India visa applications rise 11% YoY for 2024: VFS Global
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Popular destinations for Indian travellers in 2024 include the Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, United States, and United Kingdom.
VFS Global reveals that outbound travel from India remained strong with visa application volumes in India increasing by 11% year-on-year in 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels (2019) by 4%. This increase indicates a recovery and a rise in the number of Indian travellers visiting international destinations. Popular destinations for Indian travellers in 2024 included the Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, United States, and United Kingdom. (in alphabetical order).
“India continues to show a strong demand for international travel, and it's clear that this robust momentum will persist in 2025. We encourage applicants to apply for their visas well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush and ensure a smooth travel experience,” said Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global.
Talwar stressed that applicants should avoid counterfeit websites and fake social media pages claiming to be VFS Global. “Appointments are free and available only through www.vfsglobal.com on a first-come, first-served basis. We continue to raise awareness about this issue and urge applicants to plan their travel early.”
The trend for tailored visa services is said to remain strong, with VFS Global noting a significant rise in demand for its Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) service. This premium service allows applicants to complete their visa process, including biometric enrolment, from their preferred location. In 2024, VAYD bookings in India are recorded more than six-fold increase compared to 2019 and a 21% growth over 2023.