Visa application volume almost doubles in 2022 against 2021
Healthy uptick for personalised services such as Visa At Your Doorstep
New Delhi, NFAPost: Visa applications from New Delhi nearly touched the pre-pandemic levels in 2022 driven by pent-up demand, opening of international borders, and eased COVID-related protocols.
According to VFS Global, the visa application volume from New Delhi reached close to 80% of the 2019 pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and registered a 93% growth when compared to 2021.
This trend of rise in visa application volume from New Delhi is in line with the overall growth registered in India, which was also close to 80% of the pre-pandemic levels in 2022.
VFS Global Chief Operating Officer – South Asia Prabuddha Sen said VFS Global witnessed unprecedented demand from India in 2022 which led to an extended peak outbound travel season with steady volumes witnessed until December.
“We are confident that the momentum will further grow and hence it is advisable for applicants to apply for their visas in advance to avoid last-minute surprises,” said VFS Global Chief Operating Officer – South Asia Prabuddha Sen.
Another defining trend noticed in travellers’ behaviour was wider adoption of personlised service which began since the pandemic. Premium optional services such as Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) that enables travellers to book the entire visa experience at a location of their choice, witnessed around 90% year-on-year rise in 2022.
VFS Global offers VAYD for 16 client governments in India – Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Switzerland, UK.
“Health considerations continue to be a key determining factor in the new normal. As a result, we see an increasing number of travellers opt of such services that provide a seamless visa experience and prioratise safe travel,” added VFS Global Chief Operating Officer – South Asia Prabuddha Sen.
Peak Season Travel Guide
It is recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and stay. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before your date of travel.
According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 09th February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel. Particularly this year with higher demand and limited appointment slots available, we urge applicants to apply for their visa as early as possible.
Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently.
VFS Global does not charge any payment for scheduling appointments. For any assistance, feel free to reach out to one of our staff or send an email to [email protected]
Premium Lounges: Quick, safe, comfortable – get a personalised visa submission experience.
Form-filling assistance: Allow VFS Global expert staff to assist you in completing your visa application on phone or at a visa application centre
Courier Service: VFS Global delivers your passport and documents. It’s quick, safe, and convenient.
Travel Medical Insurance: Get your mandatory Travel Medical Insurance including Covid-19 coverage from global insurers.
SMS Alerts: Stay updated on the progress of your visa application.
For more information, visit https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/solutions.html.
About VFS Global
VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. VFS Global is the trusted partner of 67 client governments, operating a global network with more than 3,400 Application Centres in 145 countries.
The company has processed over 256 million applications since its inception in 2001. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, enabling them to focus entirely on the critical assessment task. VFS Global has its headquarters in Zurich/Switzerland and Dubai/United Arab Emirates.
VFS Global is majority-owned by funds managed by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager. Blackstone seeks to create positive economic impact and long-term value for their investors, the companies in which they invest, and the communities in which they work.
Blackstone’s $915 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets, and secondary funds, all on a global basis.
The Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, a global investment organisation, headquartered in Stockholm/Sweden, hold minority stakes in VFS Global.
