VFS Global, the world’s most extensive visa outsourcing and technology services provider, predicts a surge in Indian visa applications in 2023. The company believes that demand for visas will exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
According to Vishal Jairath, the South Asia head of VFS Global, the increase in visa applications is due to Indians’ increased travel habits following the pandemic.
India Continues to be One of the Top Markets for Overseas Travel
VFS Global experienced unprecedented demand for travel from India in 2022, resulting in a prolonged peak outbound travel season until December.
Furthermore, the trend of “revenge travel” continued, and student visa applications increased steadily. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, with India remaining one of the top markets for international travel.
High Demand for Visa Applications Despite Processing Delays
Despite embassies such as the US experiencing processing delays, VFS Global has seen a massive rush at visa application centres across India.
VFS Global sees a surge in applications for destinations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Thailand.
Although China has resumed issuing tourist visas, it is too early to tell how much demand there is for tourist travel to China.
New Emerging Destinations for Indian Students
Following the pandemic, Georgia and Latvia have emerged as new destinations for Indian students. VFS Global has also observed an increase in demand for travel to European countries such as Switzerland, which is experiencing extremely high demand.
Other European countries, such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, do not have visa appointment caps, and the EU now allows people to apply six months before their proposed visit, rather than three months earlier.
Apply for Visas in Advance to Avoid Last-Minute Surprises
VFS Global’s COO (South Asia), Prabuddha Sen, has urged applicants to apply for visas ahead of time to avoid last-minute surprises. Visa application management, visa processing, and biometric enrolment solutions are among the services provided by VFS Global.
It is worth mentioning here that VFS Global operates in 144 countries and manages visa applications for 64 client governments.
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