UAE: With summer winding down, UAE residents face significant delays in obtaining visas for popular destinations, including a wait of over a year for US visas. To navigate these challenges, many are turning to countries with quicker visa processing times.
Many prefer to explore lesser-known destinations independently rather than relying on travel agencies. As visa processing times impact summer travel
Far east destinations - the new hotspots
Travel experts highlight a growing trend among UAE residents favoring Far East countries for their faster visa approvals:
- South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam are increasingly popular due to their streamlined visa processes.
- Japan remains a top choice, though visa applications now require processing through VFS starting August 1.
Quick visa options - what you need to know
Several countries offer expedited or arrival visa options for UAE residents:
- Arrival visas: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, Albania, Montenegro, and Oman.
- Visa on Arrival: Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, Turkey, Seychelles, and Bosnia.
Visa approval timelines
- Far eastern countries: Malaysia and Vietnam offer approvals in about 3 working days.
- E-visas: Available for Cambodia, Jordan, Kenya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, and Australia, with processing times from 3 to 10 working days.
European visa availability
While many European destinations face delays, a few remain accessible:
- Balkan Countries: Popular but with extended visa processing times.
- Turkey and the UK: Easier to obtain appointments and quicker processing.
Essential documents for visa applications
When applying for visas, UAE residents typically need:
- Passport
- Emirates ID
- Recent photographs
- Some countries may also require a bank statement
UAE residents are discovering faster alternatives and adapting their travel plans to ensure a memorable holiday.