Visa applications in Philippines up by 20%

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos appear to be unbothered by surging airfares this year, as visa application volumes went up in the eight months to August, mostly to non-Schengen destinations.

Based on data from VFS Global, visa filings in the Philippines have increased by 20 percent as of August.

VFS Global reported a 28-percent surge in visa applications to non-Schengen destinations, led by Australia, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

In Europe, where a Schengen visa is needed, VFS Global noted a stable demand. Filipinos have sought visa approval in Europe to Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

VFS Global also observed that Filipinos were looking for comfort and convenience in their visa processes. Dedicated service Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) recorded a 58-percent growth.

VAYD allows applicants to complete their visa submissions from the comfort of their homes. The service targets Filipinos who may find it difficult to hop off work.

Applicants may complete their forms and register their biometrics remotely through VAYD, with their passports couriered to their location of choice.

VFS Global regional head for North Asia Atul Lall said the data showed that Filipinos would still pursue their travel plans despite higher fares.

Lall said VFS Global expects visa applications to trend upward until the end of the year.

Filipinos usually tend to splurge on overseas travel during the Christmas season.

VFS Global assists applicants in processing their visa submissions to at least 36 countries, some of which are popular destinations among Filipinos such as Australia, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

In the Philippines, VFS Global operates 64 visa application centers in eight cities: Batangas City, Cebu, Davao, Makati, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City and Taguig.