In a significant development for the travel sector, visa application volumes from the Philippines experienced a notable increase of approximately eight percent in 2025. This growth is attributed to the restoration of travelers' confidence, as individuals are once again eager to explore global destinations, according to VFS Global. As the global leader in trusted technology services, VFS Global empowers secure mobility for governments and citizens, providing visa services on behalf of 33 foreign governments operating within the Philippines.
Popular Destinations and Traveler Preferences
In 2025, travelers from the Philippines showed a strong preference for a diverse range of international locations. The most sought-after destinations included Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Japan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, listed in alphabetical order. This variety highlights the broadening horizons of Filipino travelers as they resume their international journeys post-pandemic.
Insights from VFS Global Leadership
Atul Lall, Regional Head for North Asia at VFS Global, commented on the positive trend, stating, "This healthy rise in visa applications from the Philippines last year indicates that travelers' confidence has been restored and people are exploring their favorite global destinations again." He expressed optimism for the future, adding, "We are confident that this positive travel momentum will be sustained in 2026 as well." Lall also urged prospective travelers to plan ahead, advising applicants to submit their visa applications early to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure a smoother process.
Rising Demand for Personalized Visa Services
A defining trend in the 2025 visa application patterns was the strong demand for personalized services designed to enhance convenience for applicants. Among these, the Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) service stood out, registering an impressive 62 percent year-on-year increase. This innovative service allows applicants to complete their entire visa application submission process from the comfort of their homes or any other preferred location, eliminating the need for in-person visits to application centers.
Expanded Service Offerings in the Philippines
VFS Global currently 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
Additionally, the company provides a highly flexible Mobile Visa Application Centre (MVAC) facility for visa applicants from these countries. This mobile service enhances customer convenience, incorporates advanced security features, and expands network reach to better serve applicants across various regions.
Growth in Premium Visa Services
Alongside the surge in doorstep services, other premium options have also gained traction. The demand for the Premium Lounge service, which offers end-to-end personalized assistance with visa application submission in a comfortable lounge setting, is rising in tandem with overall application volumes. Another service, named Prime Time, allows for visa application submissions outside of standard working hours, including weekends, and has seen healthy adoption since the pandemic era.
It is important to note that all these premium services are optional and do not influence the speed of the visa process or the likelihood of a favorable decision. They are designed solely to improve the applicant experience by providing greater flexibility and comfort.
Post-Pandemic Trends and Future Outlook
Atul Lall further elaborated on the post-pandemic landscape, noting, "We continue to see a healthy adoption of personalised services such as VAYD and Premium Lounge by discerning travellers post the pandemic due to health considerations." He emphasized that these services enhance the overall visa application experience by reducing the need for applicants to stand in queues. Looking ahead, Lall added, "We foresee higher demand for such premium services, prioritising safe travel this year as well."
VFS Global's Extensive Network in the Philippines
VFS Global caters to 33 sovereign governments in the Philippines, including:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- Gambia
- Germany
- Greece (which also represents Portugal)
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Lithuania
- Malta
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norway (which also represents Iceland)
- Oman (for Attestation Services)
- Qatar
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Türkiye
- UAE (for Dubai visa and Attestation Services)
- UK
- and Ukraine
This extensive service network is supported by 61 visa application centers spread across eight key cities in the Philippines: Batangas City, Cebu, Davao, Makati, Paranaque, Pasay, Quezon City, and Taguig. This widespread presence ensures accessibility and convenience for applicants throughout the country.
