India has witnessed a remarkable surge in visa applications, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. VFS Global, the company responsible for processing visas for 51 countries in India, reported a 2% increase in applications from January to June 2024 compared to the same period in 2019.
Despite this growth, VFS Global is urging travellers to submit their visa applications early, as delays in processing and appointment availability continue to challenge many Western countries.
Steady Rise in International Travel
International travel has been on the rise since late 2021, but visa application numbers have not returned to 2019 levels until now. Popular destinations for Indian travellers include;
- Canada
- China
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Saudi Arabia
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
VFS Global’s Commitment to Service
VFS Global, which handles visa applications for 51 countries from India, confirmed the growth in applications. Yummi Talwar, COO of VFS Global South Asia, stated;
“India has witnessed an extended travel season over the past two years. We are confident this momentum will continue until the year-end. We remain committed to providing exceptional customer service through technology-led, seamless, secure, and reliable solutions.”
Ongoing Visa Processing Delays
Despite the increase in visa applications, delays in processing and obtaining visa interview appointments continue to affect many Western countries. In India, the wait time for a U.S. visitor visa interview is at least a year.
Although this is an improvement from the nearly three-year wait in late 2021, it remains a significant challenge. Schengen countries also face similar delays, though their wait times are shorter than those of the U.S.
Increased Demand Leads to Longer Queues
The surge in visa applications has led to massive crowds at VFS centres, with reports of long queues despite high fees. Many applicants are opting for premium services due to the unavailability of cheaper options. Travel agents have also raised concerns about the growing demand forcing applicants to choose more expensive services.
Early Visa Applications Recommended
In response to these delays, VFS Global advises travellers to apply for visas as early as possible. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days before the travel date, and Schengen visas can be applied for up to six months in advance.
“With higher demand and limited appointment slots available, we urge applicants to apply for their visas as early as possible,” the company emphasized.
Beware of Scams: Stay Informed
VFS Global emphasizes that their role is limited to administrative tasks like collecting application forms and biometrics. They have no say in the final visa decision.
The company also warns applicants to be cautious of fake websites and social media pages that impersonate VFS Global and offer appointments for a fee. Appointments are always free and available on a first-come, first-served basis through their official website,www.vfsglobal.com.