The new Guwahati facility at ISBT, Khanapara, is set to handle visa applications for 14 countries, with submissions for Italy and the Czech Republic scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026.
VFS Global has announced the opening of its first Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Assam, establishing a new access point for international visa services in Guwahati. The facility is expected to serve travellers, students, business professionals and other applicants from across Northeast India, reducing the need for some residents to travel to distant cities to submit visa applications.
Located on the first floor of the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Khanapara, Guwahati, the centre will facilitate visa applications for 14 countries, according to the company’s announcement. Official country-specific notices published by VFS Global confirm that applications for Italy and the Czech Republic will be accepted at the Guwahati facility from October 26, 2026.
The opening represents an expansion of visa application infrastructure in a region where international travel demand is linked to tourism, overseas education, business engagement and family visits.
Assam government and diplomatic representatives attend inauguration
The centre was inaugurated by Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam; Ajanta Neog, Minister for Tourism; Charan Boro, Minister for Transport; and Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia at VFS Global, according to the announcement.
Representatives from the diplomatic missions of Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Italy and France also attended the ceremony.
The initiative is intended to improve access to visa application services for residents of Assam and neighbouring states, while strengthening the region’s connections with international destinations.
Commenting on the development, Yummi Talwar said the new facility would improve access to visa services for applicants across Assam and the wider Northeast. She highlighted the growing demand associated with education, business, tourism and international mobility, adding that the company would focus on secure, technology-enabled processes and service delivery.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the centre as a step towards improving regional connectivity and expanding opportunities for young people, businesses and visitors.
Visa services for 14 countries
The Guwahati centre is scheduled to facilitate applications for the following countries, as listed in the company’s announcement:
- Austria
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Egypt
- Estonia
- France
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Malta (D-visa applications)
- Morocco
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Applicants should check the relevant country’s official VFS Global website for appointment availability, application procedures, documentation requirements and service commencement dates. The opening of a centre does not necessarily mean that every listed country’s service will begin on the same date.
VFS Global’s official notices confirm that Italy submissions are scheduled to start on October 26, 2026, and that the Czech Republic facility will also begin accepting applications from that date.
Guwahati to serve applicants across the Northeast
The centre is intended to serve residents of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.
Guwahati’s established air, rail and road connections make it a practical regional hub for applicants travelling from other parts of the Northeast. The ISBT, Khanapara location also provides access through public and private transport networks.
For travellers, the availability of a regional submission centre can reduce the logistical burden associated with visa applications, particularly where the alternative involves additional travel, accommodation and time away from work or study.
However, applicants should confirm whether their place of residence falls within the relevant visa jurisdiction and whether the destination country’s procedures require an appointment or additional in-person formalities.
Expanding visa services in India
The Guwahati opening forms part of VFS Global’s wider presence in India’s visa application services market. The company works with governments to manage administrative aspects of visa applications, including document submission, biometric enrolment where required and application handling.
According to figures provided in the company’s announcement, VFS Global serves 53 sovereign governments through 561 Visa Application Centres across 20 Indian cities. These figures have not been independently verified for this report.
The addition of Guwahati extends the company’s stated network into Northeast India, bringing visa application services closer to residents who may previously have needed to travel to other cities.
For the travel trade, the development could simplify pre-travel planning for customers applying for visas to the countries covered by the centre. Travel agents and tour operators should nevertheless continue to verify destination-specific requirements, appointment availability and processing timelines before confirming travel arrangements.
As international travel opportunities expand across India’s regional markets, accessible visa application infrastructure can play a supporting role in connecting travellers with overseas tourism, education and business destinations.
