UAE residents urged to apply for visa in advance for holidays

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

With the growing demand for international travel over the past few years, VFS Global has witnessed a 15 per cent surge in visa applications in 2023 v/s 2022, and a whopping 145% growth since borders reopened post-pandemic.

Popular destinations preferred by travellers from UAE in 2023 were Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Britain.

Monaz Billimoria, Regional Head — UAE, VFS Global, said, “The rise in demand for international travel has grown exponentially in the last two years, with the travel season extending beyond the traditional seasons of summer and winter. We urge applicants to plan their travels and apply well in advance, especially with the upcoming Eid and summer holidays, when we expect to see a surge in applications.”

Monaz Billimoria (R) speaks during the press conference in Dubai.

In the UAE, VFS Global caters to 39 sovereign governments, namely Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dubai Visa Processing Centre (UAE), Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherland, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, Philippines Passport Service, Nigeria.

VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation as per the checklist, and enrol biometrics, if applicable. VFS Global has no role in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa.

UK Premium Visa Application Centres: UK visa applicants can now book appointments at our Premium Application Centres at Radisson Hotels in Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Dubai, to submit their documents and enrol biometrics in the ambience and comfort of a five-star hotel.

Applicants opting for this service can also enjoy a range of additional services such as document scanning assistance, SMS updates and courier return service.

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, VFS Global will offer extended customer touchpoints for UK applicants, operating at special business hours.