Digital visa platform Atlys has launched predictive approval technology to tackle travel inequality for non-UK passport holders. Olivia Palamountain reports

Since its inception in 2021, Atlys has processed more than two million visas for people through intelligent automation.

The platform's unique predictive engine provides exact visa approval timelines and backs this certainty with refund guarantees for rejected or delayed applications. Users can complete applications in under five minutes and upload documents once to become visa-ready for more than 100 countries, eliminating redundant paperwork.

Within six months of its launch, Atlys rapidly became the largest visa processor in India – capturing a lion’s share of the market. Building on that momentum, Atlys launched its services in the UAE last year and has quickly established a strong foothold in the country where 90%  of the population is made up of expatriates, creating a pressing demand for a streamlined visa solution.Atlys has now announced its UK expansion following a US$20 million funding round, acquiring British visa services company Artionis as part of its growth strategy.

The acquisition brings 40 specialists across London, Manchester and Edinburgh offices, with plans to double UK headcount to 80 employees this year. The platform aims to serve the 36% of the UK population who are non-UK passport holders, as well as those seeking a DIY approach to visa applications.

"Expanding to the UK represents more than just market growth – it's about creating a more equitable travel ecosystem," says Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of Atlys. "Our platform is designed to make international travel accessible to everyone, regardless of their passport strength, and the UK's strategic position will help us extend this impact across Europe."

The platform was inspired by Nahta's own experiences as an Indian national at Pinterest, where securing multiple visas for a five-country work trip highlighted the disparities in travel accessibility.

"Since our initial investment, Atlys has demonstrated exceptional growth, processing over two million visas while maintaining strong user satisfaction," says Shraeyansh Thakur, principal at Peak XV. "Their data-driven approach and focus on user experience set them apart."

The company says its impact can be seen in the stories of users such as George, who booked a flight to Dubai to visit his ailing mother and only realised at the airport that his UAE visa had expired.

With Atlys’s assistance, he secured a new visa in just 30 minutes - just in time to board his plane. Another case highlighting Atlys’s effectiveness is Muhammad, a businessman from Hyderabad who initially had his European visa application denied.

Atlys guided him through the process, recommended the most suitable embassy, and helped craft a strong application that showcased his ties to India, ultimately leading to an approval.

Atlys has also expanded into eSIMs, foreign exchange, and travel insurance services.