Indians Apply for More Visas in 2023 Than Pre-Pandemic, Despite Long Wait Times

Visa applications in India during the current calendar year are poised to surpass pre-pandemic levels from 2019, demonstrating a remarkable resurgence in outbound travel sentiment.

Despite substantial challenges, such as prolonged wait times for the United States and appointment limitations for Schengen states, the demand for international travel from India is soaring.

VFS Global Reports Impressive Visa Application Numbers

VFS Global, a visa application processing agency serving over 50 countries, has reported processing well over 30 lakh visa applications in India from January to June 2023.

This figure stands in stark contrast to the 60 lakh applications processed throughout the entire year of 2019, which did not face the challenges currently being encountered.

Aiming to Surpass the 2019 Record

Travel industry experts reveal that 2019 was a record-breaking year for visa applications in India. Now, in 2023, the country is on track to surpass these numbers. However, the figures could have been even higher were it not for the processing limitations imposed by the US and Schengen states.

Challenges Faced by Visa Applicants

The significant challenges hindering visa applicants are the exceptionally long interview wait times for US B1 (business) and B2 (visitor) visas, lasting up to 1.5 years.

Additionally, most Schengen countries, with the exception of Norway and Sweden, have imposed appointment count caps, allowing only about half of the desired Indian travellers to secure appointments.

This limitation affects countries such as Portugal, Poland, Italy, France, and Germany, with Switzerland and the Netherlands experiencing it to a lesser extent.

Rising International Airfares

Another obstacle faced by Indian travellers is the persistently high cost of international airfares post the 2021-22 reopening of global borders. Return fares have transformed into one-way ticket prices, resulting in considerably higher travel expenses.

Bounce Back in Demand

Despite these constraints, the demand for international travel from India has made a strong comeback. In 2022, visa application volumes surged by over 140% compared to 2021, although they remained about 30% below 2019 levels.

Nevertheless, industry experts express confidence that pre-pandemic travel momentum will be regained by year-end due to sustained pent-up demand.

E-Visa-Friendly Destinations Gain Popularity

In response to the “unprecedented demand,” destinations offering e-visas, including the UAE, Indonesia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan, have become increasingly attractive to Indian travellers. Furthermore, the peak travel season, typically limited to summer, has extended into September due to the heightened demand.

VFS Global’s Notable Achievements

VFS Global’s role in facilitating travel has been underscored by its recent achievements. The company secured global biometric collection services across seven regions for the Australian Department of Home Affairs, including India.

Additionally, VFS Global renewed its global visa contract for Sweden, expanding its visa application centres across eight Indian cities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite the numerous challenges posed by prolonged wait times, appointment limitations, and rising airfares, Indian travellers’ enthusiasm for international exploration remains undeterred, with visa applications in 2023 poised to outstrip pre-pandemic records.