Increase in Indian Visa Applications Despite US & Schengen Restrictions

Despite long wait times for US and Schengen visas and high international airfares, the number of visa applications filed in India this year is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels. VFS Global, which manages visa applications for over 50 countries, has processed over 30 lakh visa applications from January to June 2023, compared to 60 lakh in all of 2019. The major challenges include long wait times for US visas and appointment count capping for Schengen states. Despite these constraints, there has been a robust rebound in outbound travel sentiments, with a demand-supply gap. Destinations offering e-visas, such as UAE, Indonesia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan, have attracted many travelers, and the peak travel season has extended into September.