Doorstep visa applications see 62% growth among Filipino travelers
Scored a P1 seat sale? Check. Snagged a hotel discount? Check. But for Philippine passport holders, there's an extra challenge: visas.
Securing a visa has become the ultimate test of patience (just think of the effort it takes to gather every document and the constant search for an available appointment slot). However, the latest trends suggest that for many, peace of mind has become a travel essential, fueling a surge in demand for seamless services.
According to Atul Lall, regional head of VFS Global North Asia, the landscape of visa applications in the Philippines is shifting rapidly toward personalized solutions.
In 2025, visa applications in the Philippines grew by 8% year-on-year. Most notably, the "Visa at Your Doorstep" service registered a 62% increase in demand.
"What was a necessity in 2020 has now become a convenience for a lot of travelers," Mr. Lall said during a media briefing on Tuesday. "The service enables applicants to complete the entire visa submission process without leaving the comfort of their home or their location."
Visa at Your Doorstep allows applicants to submit their visa application, including biometrics, from their home or any location. It has moved from being a pandemic-era safety measure to a preferred choice for large groups, corporate delegations, student groups, families, and even individuals who wish to avoid the crowds or commute.
These are available to Philippine passport holders applying for visas in 18 countries, such as Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Japan, Malta, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkiye, the UK, and the Netherlands.
How to avail of 'Visa at Your Doorstep'
- Book an appointment. Click on the 'Book Now' button and fill out your details.
- Confirm your appointment. A staff member from VFS will reach out to you within one working day, except on public holidays. They will discuss the requirements, document prerequisites, preferred location, and service fee before you receive the confirmation.
- Submit your application. The VFS Global team will visit your location at the scheduled time and date and assist you with the full application submission process.
- Wait for the results. VFS will send an update via email once they have received the decision from the Embassy. The passport will be returned via a courier service.
The price ranges from P3,500 to P11,750 per person, depending on the number of applicants. The prices are on a per-day basis, and these exclude logistic fees. According to VFS, "if the customer head-count changes, the per-day price will stay the same and cannot be refunded."
- Individual: P11,750
- 2 to 4 pax: P4,800
- 5 to 10 pax: P3,850
- 11 pax and above: P3,500
Apart from VAYD, Lall said their Premium Lounge and Prime Time services have also been gaining popularity since the pandemic.
"Visa applicants have been more receptive to services such as Premium Lounge and Prime Time, which offer flexibility and personalization to submit their visas with ease," Lall said.
The Premium Lounge allows individuals to submit their applications in a private area and enjoy privileges such as free printing, photocopying, courier return of the passport, and real-time notifications. Meanwhile, Prime Time allows individuals to apply beyond working hours and even on weekends.
Lall emphasized, however, that these premium offerings are strictly optional and do not influence the outcome of an application.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant against a rising tide of scammers—specifically those impersonating VFS agents to guarantee approvals or charging illicit fees for appointment slots, which should only be booked through VFS's official website.
To ensure a smooth application, Lall shared a definitive checklist of best practices: apply as early as possible, ensure application forms mirror official documents down to the letter, strictly follow photo specifications, and submit comprehensive documentation, including properly authenticated bank statements.