Apply for visas in advance: VFS Global tells travelers as demand spikes

In a promising sign of post-pandemic recovery, visa application volumes from New Delhi demonstrated robust growth in 2023, closing in on pre-pandemic levels and reflecting restored confidence among travelers. According to VFS Global, the visa application volume from New Delhi witnessed a 10% year-on-year growth in 2023. Compared to the pre-pandemic era, visa application volumes from New Delhi have rebounded to reach 82% of the 2019 levels.

This upward trajectory aligns with the overall growth trend in India, which recorded a 16% year-on-year increase in visa applications in 2023. In comparison to the pre-pandemic figures, visa application volumes from India achieved 93% of the 2019 levels.

"We continued to witness unprecedented demand from India and the entire South Asia region in 2023, leading to an extended peak outbound travel season with steady visa application volumes witnessed until December. We are confident that this positive travel momentum will sustain in 2024 as well. Thus, applicants who are planning to travel overseas from India are advised to apply for their visas well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush," Vishal Jairath, Head – South Asia, VFS Global, said.

Popular destinations for travelers from India in 2023 included Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK, and the US.

For those plannig their holidays this year, VFS Global shared some tips to avoid the peak season travel rush in visa processing, advising tourists to apply for visas at the same time as making travel and lodging arrangements. Applications for visas are generally accepted up to 90 days (3 months) prior to the intended departure date.

The updated Schengen Visa Code went into effect on February 9, 2020, and states that you can apply for a Schengen visa up to six months in advance of your intended departure date. With increased demand and fewer appointment spaces available, especially this year, we strongly advise applicants to apply for their visa as soon as possible, VFS Global said.