Story perspectives

VFS Global Opens First Visa Centre in Guwahati

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 4:19 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the first VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Guwahati.
The 3,200-sq-ft centre is at ISBT, Khanapara and reachable by private transport.
The centre serves applicants from Assam and seven other northeastern states.
It processes visas for 14 countries, such as Austria, France, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Chief Minister Sarma said the centre will cut travel costs and inconvenience for northeastern visa applicants.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, VFS Global launched India’s first Visa Application Centre in New Delhi, enabling streamlined processing for United Kingdom travel visas for Indian citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that the centre handled 1.2 million applications by 2008, cooperating closely with the British High Commission. Today, Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated a 3,200-sq-ft VFS Global centre in Guwahati, extending services to eight northeastern states. The expansion promises reduced travel costs, faster visa issuance, and bolstered economic integration across the region’s underserved populations.

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Story summary

Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the first VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Guwahati.
The 3,200-sq-ft centre is at ISBT, Khanapara and reachable by private transport.
The centre serves applicants from Assam and seven other northeastern states.
It processes visas for 14 countries, such as Austria, France, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Chief Minister Sarma said the centre will cut travel costs and inconvenience for northeastern visa applicants.

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