In a landmark move aimed at catering to the surging demand for travel to Italy, the Consulate General of Italy in Bengaluru and VFS Global have inaugurated the New VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Bengaluru, exclusively dedicated to Italy. Centrally located in the vibrant Vasanth Nagar area, the state-of-the-art centre is set to enhance the visa application experience for residents of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Boost in Visa Applications
Since the opening of the Consulate General of Italy in Bengaluru in 2023, there has been a remarkable increase in visa applications from southern India. In the first six months of 2024, Italian Visa Offices across India processed an impressive 54,200 applications—a 28% increase compared to the previous year. With this upward trend, Italy is on track to surpass 100,000 visa applications in India by the end of 2024, underscoring the country’s popularity as a travel destination for Indian citizens.
Bengaluru: A Premier Facility for Italian Travelers
The newly inaugurated New VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Bengaluru offers a more personalized and less crowded experience for applicants. Located near Vidhana Soudha and easily accessible from Bengaluru’s international airport, the facility is designed to streamline the visa process, reducing wait times and enhancing convenience for travelers.
During the launch event, Alfonso Tagliaferri, the Consul General of Italy in Bengaluru, highlighted the center’s strategic importance. “This new facility allows us to significantly improve the quality of service provided to the public while meeting the growing demand for travel to Italy. With the recently signed Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement between Italy and India, we anticipate even greater interest in the coming years.”
The Consul General also emphasized how the new facility reflects Italy’s commitment to strengthening ties with India. “This center represents a step forward in our mission to make travel to Italy easier and more accessible for Indian citizens. It is a testament to the growing bond between our two nations.”
Expanding a Long-Standing Partnership
Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, expressed enthusiasm about the enhanced collaboration. “Our partnership with the Government of Italy, which began in 2004, continues to grow stronger. With 11 Italy Visa Application Centres across India, this upgraded facility in Bengaluru is pivotal in addressing the increasing demand for Italy as a top travel destination. We are confident it will make the visa application process smoother and more efficient for travelers.”
A Post-Pandemic Travel Surge
The resurgence of international travel after the COVID-19 pandemic has brought renewed interest in Italy among Indian travelers. From 67,000 visa applications processed in 2022 to 91,600 in 2023, the demand has grown significantly. The addition of the Consulate General of Italy in Bengaluru has been instrumental in managing this growth, offering better accessibility for applicants in southern India.
The new center is expected to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer satisfaction, paving the way for Italy to welcome even more Indian tourists, students, and professionals.
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