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Europe remains the leading travel destination, accounting for 65 percent of all Schengen Visa requests processed. New data from The Visa Services, a Dubai-based visa provider, reveals a 20 percent year-over-year increase in Schengen visa applications from UAE residents during the second quarter of 2024.

Europe continues to dominate the travel choices for UAE residents, with 65 percent of requests processed by the company directed to this region.

The United States follows, capturing 25 percent, while Asia-Pacific countries account for 15 percent.

Europe leads as the top travel choice for UAE residents, holding a 65 percent share.

This surge in applications aligns with the peak travel season and significant events like EURO 2024, the Paris Olympics, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Popular European destinations feature Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal, and Switzerland.

The company’s data shows that the majority of applicants were Russians (35 percent), followed by Indians (23 percent), Filipinos (16 percent), Egyptians (7 percent), Jordanians (6 percent), and South Africans. Families comprised 58 percent of the clientele.

In 2023, the rejection rate for Schengen visas for UAE residents stood at 22.44 percent, with an approval rate of 77.56 percent. The majority of visas issued were for single-entry travel (74 percent), while 21 percent were for multiple entry valid for 3-6 months.