This is a good sign!by Edgardo Toledo April 20, 2023
Visa applications from the Philippines almost reached pre-pandemic levels in 2022, reports outsourcing and technology services specialist VFS Global. According to experts, this resurgence in travel interest was driven by pent-up demand, the opening of international borders, and eased COVID-related protocols. 2022 visa applications were 44% higher than the previous year.
Major destinations for visa applicants from the Philippines include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
“We saw a healthy demand from [the] Philippines in 2022 with steady volumes witnessed until December. We are confident that the travel momentum will grow even further in 2023, and hence, it is advisable for applicants, including students, to apply for their visas in advance to avoid last-minute surprises,” said Kaushik Ghosh, VFS Global’s Australasia head.
The rise of personalized services
Another defining trend in the behavior of travelers was the more comprehensive adoption of personalized service which started during the pandemic. The demand for optional premium services like Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) doubled in comparison to pre-pandemic levels.
VAYD enables travelers to book the entire visa experience at a location of their choice. VFS Global offers VAYD for 10 client governments in the Philippines: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, and the UK.
Other services offered by VFS Global include Premium Lounge, Form-filling assistance, Courier Service, and SMS Alerts.
If you’re keen to process your visa this year via VFS Global, keep in mind these peak-season travel tips:
Apply as early as possible
It’s recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and accommodations. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (three months) before your travel date. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 9th February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your travel date. Given the higher demand and limited appointment slots available this year, applicants are urged to apply for their visas as early as possible.
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