Visa services provider VFS Global saw 11 per cent year-on-year growth in applications in 2024, with numbers exceeding the pre-pandemic level by 4 per cent.

In 2023 visa applications had recovered to 90 per cent of pre-pandemic level.

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“India continues to show a strong demand for international travel and its clear that this robust momentum will persist in 2025,” said Yummi Talwar, chief operating officer, South Asia, VFS Global.

VFS manages application process for 52 countries in India and these cover business, leisure, student and work visa categories.

Popular destinations for Indian travellers in 2024 included Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, US and the UK, VFS said.

India was the top recipient of UK visas for visit, study and work for year ending June 2024. US issued a million non immigrant visas in India for the second year in a row in 2024.

To ease applicants, governments are expanding visa collection centres and using new technologies to streamline process. This includes a new generative AI chatbot developed by VFS Global to enhance customer support for travellers to the UK.

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“We are developing a range of AI and digital technology driven products to drive the next transformation in visa and consular services for our client governments and customers,” said Zubin Karkaria, founder and CEO, VFS Global.

VFS Global said it is also witnessing an increase in optional value added services such as visa at doorstep. This premium service allows applicants to complete their visa process, including biometric enrolment, from their preferred location. In 2024, visa at your doorstep bookings in India saw more than six-fold increase compared to 2019 and a 21 per cent growth over 2023.