More Filipinos are looking to travel overseas despite rising airfares and disruptions to international flights, with visa applications from the Philippines increasing by 20 percent in the first eight months of 2026.
According to visa and passport facilitation provider VFS Global, applications from January to August grew compared with the same period last year, reflecting continued demand for international travel.
Non-Schengen Destinations Gain Ground
Applications for destinations outside the Schengen area posted an even stronger 28-percent year-on-year increase.
Australia, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom were among the destinations that recorded the strongest demand from Filipino applicants.
Meanwhile, applications for Schengen visas remained largely stable. The visa provides access to 29 European countries, with Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland emerging as the leading Schengen destinations for Filipinos during the period.
“The continued rise in visa applications from the Philippines highlights growing confidence among Filipino travelers and a strong desire to explore opportunities abroad,” said Atul Lall, regional head for North Asia at VFS Global.
Rising Airfares Fail to Dampen Demand
The increase came despite challenges that disrupted international travel during the first half of the year.
The escalation of conflict in the Middle East resulted in airspace closures, prompting some Philippine airlines to temporarily suspend or reduce flights.
Travel costs have also remained elevated. By early October, fuel surcharges reached Level 17, adding P559 to P1,635 to domestic fares and P1,846.10 to P13,726.58 to international fares, depending on the route.
Still, VFS Global said the figures indicate that international travel remains a priority for many Filipinos.
“The sustained growth we have witnessed during the first eight months of 2026 reflects this positive trend, and we anticipate healthy demand across key destinations for the rest of the year,” Lall said.
Doorstep Visa Service Sees 58% Growth
Filipinos are also increasingly opting for more convenient visa application services.
Applications through VFS Global’s “Visa At Your Doorstep” service surged 58 percent year on year from January to August. The premium service allows applicants to submit documents, complete biometric enrollment and receive their passports by courier without visiting a visa center.
VFS Global serves 36 foreign governments through 64 application centers across Batangas City, Cebu, Davao, Makati, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City, and Taguig.
