Lucknow :
VFS Global has announced the opening of a joint visa application centre in Lucknow, India, allowing nationals of India to apply for Schengen visas for certain countries without having to travel to New Delhi.
The new centre will cater to citizens of Uttar Pradesh and nearby areas,
providing visa services for Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Portugal, Hungary, Italy, and Germany.
The inauguration of the new centre was held on February 4th and was attended by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath,
who noted that the centre is equipped to handle demand.
Optional premium services will also be available, including form-filling assistance, courier insurance, travel medical insurance, and SMS notification.
While India has not yet reached a visa-liberalisation agreement with Schengen member states, obtaining a visa remains a requirement for Indian citizens seeking entry to the area.
A Schengen visa allows for a short-term stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area for tourism or business purposes.
Individuals from India who wish to travel to the EU for tourism purposes must apply for a tourist Schengen visa.
To apply, they must provide a fully completed visa application form, a valid passport, and two recent photos taken within the past three months.
Additionally, applicants must provide proof of EU travel health insurance, confirmation of accommodation, evidence of sufficient financial resources, and proof of a roundtrip reservation.
Depending on their employment status, additional documentation may be required.
