When it comes to applying for visas abroad, two best visa centre come up: VFS Global and VisaHQ. Visa application centre specialize in assisting travelers, tourists, businesspeople, and expatriates in securing the necessary travel documents, but they differ significantly in services, coverage, pricing, and convenience.
In this article, we compare the two to help you decide which visa provisioning service Company is best visa centre in 2025.
Overview of the companies
VFS Global
Founded in 2001, VFS Global is the world’s largest visa service centre specialist. It partners directly with over 60 governments to manage visa processing tasks, including biometric collection and document verification. With Vfs you can apply Canada, Serbia and many other countries.
VisaHQ
Established in 2003, VisaHQ is a private, third-party global visa centre. Unlike VFS, VisaHQ visa agent does not work directly on behalf of governments but acts as an intermediary, helping travelers navigate the application process and submit their paperwork.
Key differences
| Feature | VFS Global | VisaHQ |
|---|---|---|
| Government Partnership | Direct official partner for many embassies | Independent third-party service |
| Service Type | Appointment booking, biometric capture, processing | Online application help, courier services |
| Global Presence | 145+ countries, 3000+ application centres | Offices in 10+ countries, mostly North America & EU |
| Application Handling | Physical appointments mandatory in many cases | Mostly online + courier |
| Processing Speed | Standard, depends on embassy | May offer express services at extra cost |
| Fees | Lower (government-set fees + small VFS charge) | Higher (VisaHQ service fees + embassy fees) |
| User Experience | Mixed (long queues, bureaucratic) | Generally smoother, more digital |
Pros and Cons
VFS Global – Pros:
- Officially authorized by embassies and consulates.
- Secure biometric processing.
- Transparent and typically cheaper in terms of service fees.
- Required for many visa types (e.g., Schengen, UK, India).
❌ VFS Global – Cons:
- Often criticized for long waits and poor customer service.
- Physical presence usually required.
- Rescheduling or contacting support can be difficult.
VisaHQ – Pros:
- Fully online interface with easy-to-follow instructions.
- Excellent for travelers applying from remote locations.
- Responsive customer support and tracking.
- Offers optional document pickup and delivery.
VisaHQ – Cons:
- Not officially recognized by most governments.
- Additional service fees can significantly increase costs.
- Cannot process biometric or in-person-required visas.
Which should you choose?
- Choose VFS Global if:
You are applying for a visa that requires biometrics, like the UK, Canada, or Schengen visas. If the embassy mandates using VFS Global, you have no other choice. Especially VFS Global India is key player for applying in this country. - Choose VisaHQ if:
You want convenience, don’t need to appear in person, or are applying for a less strict visa (e.g., for Turkey, Egypt, Kenya, or eVisas). It’s also useful if you live far from major cities and want to avoid travel to an application centre.
Final verdict
There’s no universal best visa centre—it depends on your destination, type of visa, and personal preference.
- For official embassy processing and biometric submission, VFS Global is the right visa application centre.
- For online convenience and concierge-style service, VisaHQ can be worth the premium.
Before deciding, check the embassy’s visa requirements, and see if they mandate using a specific provider. When allowed to choose, weigh the costs, urgency, and convenience.
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