As the UAE National Day holiday and winter school break approach, UAE residents are reconsidering their winter holiday plans due to significant delays in obtaining visas for the US and Europe. Visa appointment shortages and lengthy processing times are prompting some travellers to postpone trips or switch destinations.

US visa applicants are facing waiting periods of nearly a year for regular interviews, partly due to a global, temporary suspension of services that lasted over three months. Schengen visa applicants also encounter appointment shortages and processing delays of over a month, with certain embassies taking more than a month to process applications and return passports after submission.

Travel agents report that visa availability is shaping where residents choose to travel. Some are seeking appointments for alternative countries, while others are opting for destinations with visa-free entry or simpler processes. Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan are among the alternatives gaining interest, along with Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

Indian passport holders in the UAE show a preference for straightforward visa procedures. Travellers planning visits to Schengen or the US are advised to apply at least two to three months in advance to avoid delays.