Applicants are encouraged to use official channels, plan for student, business, and group travel, and remain vigilant against fraudulent intermediaries promising early appointments, faster processing, or guaranteed visa outcomes.
As South Africans demonstrate an unprecedented appetite for international travel across business, tourism, education, and visiting friends and relatives, VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services for governments and diplomatic missions, is expanding its localised network, tech-enabled mobility solutions, and anti-fraud safeguards across South Africa.
VFS Global processed 34% more visa applications in 2025 than in 2024. This momentum has sustained into 2026, with volumes processed so far already reaching 70% of total 2025 volumes. Key international destinations leading this demand include the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, while Schengen countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark continue to show strong positive trends.
Hariprasad Viswanathan, Chief Operating Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global, said, “South Africans continue to demonstrate a strong appetite for international travel, whether for business, education, tourism or visiting family and friends. As demand grows, it is essential that applicants rely only on official information sources and plan their applications well in advance, particularly during peak travel periods.”
Growing demand for personalised, flexible, group travel and mobility solutions
As organisations increasingly coordinate international travel for employees, project teams, students, conference delegates and sports groups, VFS Global is witnessing rising demand for services designed to simplify group application management.
Group Booking Services enable eligible organisations and travel groups to coordinate visa application submissions more efficiently, while solutions such as Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) and On Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) allow applicants to complete application submission and biometric enrolment at a location of their choice, subject to the requirements of the respective client government.
We are also seeing growing interest in flexible mobility solutions such as Visa At Your Doorstep, On Demand Mobile Visa and other group booking services, which help make the visa application process more accessible and convenient while maintaining the robust security and compliance standards required by our client governments. Our continued focus remains on supporting governments and applicants through trusted, transparent and secure services that facilitate seamless global mobility.”, Mr. Viswanathan added.
Reflecting this trend, VAYD volumes in South Africa increased by 65% in 2025 compared to 2024 and have already surpassed total 2025 volumes during 2026. ODMV volumes for UK visa operations have also grown significantly, currently more than twice the application volumes recorded during 2025.
These solutions help reduce travel requirements for applicants, support large-scale application processing and improve convenience for eligible groups while maintaining the same security and compliance standards as traditional application channels.
Expanding visa services accessibility across South Africa
VFS Global continues to enhance accessibility to visa services through a growing network of service offerings across South Africa.
Earlier this year, VFS Global and Discovery launched South Africa’s first dedicated UK Visa Application Centre, located within the Discovery Store in Sandton, Johannesburg. The initiative offers eligible applicants a seamless and premium visa application experience while bringing services closer to customers through a trusted partnership model.
In addition, VFS Global operates UK Premium Application Centres in Bloemfontein and Nelspruit, providing applicants in the Free State and Mpumalanga with more convenient access to visa services closer to where they live, reducing travel time and associated costs. On Demand Mobile Visa services are also available within Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town city limits, providing additional flexibility for eligible UK applicants.
Since commencing operations in South Africa in 2005, VFS Global has continued to support outbound travel and citizen services through a network of 26 Application Centres across 9 cities, serving 24 client governments. South Africa remains one of VFS Global’s most significant operations in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for nearly 30% of the region’s workforce. Approximately 75% of the company’s South African workforce, including senior leadership positions, are women, reflecting a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Beyond its operational footprint, VFS Global supports community development initiatives across the country, including AI and robotics training programmes and sports-based youth development partnerships aimed at creating sustainable social impact.
As outbound international travel from South Africa continues its robust upward trajectory, VFS Global remains dedicated to delivering trusted, secure, and innovative mobility solutions. By expanding regional accessibility, scaling personalised mobile services, and upholding rigorous data protection and anti-fraud standards, VFS Global continues to empower seamless travel for citizens. To plan your next journey, book official appointments, or explore value-added services, visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha.
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