In the first half of 2024, visa applications from India exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time, according to VFS Global.
The volume of applications was 2% higher than in the first half of 2019 and saw an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The demand for personalized services, such as the Visa at Your Doorstep (VAYD), surged significantly, with a fourfold increase from 2019 and a 16% rise from the first half of last year.
Yummi Talwar, COO (South Asia) at VFS Global, attributed the rise to robust outbound travel demand and an extended travel season.
She warned applicants to be cautious of fraudulent websites and emphasized that official appointments are free and available only through the VFS Global website.
Popular destinations for Indian travelers include Canada, the US, the UK, and several European countries.
The preference for VAYD services has increased post-pandemic due to health concerns.