any country are advised to have a strong bank account, which will qualify them for a quick and smooth visa application in most cases.

Among the tips that applicants seeking a Schengen visa appointment should follow are checking appointments on the VFS Global or BLS International websites, visiting the website at least once a day, and submitting the application no more than six months before travel.

France: France offers visa processing within 2-3 weeks, and finding appointments is relatively easier compared to other countries. The refusal rate is 18%.

Spain: If the applicant is in a hurry, they can submit their documents to a Spanish embassy or consulate, which is one of the countries with the fastest visa processing times among Schengen countries. Processing times often take as little as one week, according to BLS International, while the refusal rate is less than 12%.

Sweden: Sweden offers next-day appointments, a rarity during peak season, with a low rejection rate and stable processing times. It’s a smart choice for first-time travellers. Visa processing time is between 10 and 15 days, with a rejection rate of less than 11%.

Finland: Processing time in Finland can take up to two weeks. The country is an underrated but viable option, with a rejection rate of up to 20%.

Hungary: Hungary offers relatively early appointments and moderate processing times, and with a lower rejection rate than France or Germany, it’s a strong choice if you’re targeting Central Europe. Visa processing time is between 10 and 20 working days, with a rejection rate of 14%.

Norway: Norway is another less crowded option. While not the fastest, its early appointment availability and stable processing system make it a convenient option for travellers. Processing time is between 15-20 business days and there’s a 15% rejection rate.

Germany: Germany’s visa system is known for its stringency. Although the country is a major European destination, the rejection rate is higher than average, reaching 20%. The visa processing time is 30 days.

Italy: Italy remains a top choice for travellers, but it’s also one of the most difficult to obtain a visa for at the moment. However, if you’ve previously obtained a Schengen visa, you may qualify for an expedited appointment. The processing time is 15-30 business days and there’s a 21% rejection rate.

Switzerland: Switzerland offers reasonable processing times but limited appointment availability. The average processing time is 15-25 business days, with a 13% rejection rate.