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Visa Applications

All articles tagged with #visa applications

Increase in Indian Visa Applications Despite US & Schengen Restrictions
travel2 years ago

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.

State Department Struggles with Unprecedented Passport Demand, Blinken Reports.
politics2 years ago

State Department Struggles with Unprecedented Passport Demand, Blinken Reports.

The US State Department is experiencing an "unprecedented demand" for passports as Americans prepare for renewed travel after the pandemic, with 500,000 applications per week, a 30-40% increase from last year. The department is on track to break the record of 22 million passports issued in 2022. The standard processing time for a passport is currently 10-13 weeks, and an expedited request takes 7-9 weeks. The State Department is prioritizing visas that have an economic impact, particularly for students, temporary workers, business travelers, and maritime crews.