On November 14, 2024, a new Italy Visa Application Centre was inaugurated in Bengaluru by VFS Global, marking a significant enhancement in visa services for Indian travellers wishing to visit Italy. This facility, located in the Vasanth Nagar area, is designed to cater to the growing demand for Italy-bound visas, particularly as Italy continues to emerge as a popular destination for both tourism and business. The centre aims to provide a more efficient, streamlined visa application process and better customer service for applicants.
The new centre comes in response to a substantial increase in visa applications across India, with the number of Italian visas processed rising by 28% in 2024 alone. By the end of the year, it's projected that over 100,000 visa applications will be processed, driven by both Italy's appeal and the implementation of the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement between Italy and India. The centre will serve the southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, which previously had to rely on the Consulate General of Italy in Bengaluru, which opened just a year ago.
This new centre will offer a range of visa services, including tourist, business, student, work, and family reunion visas, making it easier for applicants to access the specific visa they need. It promises faster processing times and improved facilities, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient experience for the public. VFS Global, which has a long-standing partnership with the Italian government, is confident that this initiative will further improve the quality of service provided to the public.
With Italy's increasing focus on improving global mobility and responding to rising demand for visas from Indian citizens, the inauguration of this dedicated facility underscores Italy's commitment to strengthening travel and migration links between the two countries. This new visa application centre is poised to become a key part of Italy's diplomatic and travel infrastructure in India