Visa application volumes grew more than three folds (332.12%) in 2022 compared to 2021

Visa applications from Sri Lanka in 2022 witnessed significant recovery driven by pent-up demand, opening of international borders, and eased COVID protocols. According to VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, visa applications from Sri Lanka in 2022 reached 68% of the pre-pandemic levels (2019). In comparison to 2021 when international borders began to open, 2022 recorded three-fold rise in applications.

“We witnessed unprecedented demand from Sri Lanka and the entire South Asia region as a whole in 2022 which led to an extended peak outbound travel season with steady volumes witnessed until December. We are confident that the momentum will further grow and hence it is advisable for applicants to apply for their visas in advance to avoid last-minute surprises,” said Prabuddha Sen, Chief Operating Officer (South Asia), VFS Global.

Another defining trend noticed in travellers’ behaviour was wider adoption of personlised service which began since the pandemic. Premium optional services such as Visa At Your Doorstep, (VAYD) that enables travellers to book the entire visa experience at a location of their choice doubled in 2022 in comparison to 2019. VFS Global offers VAYD for the UK-bound travellers from Sri Lanka. The company caters to 19 direct client governments and 17 represented client governments in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

“Health considerations continue to be a key determining factor in the new normal. As a result we see an increasing number of travellers opt of such services that provide a seamless visa experience and prioratise safe travel,” added Sen.

With the students’ travel season set to begin in a couple of months, VFS Global centres in Sri Lanka would operate extended hours to accommodate the rush. The company would also continue to operate temporary visa application centres in Male for students from Maldives pursuing higher education in the UK.

Peak Season Travel Guide

#ApplyinAdvance

It is recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and stay. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before your date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 09th February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel. Particularly this year with higher demand and limited appointment slots available, we urge applicants to apply for their visa as early as possible.

#DoNotFallForFraud

Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently. We do not charge any payment for scheduling appointments. For any assistance, feel free to reach out to one of our staff or send an email to communications@vfsglobal.com

Enjoy our optional value-added services for a seamless visa experience such as:

• Premium Lounges: Quick, safe, comfortable – get a personalised visa submission experience.
• Form-filling assistance: Allow our expert staff to assist you in completing your visa application on phone or at a visa application centre
  • Courier Service: We deliver your passport and documents. It’s quick, safe, and convenient.
  • Travel Medical Insurance: Get your mandatory Travel Medical Insurance including Covid-19 coverage from global insurers.
• SMS Alerts: Stay updated on the progress of your visa application.
• Visa at Your Doorsteps: Catering to UK-bound travellers, this service enables applicants to book the entire visa experience including biometrics at a location of their choice (homes or offices)

For more information click here: https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/solutions.html