The surge in travel activity that began in 2022 has continued into 2024, with travel data showing promising trends. In the first four months of 2024, visa volumes for applications processed via VFS Global in South Africa were already at 25% of the 2023 number. Of visas processed by VFS Global, Canada remains the top outbound travel destination in South Africa, followed by Schengen countries like Italy and The Netherlands.
VFS Global is a leading outsourcing and technology service specialist that embraces technological innovation to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport and consular services.
Outbound travel rebounded last year to pre-pandemic levels. According to a World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) report in collaboration with VFS Global, the African travel and tourism sector could potentially add US$168 billion (R2,95 trillion) to the African economy and create over 18 million new jobs. This growth depends on policies such as improving air infrastructure, visa facilitation, and tourism marketing.
While visa processing timelines vary country-wise, and details are available on our website, visa processing could take longer than anticipated during increased outbound travel demand.
Here are six useful points for travel agents to know, to enable them to prepare clients for their visa application process:
VFS Global does not control appointment availability
VFS Global manages only the administrative and non-judgmental tasks related to visa, passport and consular services for the governments. The company does not play any role in the decision-making process of visas – this is the sole prerogative of the respective governments.
The availability of visa appointments, mandatory documentation, and the visa application decision, including the processing time, are entirely at the discretion of the respective governments. Once scheduled, we highly recommend applicants to be at the visa centre 15 minutes before the appointed time to avoid missing their slot. VFS visa appointments are free and available only on www.vfsglobal.com on a first-come-first-served basis.
The time taken for visa processing differs with each mission
Clients should check the turnaround timelines before applying. Opting for any optional, value-added services (such as Prime Time, Form-filling, or any other service) does not guarantee a quicker or more positive decision by the relevant Embassy/Consulate. On the other hand, premium services like Visa At Your Doorstep have increased over the past three years as more and more applicants seek the ease and convenience these services offer in their travel planning, at an additional cost.
Peak travel demand
Due to the increased demand for outbound travel post-pandemic, during peak periods, we have implemented:
- Extended hours of operations
- Appointments and dedicated hours for submission of passports
- Dedicated hours for passport pick-up
- An additional waiting area for applicants requiring services at the centre.
Common reasons for rejection of applications
The most common reason visa applications are rejected is incorrect or insufficient information being submitted in/with the application. It is important to check the respective country websites by visiting our website, www.vfsglobal.com, under the document checklist section. The optional form-filling service offered at an additional cost for some locations could ensure that the correct information is submitted.
What is covered in the refund policy?
VFS Global’s refund policy applies to any service fees and optional value-added service charges it collects from applicants as part of the visa process. This does not apply to visa and legalisation fees paid for the visa as this is at the discretion of the respective visa-issuing government. (Legalisation is the process of authenticating or certifying a document to be used for official purposes by an Embassy or Consulate. This is a fee borne by applicants for submitting specific documents in the legalised form expected by the Mission.)
Applicants are eligible for a refund if they have been charged more than once for the same service or if they have paid an excess sum - if proof is provided. To apply for a refund, they must complete the Refund Request Form with the supporting documents online within 30 days from appointment cancellation. Refunds will be processed using the same mode that was used for the original payment.
The importance of correct, timeous applications
Because of the surge in demand for outbound travel, and with limited appointment slots available, we urge agents to encourage clients to apply for visas as early as possible. Agents should also ensure their applicant carries all the requisite documentation, including a printout of the checklist, to submit along with the duly filled application form. It’s a good idea to remind clients to check our website for important requirements before they plan to apply. They should also read the description of measures to follow when visiting the visa application centre for submissions.
