Countries Reduce Visa Wait Times While Others Suffer Backlogs

Securing coveted visa interview slots has become significantly easier for several countries, opening doors to dream vacations once again.

This welcome development follows a period of extended wait times due to the pandemic's impact. Previously, hopeful Schengen visa applicants faced a daunting 3-6 week wait. Thanks to increased resources and infrastructure improvements, the wait has been slashed to a mere week, with some fortunate individuals even scoring same-day appointments. However, challenges persist for certain popular Schengen destinations like Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland where significant backlogs remain.

These countries are actively addressing the issue, diligently adding resources and streamlining processes to expedite the flow. To avoid peak-season bottlenecks, VFS Global, a prominent visa processing facilitator, urges early application submissions. The recently updated Schengen Visa Code empowers travellers to apply up to six months in advance, ensuring smoother navigation of anticipated demand surges. While processing times have improved from a two-year average to a more manageable 8-9 months, the application journey itself remains time-consuming. Patience is still required, but the progress is undeniable.

To meet the burgeoning demand, both US missions and Schengen countries are ramping up their efforts. Initiatives such as deploying additional staff and expanding infrastructure, exemplified by the opening of new counters at the US consulate are being implemented. VFS Global anticipates a significant increase in visa applications this year compared to 2023, with popular destinations like the UK, US, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada expected to see the highest influx. Additionally, seasoned travellers seeking fresh adventures are turning their sights towards Nordic countries like Finland, further fueling the demand.

To accommodate this anticipated surge, VFS Global is bolstering its workforce by 30-35% at its Kolkata centre. They also offer a premium "visa at doorstep" service for added convenience. The numbers speak volumes – visa applications processed by VFS Global have skyrocketed by 93% nationwide and 91% in Kolkata compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Compared to 2022, there has been a further increase of 16% across India and 2% in Kolkata.

While obtaining a US visa may still require a dose of patience, the overall outlook for international travel is undeniably bright. Ongoing efforts to enhance resources and infrastructure are paving the way for a smoother visa application process.