Visa Applications & Travel Planning from the UAE

What Travellers Should Know During the Current Middle East Situation

Over the past few days, the situation in the Middle East has evolved rapidly following military escalation between Iran and Israel. This has affected several countries across the Gulf region, particularly through aviation disruptions and temporary airspace restrictions. 

Naturally, many travellers based in the UAE are now asking important questions about their upcoming plans. 

• Should they continue with visa applications?

• Are embassies operating normally?

• Will travel still be possible in the coming months? 

If you are wondering the same things, you are not alone. During times like this, it is completely normal for travellers to seek clarity before making decisions. 

At Marcopolo Holidays, we are closely monitoring updates from embassies, visa application centres, and official authorities. While the situation continues to evolve, most visa services in the UAE are still operating, with some adjustments depending on embassy decisions. 

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Below we address some of the most common questions travellers are asking right now. 

1. Can I still apply for a visa during the current situation in the Middle East? 

Yes, in most cases visa applications are still being accepted. 

Although regional tensions have affected aviation and travel routes, visa application procedures in the UAE continue to operate for most destinations. Embassies and visa application centres remain open and are still receiving applications from travellers. 

That said, appointment availability may sometimes fluctuate depending on internal embassy decisions or administrative adjustments. During evolving situations, embassies may occasionally modify their schedules or reduce appointment slots temporarily. 

For travellers planning international trips in the coming months, the safest approach is to apply early and allow some flexibility in travel timelines. Planning ahead helps ensure a smoother process even if minor adjustments occur. 

2. Are embassies and visa centers currently open?

Most embassies, consulates, and visa application centres in the UAE continue to operate.

Visa centres run by organizations such as VFS Global and BLS International are still receiving applications and facilitating visa submissions for travellers heading to many destinations around the world. 

However, embassies may occasionally introduce temporary adjustments such as rescheduling appointments, reducing daily appointment capacity, or modifying operating hours. These measures are usually administrative and depend on internal embassy decisions. 

Travellers should therefore remain attentive to notifications from visa centres, particularly emails regarding appointment confirmations or changes. 

3. Will my visa processing be delayed? 

Visa processing is still continuing in most cases, although some travellers may experience slight delays. 

The broader regional situation has affected certain aspects of travel logistics, including aviation operations and courier services. Because passports and documents often move through international logistics networks, processing timelines may occasionally take a little longer than usual. 

While many visas are still issued within standard timelines, it is generally recommended that travellers avoid last-minute applications and allow extra time before their intended travel date. 

Planning ahead always makes the process easier and reduces unnecessary stress. 

4. Can I still travel if my visa is approved? 

Yes. If your visa has already been issued and your destination country has no entry restrictions, travel is generally still possible. 

What travellers may notice instead are changes in airline routes or flight schedules, as airlines adapt to temporary airspace restrictions in certain parts of the region.

Airlines and aviation authorities continue to adjust routes as safety conditions evolve. Travellers are therefore encouraged to stay updated through airline notifications and check their flight details closer to their departure date. 

5. Which countries offer longer-term visas allowing me to travel later? 

During uncertain periods, some travellers prefer visas that provide greater flexibility. Several countries offer longer-validity visitor visas that allow travellers to plan their trips later rather than immediately.

The United Kingdom, for example, commonly issues visitor visas valid for six months, with longer options available for two, five, or even ten years for eligible applicants. 

The United States B1/B2 visitor visa is typically issued as a multiple-entry visa that may remain valid for several years depending on nationality and travel history. 

Countries such as Canada and Australia also provide visa options that allow multiple entries during a defined validity period. 

For travellers who prefer flexibility, securing a visa now can make future travel planning much easier once conditions feel more comfortable. 

6. Are transit visa requirements the same right now? 

Transit visa rules themselves have not formally changed. However, travellers should pay close attention to transit routes during this time.

Due to airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East, airlines may reroute flights through different countries than originally planned. A journey that normally connects through Gulf airports may temporarily connect through Europe, Turkey, or Asia depending on airline adjustments. 

Because of this possibility, travellers should always reconfirm transit visa requirements before travel, particularly when their itinerary includes connecting flights. 

7. Is there a restriction on tourist visas right now? 

At present, most countries have not introduced restrictions on tourist visa applications for UAE residents.

Embassies continue to process tourist visa applications according to their normal procedures. However, appointment availability may vary depending on embassy workload or operational adjustments. 

For this reason, travellers are encouraged to apply early and maintain some flexibility in their travel planning. 

8. As my travel date is not known, can I apply for a long-term Schengen visa? 

Yes, you can still apply for a Schengen visa even if your exact travel date is not fully finalized. 

Schengen visa rules allow applicants to submit their application up to six months before their intended travel date, which provides useful flexibility for travellers planning ahead. 

However, it is important to remember that the validity of a Schengen visa is determined entirely by the embassy reviewing the application. Some travellers receive single-entry visas, while others may receive multiple-entry visas valid for several months or longer depending on their travel history and documentation. 

9. Do I need to decide my travel dates before booking my Schengen visa appointment? 

Not necessarily. 

Schengen visa rules allow travellers to apply for their visa up to six months before their intended travel date. This means applicants can often secure their appointment first and finalize travel arrangements afterwards, provided the trip falls within that timeframe. 

For many travellers, this flexibility can be helpful when travel plans are still evolving. 

10. Which countries do not require me to deposit my passport during the visa process? 

Some visa processes allow travellers to keep their passport during the application process, which can be particularly convenient if you need to travel for other purposes.

Examples include Australia, which operates an electronic visa system, as well as Canada, where passports are often requested only after approval in many cases. Countries such as Japan also offer electronic visa processes, while the United Kingdom provides optional services that allow passport retention during the application. 

This flexibility allows travellers to continue using their passport while their visa application is being reviewed. 

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Our Advice to Travellers 

The current regional situation has understandably created uncertainty for travellers across the Gulf. 

While certain aspects of travel, such as airline routes or flight schedules, may temporarily change, visa applications and embassy services in the UAE continue to operate. 

The most practical approach during this period is to: 

• Apply for visas well in advance 

• Remain flexible with travel dates 

• Monitor updates from airlines and embassies 

• Seek professional guidance when planning travel 

  
  

Staying informed and planning ahead can make a significant difference during times when travel conditions are evolving. 

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Need Assistance with Your Visa Application? 

If you are planning international travel or have questions about your visa application, our team at Marcopolo Holidays is here to assist. 

We provide guidance on: 

• Visa application preparation

• Appointment scheduling 

• Document review 

• Travel planning support 

Our visa specialists will be happy to guide you through the process and help you plan your travel with clarity and confidence. 

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