Marbella warning to Arabs against ‘visa-shopping’

WEALTHY Gulf visitors heading to Spain have been warned not to ‘visa shop’ by applying through smaller Schengen countries to try to ‘jump the queue’ when entering Europe.

VFS Global in the UAE which processes Schengen visas, issued an alert after saying that travellers who apply through countries they don’t intend to visit could be refused immediately and have a permanent “red flag” on their records.

Agents report that applicants often try to obtain faster appointments by applying to Luxembourg, Malta or another quieter consulate before traveling directly to Spain.

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Officials warn that this practice can cause problems, not only at the time of application, but also when officers ask travellers about their itinerary, duration of stay, and the country they choose to obtain a visa.

Experts believe that the EU’s Entry Exit System will make this even more strict. It records facial and fingerprint data and connects every crossing to one travel history.

Visa refusals will be recorded in the EU Visa Information System, which can affect future applications.

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Travel centers in the Gulf have reported a rise in demand for winter vacations to Spain, particularly the Costa del Sol. This is because wealthy visitors are looking for luxury resorts in Marbella and Malaga during the off-season.

Those who advise on the matter say that the rules are easy: you should apply for the visa of the country in the world where you’ll spend the longest time or, if you split your journey evenly, the country into which you will arrive first. 

They also warn against private agents who promise ‘guaranteed appointments’ or ‘VIP processing’, noting that no such fast-track exists under Schengen rules.

Arab visitors are among the highest-spending tourists on the Costa del Sol, with average outlays per trip regularly surpassing €50,000 once luxury hotels, shopping and dining are included.

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Marbella has become a year-round destination of choice for tourists from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar who prefer five-star resorts with private villas and personalised concierge service.

Marbella is now one of the most accessible Mediterranean holiday destinations for Middle Eastern visitors, thanks to direct flights from Malaga.

Gulf investors are a growing force on the luxury property market in Marbella. Agents report a sharp increase in inquiries and purchases in areas like Sierra Blanca and La Zagaleta.

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Developers in Costa del Sol say that Gulf clients have shown a growing interest over the past two-years, especially for large contemporary homes and high-end apartment close to Puerto Banus.

Marbella’s Business Community has been actively courting Gulf tourists over the past few years. Attending fairs in Dubai, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to strengthen ties and a market known as a long-staying and high-per capita spending.

The Olive Press offers more Marbella News.

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