- Major destinations include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, and UK (in alphabetical order)
- Healthy uptick for personalised services such as Visa At Your Doorstep
- Visa application volume registers 44% growth in 2022 against 2021
In 2022, visa applications from the Philippines came close to reaching pre-pandemic levels due to increased demand, the opening of international borders, and relaxed COVID-related protocols. VFS Global, a visa application processing company, reported that the volume of visa applications from the Philippines in 2022 reached 91% of the 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Compared to 2021, the number of visa applications increased by 44% in 2022. VFS Global’s Head of Australasia, Kaushik Ghosh, noted that there was a healthy demand from the Philippines in 2022, with steady volumes seen until December. He also advised applicants, including students, to apply for their visas in advance to avoid last-minute surprises. Major destinations for visa applicants from the Philippines included Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
In addition, a significant trend noticed in travelers’ behavior was a wider adoption of personalized services that began during the pandemic. VFS Global’s Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) service, which allows travelers to book the entire visa experience at a location of their choice, saw around 2x growth over the pre-pandemic levels in 2022. When compared to 2021, VAYD saw a 42% increase in 2022. VFS Global offers VAYD for 10 client governments in the Philippines, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, and the UK.
Finally, Ghosh noted that health considerations remained a key determining factor in the “new normal,” with a growing number of travelers becoming more conscious of health and safety. As a result, more travelers are opting for services that provide a seamless visa experience and prioritize safe travel.
Peak Season Travel Guide
#ApplyinAdvance
To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience, it is advisable to apply for visas as early as possible, alongside booking flights and accommodations. Most countries allow visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before the travel date. However, it is important to note that the revised Schengen Visa Code, which took effect on February 9, 2020, now permits applicants to apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months in advance of their intended travel date.
This year, with increased demand and limited appointment slots available, it is more important than ever to apply for visas as early as possible. We strongly encourage applicants to plan ahead and avoid the risk of last-minute surprises or delays. By submitting visa applications early, travelers can ensure that they have ample time to gather all the necessary documents and prepare for their trip without unnecessary stress.
#DoNotFallForFraud
It is important for visa applicants to be cautious of fraudulent entities that falsely use VFS Global’s name and charge fees for services such as scheduling appointments. We would like to emphasize that we do not charge any payment for appointment scheduling or any other services.
To avoid being scammed, we encourage all visa applicants to only engage with authorized VFS Global channels and official websites. In case of any doubt or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of our staff members or send an email to communications@vfsglobal.com. We are always ready to assist you and ensure that your visa application process is smooth and hassle-free.
Enjoy our optional value-added services for a seamless visa experience such as:
- Premium Lounge: Quick, safe, comfortable – get a personalised visa submission experience.
- Form-filling assistance: Allow our expert staff to assist you in completing your visa application on phone or at a visa application centre
- Courier Service: We deliver your passport and documents. It’s quick, safe, and convenient.
- SMS Alerts: Stay updated on the progress of your visa application.
For more information, visit https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/solutions.html.
