No Free Lunch Podcast - Visa Challenges and Modern Visa Solutions
Travel Visa applications have become an increasingly important issue for African business travellers. What may appear to be a straightforward administrative step can involve lengthy delays, complex requirements, high refusal rates, and significant costs
In this episode of <em>No Free Lunch</em>, host Greg Stewart speaks with Hariprasad Vishwanathan, COO for Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, about why international travel is becoming more difficult in some parts of the world, while African countries are simultaneously moving toward more open and accessible travel systems.
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Visa Challenges and New Travel Solutions for African Business Travellers
Travel Visa applications have become an increasingly important issue for African business travellers. What may appear to be a straightforward administrative step can involve lengthy delays, complex requirements, high refusal rates, and significant costs.
In this episode of No Free Lunch, host Greg Stewart speaks with Hariprasad Vishwanathan, COO for Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, about why international travel is becoming more difficult in some parts of the world, while African countries are simultaneously moving toward more open and accessible travel systems.
Watch the Podcast Here:
Visa Bottlenecks and Challenges
The discussion begins with the changing global visa environment. Geopolitical tensions, migration concerns, and heightened security requirements have contributed to stricter application processes in destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, and Australia.
For business travellers, these developments can disrupt investment plans, staffing, partnerships, and project timelines. Greg highlights the particularly high refusal rates experienced by applicants from several West and Central African countries.Hari explains that VFS Global does not decide whether visas are approved or refused. Its role is administrative: helping applicants submit documents, provide biometrics, and meet the requirements established by embassies and governments. The company is working to make this process more convenient through mobile biometrics, doorstep services, temporary enrollment locations, longer operating hours, weekend appointments, and optional premium lounges.
Technology Provides Some Solutions - More to Come
Technology is another major discussion focus. Applicants in some markets can upload documents before attending an appointment, allowing preliminary checks against embassy requirements. VFS Global is also involved in electronic visa and electronic travel authorization systems, including services supporting Mozambique and other countries. These systems can reduce airport delays and make it easier for travelers to plan business activities.Greg raises the idea of a reusable digital identity vault containing verified biometrics, photographs, passports, and supporting documents. Hari notes that some visa systems already allow fingerprints to be reused for several years, while artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to assist with document checks. However, privacy, data protection, and security remain essential considerations.The episode also covers priority and super-priority services, including faster UK processing options.
Planning in Advance Still Key Solution
Even so, visa validity, processing times, and final decisions remain entirely under the control of embassies and government ministries. Hari’s central advice is to plan well in advance, follow official requirements carefully, avoid fraudulent agents, and apply as early as possible—particularly for travel during busy periods.
The conversation concludes by considering VFS Global’s presence across approximately 40 African countries and 250 application centers. As travel continues to evolve, digital systems and more accessible services may help make international business travel faster, clearer, and more predictable.
