Key Highlights:

1. Visa Processing Time Alert: Norwegian Embassy advises travelers from the UAE, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to submit their Schengen visa applications at least 15 days before their departure date.
2. Flight Booking Caution: Applicants are urged not to purchase flight tickets until their visa application is approved to avoid unnecessary complications.
3. Backlog of Applications: With applications dating back to August 2023 still under review, travelers are reminded of potential delays, especially during high season or complex cases.

Planning a Trip to Norway? Here’s What Schengen Visa Applicants from Pakistan and the Middle East, Should Know

If you’re dreaming of a trip to Norway or other Schengen countries, there’s an important update you need to be aware of, especially if you’re applying for a visa from the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar. The Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued fresh advice for travelers, and it’s all about timing.

Apply Early—At Least 15 Days Before Departure

In their latest press release, the Norwegian Embassy has stressed the importance of submitting your Schengen visa application at least 15 days ahead of your travel date. This isn’t just a recommendation—it’s essential to avoid potential headaches later. During high-demand seasons, or in cases where more information is needed, visa processing can take longer than expected. In fact, the embassy warns that in some cases, the processing time can extend up to 45 calendar days, especially when applications are referred to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

For travelers looking to escape to Norway’s stunning landscapes, this means planning ahead is key. It’s not just about preparing your documents early; it’s about understanding the potential for delays, especially if you’re applying during peak times.

Don’t Buy That Plane Ticket Yet

One of the most important reminders from the embassy is not to purchase your flight tickets before you receive a positive decision on your visa. It might be tempting to snag that great deal on airfare, but the embassy has made it clear that applicants cannot withdraw their passports while their visa is being processed. So, if your application is still under review, you’re stuck—no passport, no travel, and potentially a non-refundable plane ticket going to waste.

The embassy’s advice here is simple: wait until you have your visa before making any firm travel commitments.

Delays and Backlogs: Be Prepared

It’s also important to know that the Norwegian Embassy is currently dealing with a significant backlog of visa applications. Applications submitted in the first half of August 2024 are still being processed, and appeals that date back as far as August 2023 are only now being addressed. This means that if you’re applying from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or Qatar, you could be facing some additional delays.

High season is a particularly tricky time for visa applicants, as embassies are inundated with requests. The more complex your case, the longer it might take. In such instances, patience will be your best ally.

Communication: The Embassy’s Policy

If you have questions or concerns during the application process, there are some important communication rules to be aware of. The embassy has clarified that they do not accept phone calls or messages via social media. Instead, all inquiries must be sent via email and written in English. It’s VFS—the outsourced service handling visa submissions—that’s responsible for most client communication, not the embassy itself.

In summary, whether you’re planning a vacation, a business trip, or a family visit, navigating the Schengen visa process requires careful preparation. Follow the embassy’s advice, file your application well in advance, and resist the urge to book your flights too early. And if you’re caught in the backlog, patience will be key.