Data from VFS Global, a company that facilitates visa, passport, and consular services for governments, show that visa application volume from the Philippines reached 91% of the 2019 pre-pandemic levels in 2022. That is a 44% growth compared to 2021.

“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, Head – Australasia, VFS Global.

The volume is a mix of tourism and business travel but is mostly for leisure purposes.

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Travelers from the Philippines applied for visas to countries (in alphabetical order) Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

VFS also has about 44 partnerships with various shipping companies in the country. The larger ones process approximately 2,000 visa applications while the smaller ones apply around 50 people a month.

Behaviors

Perhaps as a result of the pandemic, some visa applicants are choosing a more personalized service, with some DIY-ing the process since most services are available online.

According to VFS Global, the number of visa applicants who prefer Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) doubled from the pre-pandemic levels. This service enables travelers to book the entire visa experience at a location of their choice. The company offers a mobile visa application for companies.

“When compared with 2021, VAYD saw a 42% rise in 2022,” the company said. 

VFS Global offers VAYD for 10 client governments in the Philippines: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Applicants who are availing themselves of VFS Global services can track the progress of their visa application via SMS or the web. They also have the option to cancel their appointment with the VFS Global office in the Philippines and book the mobile services or whatever is convenient for them.

Application process

Each government has different visa requirements and length of the application process. Ghosh advises companies and individuals to book their applications early.

“Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days or three months before the date of their travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, which took effect in 2020, travelers can apply for a Schengen visa up to six months before the intended date of travel. 

“Particularly this year with higher demand and limited appointment slots available, we urge applicants to apply for their visa as early as possible,” VFS Global said.