#VFSGlobal #SlovakiaVisa #SchengenVisa #GlobalContract #IndiaTravel #VisaServices #SlovakRepublic #TravelNews
Chandigarh:-VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, has been awarded a global contract to process visa applications to Slovakia.
The five-year contract, awarded by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Republic, covers both short stay (C) visas—for visits up to 90 days within Slovakia or the Schengen area for tourism, business, or family travel—and long stay (D) visas issued for stays exceeding 90 days, typically for work or study.
Under the contract, VFS Global will provide visa services across 83 countries, including India, operating visa application centres in 159 cities.
This includes opening 87 new visa application centres in 41 countries in January 2026, with an additional 72 centres in 42 countries expected to open over the course of the contract.
The opening of the centres will help meet traveller demand, with Slovakia experiencing a steady increase in international visitors. The country recorded more than 2.16 million visitors in the year to December 2024, a 3.9% increase on the previous year.
The highest demand for visa applications over the contract term is expected from India, Turkey, Uzbekistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, together accounting for approximately 70 % of the total projected volume. Slovakia’s appeal as a destination is fuelled by its cultural heritage, mountain and spa tourism, and opportunities for longer stays, including work and education. The expanded network of VFS Global centres will help meet the growing demand, providing applicants with greater accessibility, convenience, and efficiency.
Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said, “We are delighted to resume our partnership with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. With growing international travel to Slovakia, our expanded network of centres will make the application process more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.”
Applicants will benefit from VFS Global’s suite of optional, value-added services, which will be available at all Visa Application Centres. These include document authenticity verification to confirm the genuineness of supporting documents, higher authentication of foreign public documents, translation services, courier return services, and other additional services such as Premium Lounges. These optional services are designed to enhance convenience and comfort throughout the visa application process. It is important to note that choosing any of these services will not affect the decision-making process or timeline of visa applications.
VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is strictly limited to front-end administrative tasks, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation, and biometric enrolment. The decision to grant or refuse a visa rests solely with the Embassy of the Slovak Republic or its designated authorities within the Schengen coordination system.
Enhanced Services for Applicants
To improve convenience, applicants will have access to VFS Global’s suite of optional, value-added services at all VACs, including:
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Document authenticity verification
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Higher authentication of foreign public documents
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Translation services
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Courier return services
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Premium Lounges
VFS Global’s role remains strictly limited to front-end administrative tasks, such as collecting application forms, documentation, and biometrics. The decision to grant or refuse a visa remains the sole responsibility of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic.
#VFSGlobal #SlovakiaVisa #SchengenVisa #GlobalContract #IndiaTravel #VisaServices #SlovakRepublic #TravelNews
