VFS Global to Open Visa Application Centre in Bhubaneswar on April 1

Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to international travel facilitation in Odisha, VFS Global will inaugurate a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bhubaneswar on April 1, 2026, coinciding with Utkal Divas. The announcement was made by Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday.

The decision was confirmed through a letter addressed to the Minister by Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global Group. According to the communication, the centre will initially process visa applications for the United Kingdom and select Schengen countries. Services for additional countries are expected to be introduced in phases.

The upcoming facility is expected to significantly benefit residents of Odisha, who previously had to travel to Kolkata to complete visa-related formalities. The new centre will help reduce travel time, expenses, and logistical difficulties, especially for students, business professionals, and families.

Apart from visa application processing, the Bhubaneswar centre will provide value-added services including assistance with form filling, document guidance, travel insurance support, and other concierge services. The initiative is also anticipated to create employment opportunities for local youth.

Sharing the update on social media platform X, Minister Pradhan described the move as a “much-needed” step towards ensuring world-class, convenient, and time-efficient visa facilitation services in Odisha. He expressed gratitude to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and VFS Global leadership for supporting the proposal to operationalise the centre in the state.

The Minister further stated that the initiative aligns with the Government’s broader “ease-of-living” vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at improving global connectivity and enhancing access to essential public services for citizens.