Demand for travel from the region has rebounded: VFS regional chief

Muscat: The summer peak travel time is back amid rising political tensions in the region and uncertainties that crippled the travel sector with the closure of airspaces and subsequent surge in ticket fares due to the aviation fuel crisis and reduced capacity by some airlines.

However, VFS Global, the agency that handles visa processing for several countries, said that there was a temporary impact on visa services during March and April due to geopolitical shifts. Since the resumption of travel routes, visa demand has rebounded and is now slightly higher than last year, according to Monaz Billimoria, Regional Head, VFS Global, told the Observer that Overall demand has remained resilient. This indicates strong traveller confidence and sustains outbound travel interest from Oman.

She added, “Visa appointment availability is determined solely by the respective embassies and consulates. Many Schengen countries continue to accept applications up to six months ahead of travel, and early planning remains the most effective way to secure appointments.

While demand is high, waiting periods vary by destination and visa category, and applicants are encouraged to monitor the official VFS Global website for appointment availability. We urge travellers to the Schengen region to plan well in advance, as they would for flight and hotel deals, and not leave visa applications to the last minute, especially during peak seasons.”

On new destinations from the Middle East that the GCC and Oman travellers are exploring this year, Billimoria said, “While we can comment on the destinations we serve, broader market observations suggest that travellers are increasingly exploring a wider mix of destinations beyond traditional routes. At the same time, demand for established destinations - particularly within the GCC and Schengen region remains stable, indicating that travellers are balancing familiarity with exploration when planning their journeys.”

Travellers who are yet to plan their summer vacations should begin by preparing their visa applications alongside flight and hotel bookings, as early action is the most effective way to avoid last-minute challenges.

Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before your date of travel. You can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel.

Document checklists for each visa category are available on the official VFS Global website and applicants are strongly advised to review these carefully to ensure all paperwork is complete before submission.

Essential for a smooth application experience.

Visa applications should be initiated as soon as travel plans are confirmed to avoid last-minute complications. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days before the intended date of travel, with Schengen accepting applications 180 days ahead. Remember, demand for appointments increases significantly during peak travel periods.

Visa processing timelines vary by country and visa category and are determined solely by the relevant embassy or consulate. These timelines are published on official embassy websites and on www.vfsglobal.com. During high-demand periods such as year-end holidays or summer travel seasons, processing times may be longer than usual. Applying early helps minimise the risk of delays.

Most Visa Application Centres operate on an appointment-only basis to ensure better crowd management and efficient service. Appointments must be booked online, where booking is free of charge.

VFS Global does not charge any fee for booking appointments on its website, 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.

Each country has a specific documentation checklist, available on www.vfsglobal.com, which should be followed carefully. Submitting an incomplete application may result in delays or rejection. Applicants should also ensure that their passports meet validity requirements, as many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended return date.

On the day of submission, applicants should carry all required documents and confirmations. Arriving at the centre at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time is recommended to avoid missing the slot.

providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently.