Indian nationals seeking an Italian Schengen visa now have a dedicated visa application center in New Delhi. The new facility, operated by VFS Global, aims to simplify and improve the visa application process for those planning to visit Italy.
Inauguration of the New Visa Centre
The Italian Visa Application Centre was officially inaugurated in New Delhi, with notable attendees including Italy’s Ambassador to India, Antonio Bartoli, officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Consuls from various Schengen Area member states. The center is exclusively dedicated to processing visas for Italy.
Enhanced Visa Services for Indian Travelers
Ambassador Antonio Bartoli expressed his excitement over the launch of the new center, highlighting its importance in meeting the growing demand for visas from Indian travelers. He noted that the new facility will offer improved service and faster processing times.
“Our goal is to significantly improve the quality of visa services for Indian citizens,” said Bartoli.
Growing Demand for Italian Visas
Italy has seen a sharp increase in visa applications from Indian nationals. In 2022, the Embassy of Italy processed 67,000 applications, while in 2023, this number surged to 91,600 across New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
With the opening of a new Consulate General in Bangalore, the demand for Italian visas in India has grown even further.
In the first six months of 2023 alone, 54,200 applications were processed, a 28% increase compared to the same period last year. By the end of 2023, visa applications in India are expected to surpass 100,000.
Visa Challenges for Other Regions
While the demand for Italian visas is rising in India, applicants from several African and Asian countries face higher rejection rates for Schengen visas.
Italy’s visa refusal rate for certain regions is above the average, with an 87.55% rejection rate for applicants from these areas.
In 2023, Italy received 1.1 million Schengen visa applications, making it the fourth most sought-after country for visas in Europe, following France, Germany, and Spain.
Conclusion
The new Italian Visa Application Centre in New Delhi is a positive step towards accommodating the growing interest of Indian travelers. With faster processing times and improved services, the center is set to meet the increasing demand, making travel to Italy more accessible for Indian nationals.