Surge in Tourist Visa Applications for Summer 2025

MUMBAI: A remarkable 68% increase in tourist visa applications for summer 2025 has been reported, according to data from visa processing platform Atlys. This surge marks a significant shift in the travel mindset among Indians, who are increasingly prioritizing international vacations as a lifestyle choice rather than an occasional luxury. The data also highlights a growing interest in popular destinations such as Schengen countries, the United States, and the UAE.
Changing Travel Trends
The latest figures reveal that the rise in visa applications follows a strong 45.5% increase in 2024. Popular destinations like Dubai, Egypt, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia have seen growth rates ranging from 22% to 51%. An Atlys spokesperson commented on this trend, stating, “We’re witnessing a remarkable transformation in travel patterns. The surge isn’t just about numbers โ it’s about Indians actively seeking diverse cultural experiences and making international travel an integral part of their lives.”
Generation Z travelers are at the forefront of this travel renaissance, showing a keen interest in experience-focused journeys and shorter stays. Countries like Indonesia, Egypt, and Japan are emerging as top choices for young adventurers eager to immerse themselves in different cultures. This demographic shift indicates a broader societal change, where travel is increasingly viewed as essential.
First-Time Travelers Seek Simplicity
A notable trend for summer 2025 is the rise of first-time international travelers opting for destinations with simplified visa processes. The Atlys spokesperson noted, “We’re seeing increasing interest in countries that offer streamlined visa processes, making international travel more accessible to first-time explorers.”
Destinations such as Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan are gaining popularity among novice travelers due to their easy entry requirements and rich cultural offerings. These locations provide an excellent starting point for those new to international travel, combining accessibility with unique experiences.
Multi-Country Itineraries on the Rise
Another significant trend identified by Atlys is the growing popularity of multi-country summer getaways. Indian travelers are increasingly utilizing Schengen visas to explore multiple European destinations in a single trip, with France, Spain, and Italy being popular combinations. This approach allows travelers to maximize their experiences while being strategic about visa approvals and travel budgets.
The data suggests that the post-pandemic desire to explore, coupled with a growing middle class and improved accessibility to international travel, has created a promising outlook for the summer travel season in 2025. This trend reflects a broader shift in Indian society, where international travel is increasingly viewed as a vital aspect of modern life.
A New Era of Travel
Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys, remarked on the evolving travel landscape: “Itโs remarkable to witness how travel has become an integral part of peopleโs lives. Weโre seeing a surge not only in the number of applications but also in the diversity of destinations Indians are curious about.” He emphasized that this uptick reflects a collective desire to explore cultures and make the most of vacation time, whether for seasoned adventurers or first-time travelers seeking convenience. With the strong visa application figures from 2024 serving as a benchmark, the summer of 2025 is poised to be a landmark period for Indian international travel, driven by cultural curiosity, strategic planning, and enhanced global mobility options.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editorโs Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.