UAE, US, and Schengen See Surge in Visa Applications as Travel Demand Rises

The number of visa applications rose 45.5% in 2024 compared to the year before, according to data from Atlys, a well-known visa processing firm. Every year, travel to popular destinations like Dubai, Egypt, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia has grown from 22% to 51%.
This increase indicates a change in the priorities of travel, as a burgeoning middle class and a strong post-pandemic thirst for discovery have driven vacations from luxury experiences to necessary lifestyle choices.

The report further highlights a 68% rise in overall visa applications, with Schengen countries, the USA, and the UAE ranking as top destinations. According to early booking trends, these regions will continue to attract tourism interest throughout the year. One of the key forces behind this trend is Gen Z travelers, who are characterized by experience-driven travel, short stays, and spontaneous vacations. Travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences continue to choose destinations such as Egypt, Japan, and Indonesia.

A growing trend for 2024 is the increasing number of first-time foreign visitors choosing destinations such as Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan. These countries are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordable travel alternatives and streamlined visa requirements, which open them up to new international travelers.

Another notable trend is the rise of “multi-country summer vacations,” in which tourists purposefully take advantage of visa approvals and reasonably priced airfares to visit multiple destinations in a single trip. The demand for these permits has increased as Indian travelers use Schengen visas to visit multiple European countries such as France, Spain, and Italy on a single itinerary.

The changing nature of travel means that vacations are becoming a core part of contemporary life, rather than just occasional entertainment, says Mohak Nahta, CEO of Atlys. Travel is a top lifestyle priority, as evidenced by the increasing number of applications, which demonstrate a shared passion for adventure, cultural exploration and well-thought-out travel planning.