Visa applications climb 8% in 2025

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January 28, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos are regaining the confidence to travel to countries with visa requirements, leading to an eight percent rise in applications in 2025 handled by international processor VFS Global.

VFS Global regional head for North Asia Atul Lall yesterday said the Philippines registered an increase in visa applications last year, underscoring the resilience of travel demand among Filipinos.

Visa filings in the country are centered primarily on Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UK, Lall said.

“This healthy rise in visa applications from the Philippines indicates that traveler confidence has been restored and people are exploring their favorite global destinations again. We are confident that this positive travel momentum will sustain in 2026 as well,” Lall said.

Further, VFS Global posted a 62-percent spike in visa applications through its premium service Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD). By its name, VAYD allows applicants to complete visa filings at their home or in any location of their choice.

Currently, VFS Global offers the service for visa applications in 18 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Japan, Malta, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkiye, the Netherlands and the UK.

VFS Global is bringing its mobile visa application center to different parts of the archipelago to reach Filipinos living in areas far from the town proper.

VFS Global also developed a new service called Premium Lounge where applicants are provided with end-to-end assistance from the comfort of a lounge, catering to individuals who want to skip long queues for the submission of requirements.

“These services (VAYD and Premium Longe) enhance the overall visa application experience for applicants avoiding the need for them to stand in queue. We foresee higher demand for premium services, prioritizing safe travel this year as well,” Lall said. —