DUBAI: With the growing demand for international travel over the past few years, VFS Global has witnessed a 15 percent surge in visa applications in 2023 v/s 2022, and a whopping 145 percent growth since borders reopened post-pandemic. Popular destinations preferred by travellers from UAE in 2023 were Canada, France, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and United Kingdom (in alphabetical order).
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.”
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 [NIN enrolment].
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 the 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.
| Emirate | Location | Operating hours | Prime Time |
| Dubai | Radisson RED (D.S.O) | 12 noon to 6 PM (Friday) |
3 PM onwards |
| Dubai | Radisson DAMAC Hills | 3 to 11 PM (Thursday) |
7 PM onwards (Thursday) 9 AM to 12 PM |
| Dubai | Radisson Blu Ajman | 10 AM to 1 PM (Wednesday) |
|
| Al Ain | Al Reaya Services Centre | 10 AM to 3 PM (Wednesday) |
|
| Abu Dhabi | Radisson Abu Dhabi | 3 PM to 9 PM (Tuesday) |
Peak Season Travel Guide
#ApplyinAdvance
It is recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and stay. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before your date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 9 February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel. Particularly this year with higher demand and limited appointment slots available, we urge applicants to apply for their visa as early as possible.
#DoNotFallForFraud
Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently. VFS Global does not charge any fee for booking appointments on www.vfsglobal.com which is the official website catering to visa applications. However, some governments require pre-payment of the service fee at the time of booking the appointment. This payment will be reimbursed or deducted during the application process. This step is only to ensure genuine travellers use appointment booking and the system is kept safe from misuse by fraudulent entities.
VFS Global’s optional value-added services for a seamless visa experience:
- Visa At Your Doorstep: Apply for your visa and enrol biometrics from the location of your choice.
- Platinum Lounge: Exclusive to the UAE, the Platinum Lounge offers a personalised and private visa submission experience.
- Premium Lounge: Get an end-to-end personalised visa submission experience from the comfort of a lounge.
- Prime Time: Apply for your visa beyond normal working hours or even on weekends.
- Form-filling assistance: Allow our expert staff to assist you in completing your visa application on phone or at a visa application centre.
- Courier Service: We deliver your passport and documents. It’s quick, safe, and convenient.
- SMS Alerts: Stay updated on the progress of your visa application.
