Thailand sees 5-fold rise in visa applications in 2022 over 2021 as international borders reopen

• Volumes still below pre-pandemic levels.
• Travel sentiment recovered faster than expected with the opening of international borders, and unprecedented pent-up demand.
• Visa applications in 2022 (1 January to 31 December) around 600% more than the same period in 2021 courtesy unexpected surge in demand with the opening of international borders and resumption of regular international flights across many markets. 
• Wider acceptance of personalised services – Application for premium (optional) services such as Visa at Your Doorstep (VAYD) more than doubled from 2019.
• Popular destinations include Australia, Japan, Germany, Switzerland and the UK (not in order)

Thailand recorded a five-fold surge in visa applications in 2022 marking an accelerated rebound in travel sentiments, according to VFS Global the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. Applications across all visa categories in 2022 (1 January 1 to 31 December) grew by 576% when compared to the same period in 2021 owing to unexpected surge in demand with the opening of international borders and resumption of regular international flights across many markets. Applications were however, still below the pre-pandemic levels.

“The significant surge in visa applications from Thailand indicates that travellers' confidence has rebounded faster than expected. With the peak outbound travel season expected to start in March, we expect this momentum to grow further and therefore those planning foreign travel outside of Thailand must apply for visas well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush,” said Kaushik Ghosh, Head – Australasia, VFS Global.

Strong demand for personalised services was a defining trend noticed in the 2022 visa application patterns. VFS Global recorded a strong uptick in customised services such as the Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) service that empowers applicants to complete their entire visa application submission process from the comfort of their homes or any other location of their choice. Through this premium service, customers can submit their applications, enroll for biometrics, and get their passport couriered back to their location of choice. VAYD bookings in 2022 (1 January 1 to 31 December) more than doubled from 2019 and grew by 27% from 2021. VAYD services are available for travel to Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and the UK

“An increasing number of discerning travellers are opting for contactless and personalised services post the pandemic. With health considerations becoming a key determining factor in foreign travel, many applicants prefer services such as VAYD or the Premium Lounge that enable a seamless visa application experience without having to stand in a queue. Going forward with the digital consumer experience evolving rapidly, we foresee higher demand for such premium services that enable customers to prioritise safe travel,” added Ghosh.

VFS Global caters to 23 sovereign governments from Thailand comprising Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, India, Italy, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands and 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 [email protected].

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.