- The visa application volume from Mumbai registers a 30% year-on-year growth in 2023. Compared to the pre-pandemic numbers, visa application volumes from Mumbai reached 90% of the 2019 levels – VFS Global.
- Popular destinations for Indian travellers include Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK, and US (in alphabetical order).
- Acceptance of personalised services such as Visa At Your Doorstep, Premium Lounge, and Prime Time see rise against 2019.
Visa application volumes from Mumbai in 2023 remains strong and closed in further to the pre-pandemic levels with restoration of travellers’ confidence to explore global destinations. According to VFS Global, the visa application volume from Mumbai registered a 30% year-on-year growth in 2023. When compared to the pre-pandemic numbers, visa application volumes from Mumbai reaches 90% of the 2019 levels.
The demand pattern in Mumbai was in line with the overall growth trend registered in India, which saw a 16% year-on-year in visa applications in 2023. In comparison to the pre-pandemic numbers, visa application volumes from India reached 93% of the 2019 levels.
“We continued to witness robust demand from India and the entire South Asia region in 2022 which led to an extended peak outbound travel season with steady volumes witnessed throughout the year” said Sharad Gowani, Head – West India, VFS Global. Gowani added that applicants must of wary of fake websites/social media pages impersonating VFS Global and selling appointments in exchange of money.
A few of the popular destinations preferred by travellers from India in 2023 were Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK, US (in alphabetical order). Strong demand for personalised services continued to be a defining trend in the 2023 visa application patterns as well. VFS Global also recorded a strong uptick in customised services such as Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD), Premium Lounge, and Prime Time service, which allows visa application submission outside of working hours and even on weekends, has seen a healthy adoption since pandemic.
“We continue to see a healthy adoption of contactless and personalised services such as VAYD and Premium Lounge by discerning travellers post the pandemic due to health considerations. These services enhance the overall experience for applicants by offering them greater comfort and convenience when submitting their visa applications. We foresee higher demand for such premium services prioritising safe travel this year as well,” added Gowani.
Mumbai Visa Application Records 30% YoY Growth in 2023, Reaches 90% Pre-Pandemic Levels – VFS Global
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