VFS: Visa Applications from the Philippines Expected to Rise by 8% in 2025

The increase in visa applications is driven by a resurgence in traveler confidence toward global travel, particularly among Filipinos aiming to visit countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Japan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and the UK.

According to Atul Lall, the Regional Head at VFS Global:
“This healthy rise in visa applications from the Philippines last year indicates that travelers’ confidence has been restored, and people are exploring their favorite global destinations once again. We expect this positive travel momentum to continue into 2026. We encourage applicants planning overseas trips from the Philippines to apply for their visas in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.”

Personalized Services Driving Growth

There is a strong demand for personalized services aimed at enhancing convenience for visa applicants, which has become a notable trend in visa application patterns in 2025.

• Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD): This service allows applicants to handle their entire visa application process from the comfort of their home, seeing a 62% year-on-year increase in usage in 2025.
• Premium Lounge: This service offers a personalized experience during the visa application process, contributing to the overall increase in application volumes.
• Prime Time: This service enables visa applications outside of regular hours, including weekends, gaining traction since the pandemic.

Lall remarked:
“We continue to see a healthy adoption of personalized services such as VAYD and Premium Lounge by discerning travelers post-pandemic. These options enhance the visa application experience for applicants by eliminating the need to queue. We anticipate higher demand for premium services that prioritize safe travel this year as well.”