VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, successfully concluded its six-city roadshow across India. The initiative received an overwhelming response, engaging over 750 travel agents in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Chandigarh, and New Delhi.
Organised ahead of the peak travel season, the roadshow aimed to strengthen VFS Global’s collaboration with travel agents, who play a vital role as the first point of contact for visa applicants. The event was supported by leading travel trade associations, such as the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), and the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), whose leadership echoed the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders.
“The response to our roadshows across cities has been truly heartening, and the positive feedback from the travel trade means a great deal to us. Travel agents are an essential part of India’s travel ecosystem, often being the first point of contact for visa-related guidance. It is important for us to remain connected with them, understand their concerns, and do all we can within our remit to support both them and the travellers. These roadshows reflect our continued commitment to working closely with the travel trade community,” said Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global.
A key highlight of the roadshow was the introduction of VFS Global’s dedicated Referral Programme for travel agents, designed to encourage closer collaboration and improve the overall visa application experience for its customers.
Agents were also encouraged to advise customers to apply for visas well in advance to avoid peak season delays, as most countries accept applications up to 90 days prior to travel, Schengen states up to six months, and the UK up to three months in advance.
A strong focus was placed on protecting travellers from fraudulent entities. VFS Global reiterated that all appointments are free of charge and can only be booked via the official website – www.vfsglobal.com.
The sessions also spotlighted the Visa at Your Doorstep (VAYD) service, an increasingly popular optional offering available on behalf of 19 client governments in India – including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This service enables travellers to complete their visa application process from the comfort of their home, office or location of their choice.
In addition to VAYD, agents were briefed on Prime Time, VFS Global’s exclusive after-hours visa application service. Designed for those with demanding schedules, Prime Time offers the convenience of extended appointment hours, reduced waiting times, and an overall smoother application experience.
For the UK, VFS Global has also introduced new temporary service locations across India, with further expansion planned in the coming quarter.
Another major highlight was the introduction of the Indonesia eVisa platform, now available for 97 nationalities. Travel agents were briefed on the advantages of this digital solution, including group bookings and seamless integration into B2B portals via a dedicated API.
The success of this year’s roadshow reinforces VFS Global’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the travel trade, ensuring streamlined visa services and a more seamless travel experience for all.
