In a noteworthy trend, visa applications from Ahmedabad have seen a substantial increase, indicating a surge in students and tourists exploring international destinations. According to data from VFS Global, the city experienced a 10% rise in visa applications in 2023 compared to the previous year, showcasing a growing interest in overseas travel and education.
Moreover, the visa application rate in Ahmedabad witnessed an impressive 32% surge from pre-Covid levels in 2019, underlining the resilience and enthusiasm of individuals to venture beyond borders.
The growth pattern in Ahmedabad aligns with the overall pan-India trend, which recorded a 16% year-on-year increase in visa applications in 2023, as reported by Times of India.
Sharad Gowani, the Head of West at VFS Global, highlighted, “We continued to see high 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.”
In 2023, some of the most sought-after destinations for Indian travelers included Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The demand for Visas at Your Doorstep (VYAD) services is also on the rise, experiencing a remarkable fivefold increase in 2023 compared to 2019, according to the company. VFS Global currently offers VYAD services in sixteen countries, catering to the growing preference for convenient and personalized visa processing.
Sharad Gowani emphasized, “We continue to see a healthy adoption of contactless and personalized services such as VAYD by discerning travelers after the pandemic due to health considerations.”
This surge in visa applications signifies a positive outlook towards international travel and education, with individuals increasingly opting for streamlined and personalized visa processing services.
