VFS Global urges travellers to apply well in advance to avoid peak season rush
Visa application volumes from the Philippines registered around 8% year-on-year rise in 2025 with restoration of travelers’ confidence to explore global destinations, according to VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, which provides visa services on behalf of 33 foreign governments in the Philippines.
Popular destinations preferred by travelers from the Philippines in 2025 were Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and the UK (in alphabetical order).
Atul Lall, regional head – North Asia, VFS Global, said the increase reflects renewed confidence among Filipino travelers. He added that the company expects the positive momentum to continue in 2026 and advised applicants to apply early to avoid last-minute congestion.
Strong demand for personalized services
Strong demand for personalized services designed to enhance convenience for visa applicants continued to define 2025 application patterns.
Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD), which allows applicants to complete the entire visa submission process from their homes or a location of their choice, recorded a 62% year-on-year increase in 2025.
VFS Global offers doorstep visa services for 18 countries in the Philippines, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Japan, Malta, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Türkiye, the UK, and The Netherlands. The company also provides its Mobile Visa Application Centre facility for these destinations, expanding network reach while enhancing customer convenience and security.
Similarly, demand for the Premium Lounge service, which offers end-to-end personalized assistance in a lounge setting, has risen alongside application volumes. Prime Time, which allows visa submission outside regular working hours and on weekends, has also seen steady adoption since the pandemic.
VFS Global emphasized that all premium services are optional and do not influence processing speed or visa decisions.
Lall said travelers continue to opt for personalized services such as VAYD and Premium Lounge due to convenience and health considerations, adding that demand for such offerings is expected to remain strong in 2026.
Extensive network in the Philippines
VFS Global serves 33 governments in the Philippines through a network of 61 visa application centers across eight cities: Batangas City, Cebu, Davao, Makati, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City, and Taguig.
Peak season travel guide
Apply in advance
Travelers are encouraged to apply for visas as soon as flights and accommodation are booked. Most countries accept applications up to 180 days before travel. With higher demand and limited appointment slots, early application is strongly advised.
Do not fall for fraud
Applicants are warned against fraudulent entities charging fees for appointments or services using VFS Global’s name. Appointment booking on the official VFS Global website is free, although some governments require pre-payment of service fees, which are reimbursed or adjusted during the application process. Applicants are encouraged to report suspected fraud through official channels.
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