Guwahati Gets VFS Visa Application Centre Touted as Northeast’s First

Officials say the centre will let residents apply locally for visas to 14 countries, reducing travel time and cost for people seeking tourism, education or business travel.

Overview

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the VFS-operated Visa Application Centre in Guwahati on Thursday.
The facility will accept applications for 14 countries, a list officials say includes Austria, France, Japan and Ireland.
VFS Global will handle application intake and customer services while embassies and consulates retain sole authority to grant or refuse visas.
State officials said the centre will spare applicants from travelling to distant cities for visa appointments, which should cut both time and expense for people across Assam and neighbouring Northeastern states.
Guwahati’s role as a regional gateway and a planned hub-and-spoke international transit arrangement at the airport from October 27 could raise outbound travel and increase demand for the new centre.