MANILA – Visa applications from the Philippines rose 20 percent across all visa categories from January to August 2026 compared with the same period last year, visa services provider VFS Global said Tuesday.
In its latest analysis, VFS Global said applications for non-Schengen destinations increased 28 percent during the period, while demand for Schengen destinations remained unchanged.
Australia, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom were the most popular non-Schengen destinations among Filipino applicants. Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland led demand for Schengen destinations.
Demand for VFS Global’s Visa At Your Doorstep service also increased 58 percent year on year during the first eight months of 2026.
The service allows applicants to submit visa applications and provide biometrics at home or another location of their choice, with passports returned by courier.
VFS Global for North Asia Regional Head Atul Lall said the increase reflects continued demand for international travel among Filipinos.
“Whether for leisure, business, education, or reconnecting with loved ones, international travel remains a priority for many. The sustained growth we have witnessed during the first eight months of 2026 reflects this positive trend, and we anticipate healthy demand across key destinations for the rest of the year,” Lall said.
He urged applicants to submit their applications well ahead of their planned departure and use official channels for visa information and services.
VFS Global provides doorstep visa services for 20 countries in the Philippines and operates mobile visa application centers for additional access to submission services.
The company serves 36 governments through 64 visa application centers in eight cities: Batangas City, Cebu, Davao, Makati, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City and Taguig.
VFS Global’s role is limited to administrative services, including collecting application forms and required documents and enrolling biometrics, where applicable. It does not decide whether visa applications are approved or denied. (PNA) | Photo courtesy of VFS Global
