Visa applications processed from Ghana in 2023 have nearly doubled compared to the previous year, revealed Hariprasad Viswanathan, head of sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global.
According to Viswanathan, there has been a remarkable 30% increase in applications processed at the Ghana Passport Premium Application Centres managed by VFS Global, indicating a strong inclination towards overseas travel among Ghanaian residents.
“2023 witnessed a significant spike in global outbound travel, and Ghana is no exception,” Viswanathan emphasised during a media session held in Accra. “Based on initial trends, we anticipate this upward trajectory in international travel to persist this year as well.”
Attributing the surge in visa demand to various factors, including the resumption of pre-pandemic travel levels, Viswanathan highlighted tourism, family visits, education, and business trips as common motivations for Ghanaians traveling abroad.
“With the resurgence of outbound travel, we advise applicants to plan ahead and apply for visas early to secure limited appointment slots, akin to booking flights and accommodations,” Viswanathan was quoted to have said in the Ghanaian Times publication.
As a leading player in outsourced visa and consular services, VFS Global remains committed to enhancing the visa application experience through innovative solutions, Viswanathan reiterated. “We strive to keep applicants informed about processing timelines, data security measures, fraud detection, and value-added services.”
Source: Daily Mail GH