After a gap of nearly 15 years, the Czech Republic has reopened its Consulate in Mumbai, restoring consular services in India’s western region and underscoring the country’s renewed focus on strengthening travel, trade and people-to-people ties with India.
The reopening marks a significant step in improving access for Indian travellers, particularly those from western and southern India, by simplifying Schengen visa processes and enhancing engagement with key outbound travel markets. The move comes amid growing interest from Indian travellers in leisure, business, education and MICE travel to Czechia.
According to CzechTourism, the return of consular services to Mumbai is expected to support rising demand while complementing a coordinated destination promotion strategy planned for launch in 2026.
Coordinated Outreach to the Indian Market
The reopening was formally marked by a press conference and networking event in Mumbai, attended by representatives from the Consulate General of the Czech Republic, CzechTourism, Prague Airport and Czech Trade. The participating agencies outlined a unified national strategy aimed at engaging Indian travellers, students, businesses, film producers and event planners.
CzechTourism highlighted Mumbai’s strategic importance as a source market, noting that Indian visitors are increasingly travelling beyond Prague to explore regions such as South Moravia, Karlovy Vary and Český Krumlov. Officials also pointed to a growing preference for longer stays and multi-city itineraries—trends the additional consular presence is expected to facilitate.
Visa facilitation and destination promotion efforts in India continue to be supported by VFS Global Tourism Services, which represents CzechTourism across India, the Middle East and Israel.
Expanding Accessibility and Market Presence
Outbound travel from India has shown sustained growth in recent years, particularly from western and southern states. The reinstated Mumbai consular office is expected to strengthen Czechia’s accessibility in these regions while supporting broader tourism and economic objectives.
CzechTourism also confirmed plans to launch a new marketing campaign in early 2026, focusing on culture, heritage, gastronomy and wellness experiences, as part of an effort to diversify Indian travel across the destination.
“Mumbai has always been a key market for us, and the return of the Czech consulate after fifteen years is an important milestone,” said Barbara Andelova, International Marketing Manager – New Markets, CzechTourism. “Indian travellers are increasingly exploring Czechia beyond Prague, including wine regions, spa towns and heritage cities such as Brno. Strengthened consular support and closer collaboration with Prague Airport and Czech Trade will help bring these experiences closer to Indian travellers.”
Veronika Senjukova, Consul and Deputy Head of Mission, along with Maros Martin Guoth, Vice Consul for Economic Affairs, said the reinstatement of the Mumbai office reflects a step-by-step approach to restoring and enhancing bilateral services. “The presence of a consular office will significantly ease access for applicants across western and southern India. Progress will be reviewed regularly to ensure service efficiency and continued improvement,” they said.
GB Srithar, Head – Tourism Services, VFS Global, said the development aligns with India’s rapidly expanding outbound travel market. “The reopening of the Czech Consulate in Mumbai comes at a time of strong growth in outbound travel, particularly from western and southern India. Improved visa access and closer collaboration with CzechTourism will help strengthen Czechia’s visibility across diverse traveller segments, from leisure and culture to immersive and experiential travel.”
With enhanced consular access, coordinated promotion and renewed institutional engagement, Czechia is positioning itself for sustained growth in the Indian market while reinforcing long-term cultural, tourism and economic links between the two countries.
Key Impacts:
- Visa Facilitation: Easier Schengen visa access for residents of Maharashtra and other southern states, processed via VFS Global.
- Economic Growth: Supports B2B matchmaking, trade missions, and investment, leveraging Mumbai as India’s financial hub.
- Tourism Boost: Promotes diverse Czech attractions (spa towns, wine regions, heritage sites) beyond Prague, through integrated campaigns.
Strategic Goals:
- Strengthen diplomatic relations and people-to-people connections.
- Position Czechia as a multifaceted destination for culture, gastronomy, and wellness.
- Enhance the “Golden Triangle of Europe” circuit (Prague, Vienna, Budapest) for Indian travellers.
