Tag Archives: Slovenia

Germany to roll out Digital Schengen visas for Indians

At a time, when visitations from India to its shores are at a record-high, Germany will be rolling out Digital Schengen visas for Indian nationals by the second quarter of 2025, said its Chennai-based Consul General Michaela Küchler.

In 2023, German diplomatic missions in India issued more than 1.8 lakh (180,000) Schengen Visas to Indians, and for 2024 the number is expected to surpass the 2 lakh (200,000) mark, as per a Wion report by Siddharth MP.

She added that the total time for obtaining a Schengen Visa (including appointment wait time and processing time) from a German mission takes less than four weeks for applicants from Southern India.

Schengen region refers to Europe’s passport-free zone covering most European countries. The largest free travel area in the world, it spans 29 countries that have abolished their internal borders to allow the unrestricted movement of people. Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen region for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 days. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work.

The 29 Schengen countries are Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
(Source: Wion)

Women Traveller is a growing segment of travel.

Atlys’ 2025 Travel Trends forecasts 30% surge in solo female travel

Atlys, a visa processing platform, has released its Travel Trends report, encompassing the key patterns that shaped travel in 2024 and offering a glimpse into emerging themes for 2025. Drawing from extensive data across its platform, the report highlights the evolving priorities of travellers and the broader shifts in the global travel landscape.

The year 2024 saw a steady resurgence in outbound travel, building on the momentum of 2023. Travellers sought meaningful experiences, with affordability and sustainability driving decisions. Cultural exploration, solo adventures, and wellness retreats gained prominence, reflecting a growing focus on personal enrichment and mental well-being.

Adventure tourism and event-driven travel, such as major sports tournaments and global music tours, continued to draw significant interest, showcasing a shift toward immersive journeys.

Mohak Nahta, CEO and Founder of Atlys, said, “Tourism continues to grow year after year, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of meaningful travel. People aren’t just visiting destinations: they’re seeking deeper connections through hidden gems, local cuisines, and transformative adventures. This shift toward more enriching journeys is redefining how we experience the world. We, at Atlys, are committed to helping travellers navigate this evolution, making exploration seamless and memorable.”

Key Travel Trends Shaping 2025
Solo Women Travel: In 2025, solo female travel is set to become a defining trend, reflecting a growing focus on empowerment, personal growth, and exploration. Atlys data reveals that 30% of solo visa applications in 2024 came from women travellers, with projections indicating a 37% increase in 2025. Millennials and Gen Z women dominate this trend, accounting for nearly 70% of solo female travellers aged between their 20s and 40s. The most popular destinations for solo female travelers on the Atlys platform include Bali, Thailand, and Japan, known for their safety, affordability, and immersive cultural experiences. The rise of women-only travel groups and online communities has further fueled this shift toward independent travel, providing women with the confidence to explore the world on their own terms.

Asia’s Tourism Boom: As Asia strengthens its position as a global tourism hub, destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, Indonesia are set to witness significant growth in 2025. Thailand is targeting 40 million international visitors, supported by expanded visa-free policies, increased flight connectivity, and its ongoing efforts to legalize casinos, which could boost tourist arrivals during the low season. Japan is expected to draw 28 million visitors, with Expo 2025 in Osaka anticipated to attract 3.5 million international attendees, showcasing its global appeal. Vietnam and Indonesia, with its affordability, rich cultural heritage, and unspoiled natural beauty, continue to gain popularity among travellers.

The Rise of Wellness Escapes and Slow Travel: Travellers are prioritizing wellness-focused trips, with destinations such as Bali, and Taiwan offering yoga retreats, meditation programs, and holistic health escapes. The rising trend of “slow travel” has encouraged longer stays in culturally immersive settings, where travellers can explore local traditions and reconnect with nature.

Trailblazer Hotels: Travellers are increasingly drawn to unique accommodations that blend comfort with cultural immersion. The global boutique hotel market, valued at USD 25.04 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% through 2030, reflecting rising demand for properties that offer more than just a place to stay. Countries like Italy, Japan, Morocco, and South Africa captivate visitors with boutique riads, traditional ryokans, and vineyard retreats that reflect the lifestyle and traditions of the region. Many of these properties also provide local activities, such as cooking classes, guided cultural tours, or craft workshops, creating a deeper connection to the destination.
Adventure Travel: Adventure tourism is set to thrive in 2025, as travellers increasingly seek immersive and adrenaline-packed experiences. Destinations like Norway, renowned for its Arctic expeditions, and Peru, famous for treks through pristine wilderness such as the Inca Trail, are expected to draw significant interest. Similarly, Australia, celebrated for its vast national parks and unique wildlife, continues to attract adventure enthusiasts. These offbeat experiences reflect a growing global trend toward experiential travel that fosters deeper connections with nature and the environment.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: 2024 saw a noticeable shift, with travellers increasingly seeking offbeat locations over traditional tourist hotspots. This trend is set to continue in 2025, with more people opting for hidden gems that promise unique cultural and natural experiences. Destinations like Slovenia, Laos, and the Faroe Islands are gaining recognition for their authenticity and charm, offering unspoiled beauty and meaningful interactions with local communities.

Pop Culture Pilgrimages: Travel inspired by pop culture is expected to thrive in 2025, as fans continue to plan trips around their favorite movies, shows, and music events. Popular series and influencer-led travel content are fueling excitement for destinations, encouraging travellers to explore local cuisines, traditions, and unique experiences tied to the regions featured. These journeys allow fans to immerse themselves in the worlds they admire, seamlessly blending entertainment with cultural discovery for a truly memorable experience. According to Atlys, there has been a significant surge in visa interest for destinations linked to global media phenomena, with a notable example being Singapore’s Disney Cruise, which is predicted to see a 27.12% rise in demand in 2025.

Nature’s Greatest Shows: Natural spectacles will continue to captivate travellers in 2025, offering extraordinary opportunities for awe and inspiration. Destinations like Iceland and Norway, renowned for the Aurora Borealis, and Egypt, with its prime locations for witnessing solar eclipses, are expected to see a surge in interest. Bioluminescent beaches in Puerto Rico and the Maldives are also drawing visitors with their magical glow. These journeys offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, creating visually stunning and meaningful experiences. According to Atlys data, demand for visas to destinations famous for their natural wonders is on the rise, with Iceland predicted to see an 18.37% increase and Egypt a remarkable 43% increase in 2025.

Culinary Tourism: Culinary tourism is rapidly growing, with the market projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.78% between 2024 and 2031. Iconic events like Italy’s Truffle Festival, Thailand’s Songkran Food Festival, and the Cheese Festival in France are drawing travellers eager to explore local flavors and traditions. Destinations such as Japan, renowned for its sushi and ramen, and Turkey, celebrated for its baklava and traditional meze, are also gaining traction. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, have fueled this trend by showcasing vibrant food festivals and unique dining experiences, making gastronomy a key driver of travel decisions for 2025.

Shifting Demographics and Preferences:
Indian travellers, a critical segment for Atlys, exhibited unique preferences in 2024 that are shaping 2025 trends:
Youthful Wanderlust: 60.74% of Atlys users in 2024 were under 35, demonstrating Gen Z’s and millennials’ dominance in travel.

Increased Mobility: Business and leisure travel hybrid (bleisure) saw significant growth, with 24% of travellers opting for extended stays to explore beyond work commitments.

The growing middle class and the emergence of tier 2 and tier 3 cities paved the way for more international travellers seeking authentic, budget-friendly travel experiences abroad.

Cities that travelled the most: Bangalore lead the way, with Delhi and Mumbai following.

Looking ahead, travel will continue to evolve with a focus on personalization and convenience. As technological advancements streamline the planning process, travellers will benefit from more efficient, tailored experiences.

Visa application volume from Mumbai sees 30% YoY growth in 2023, recovers to 90% of pre-pandemic level

Visa application volumes from Mumbai in 2023 remained strong and closed in further to the pre-pandemic levels with restoration of travellers’ confidence to explore global destinations. According to VFS Global, the visa application volume from Mumbai registered a 30% year-on-year growth in 2023. When compared to the pre-pandemic numbers, visa application volumes from Mumbai reached 90% of the 2019 levels.

The demand pattern in Mumbai was in line with the overall growth trend registered in India, which saw a 16% year-on-year in visa applications in 2023. In comparison to the pre-pandemic numbers, visa application volumes from India reached 93% of the 2019 levels.

“We continued to witness robust demand from India and the entire South Asia region in 2022 which led to an extended peak outbound travel season with steady volumes witnessed throughout the year. We remain committed to providing exceptional customer service through technology-led, seamless, highly secure and reliable solutions,” said Sharad Gowani, Head – West India, VFS Global.

Gowani added that applicants must of wary of fake websites/social media pages impersonating VFS Global and selling appointments in exchange of money. “Appointments are free and available only on www.vfsglobal.com on first come; first serve basis. As a responsible service provider, we will continue to create awareness against the menace and urge applicants to plan their travel early.”

A few of the popular destinations preferred by travellers from India in 2023 were Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK, US (in alphabetical order).

Strong demand for personalised services continued to be a defining trend in the 2023 visa application patterns as well. 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 2023 in India registered around five-fold increase when compared to 2019. VFS Global offers VAYD services for 16 countries in India – Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Switzerland, and UK.

Similarly, the demand for Premium Lounge, an optional service which provides end-to-end personalised assistance with visa application submission from the comfort of a lounge, is rising with the rise in application volumes. Another service named Prime Time, which allows visa application submission outside of working hours and even on weekends, has seen a healthy adoption since pandemic.

Please note that all these premium services are optional and has no bearing in expediting applicant’s visa process or favourable decision-making.

“We continue to see a healthy adoption of contactless and personalised services such as VAYD and Premium Lounge by discerning travellers post the pandemic due to health considerations. These services enhance the overall experience for applicants by offering them greater comfort and convenience when submitting their visa applications. We foresee higher demand for such premium services prioritising safe travel this year as well,” added Gowani.

Visa application volume from New Delhi sees 10% YoY growth in 2023, recovers to 82% of pre-pandemic level: VFS Global

Visa application volumes from New Delhi continued to stay strong in 2023 and closed in further to the pre-pandemic levels with restoration of travellers’ confidence to explore global destinations and easing of travel restrictions. According to VFS Global, the visa application volume from New Delhi registered a 10% year-on-year growth in 2023. When compared to the pre-pandemic numbers, visa application volumes from New Delhi reached 82% of the 2019 levels.

This trend of rise in visa application volume from New Delhi is in line with the overall growth trend registered in India, which saw a 16% year-on-year growth in 2023. When compared to the pre-pandemic numbers, visa application volumes from India reached 93% of the 2019 levels.

Vishal Jairath, Head – South Asia, VFS Global, said, “We continued to witness unprecedented demand from India and the entire South Asia region in 2023 which led to an extended peak outbound travel season with steady visa application volumes witnessed until December. We are confident that this positive travel momentum will sustain in 2024 as well. Thus, applicants who are planning to travel overseas from India are advised to apply for their visas well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.”

A few of the popular destinations preferred by travellers from India in 2023 were Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the UK, the US (in alphabetical order).

Strong demand for personalised services continued to be a defining trend in the 2023 visa application patterns as well. 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 2023 in India registered around five-fold increase when compared to 2019. VFS Global offers VAYD services for 16 countries in India – Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the UK.

Similarly, the demand for Premium Lounge, an optional service which provides end-to-end personalised assistance with visa application submission from the comfort of a lounge, is rising with the rise in application volumes. Another service named Prime Time, which allows visa application submission outside of working hours and even on weekends, has seen a healthy adoption since pandemic.

“We continue to see a healthy adoption of contactless and personalised services such as VAYD and Premium Lounge by discerning travellers post the pandemic due to health considerations. These services enhance the overall experience for applicants by offering them greater comfort and convenience when submitting their visa applications. We foresee higher demand for such premium services prioritising safe travel this year as well,” added Jairath.

VFS Global is the trusted partner to 52 sovereign governments in India and provides visa services on their behalf through a network of over 560 visa application centres spread across 19 cities.