VFS Global, on Wednesday said its Schengen visa application centre in the City will now accept visa applications for France and Switzerland as well.
Vishal Jairath, VFS Global Regional Head (South Asia) said the centre will also accept applications for other Schengen countries like Belgium, Italy, Austria, Malta, Portugal, Sweden and the Netherlands.
“We will accept applications for French visas from applicants in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. For Swiss visas we will accept applications from applicants in Karnataka,” he said.
While the French visa applications will be processed by the Consulate-General of France in Bangalore, the Swiss visa applications will be processed in Mumbai.
The new Schengen visa application centre will remain open from 8 am to 4 pm.
A VFS statement said: “The key features of the new centre will be longer operating hours, dedicated website for easy access, visa information including visa types, applicable fees and application status, professional and responsive staff dedicated to handle visa queries, dedicated call centre unit, e-mail support and door delivery of passports.”
Dominique Causse, Consul General of France, Bangalore said: “The opening of the visa service here by the Consulate General in February 2011 received a tremendous accolade. Most visitors wish to go to France for business contacts, tourism and higher studies. The availability of a direct flight to Paris everyday is also a facilitator.”
Rolf Frei, Consul General of Switzerland, Bangalore pointed out that the centre will only strengthen Switzerland’s endeavours and strong will to intensify people-to-people contact through travel. “Over 76,700 visas were issued to Indians travelling to Switzerland in 2011, an increase of 25 per cent compared to 2010,” he said.
The facility is available at: Prestige Atrium 2nd Floor, No 1, Central Street, Bengaluru 560 001.
Helplines
France: +91 120 6641099; email: infofrancein@vfshelpline.com and website: www.vfs-france.co.in
Switzerland: +91 022 66103407; email: infoswiss.westin@vfshelpine.com and website: www.vfs-ch-in.com.