VFS Global Expands Visa Services Worldwide: New Centers, Bigger Capacity, and Better Access for Travelers
VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, has announced a major expansion of its global visa service network. The latest updates include new visa application centres, upgraded facilities, and long-term government partnerships aimed at improving accessibility, reducing wait times, and enhancing user experience for millions of travelers worldwide.
World’s Largest Visa Application Centre Opens in Dubai
One of the biggest highlights of VFS Global’s expansion is the opening of the world’s largest Visa Application Centre in Wafi City, Dubai.
The centre hosts 37 client governments and is designed to process a massive volume of applications daily.
Key features include:
High-capacity processing infrastructure
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AI-powered systems
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Premium lounges and concierge services
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Enhanced biometric technology
The Dubai centre sets a new global standard for visa processing efficiency and customer convenience.
UK Visa Services Expanded Across Sub-Saharan Africa
VFS Global has rolled out an expanded UK visa service network across Sub-Saharan Africa, making it easier for thousands of applicants to access UK visa services without long-distance travel.
Countries in the expansion include:
Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
This rollout aims to improve convenience, reduce application bottlenecks, and support the UK’s global mobility initiatives.
Germany Opens New Visa Centres in Nigeria, Cameroon & Cyprus
A renewed 7-year partnership between VFS Global and Germany’s Federal Foreign Office has led to the establishment of new German visa centres in:
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Abuja, Nigeria
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Lagos, Nigeria
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Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Nicosia, Cyprus
These new centres will process Schengen and national visas, helping thousands of applicants who previously faced long waitlists and limited appointment availability.
VFS Global has also issued a warning to applicants to avoid fake websites and intermediaries, urging everyone to use their official portal to schedule appointments.
Upgraded Schengen Centre Launches in Guangzhou, China
In China, VFS Global has opened an upgraded Schengen Visa Application Centre in Guangzhou, offering improved services such as:
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Premium Lounge access
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SMS notifications
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Courier passport return
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“Visa at Your Doorstep” submission service
The centre serves applicants traveling to Austria, Germany, Sweden, Greece, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Slovenia, France, Malta, and others.
New UK Visa Centre Opens in Angola
A new UK Visa Application Centre was launched in Luanda, Angola, offering full biometric enrollment and several value-added services including:
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Document checking and upload assistance
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Passport courier return
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Premium service options
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“Keep My Passport While Applying” service
This expansion supports rising travel demand between Angola and the United Kingdom.
Portugal Extends VFS Global Contract in Indonesia
Portugal has extended its long-term partnership with VFS Global for operations in Jakarta and Bali.
The centres will continue handling both Schengen and National visa categories, with upgrade options such as:
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Prime Time appointments
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Premium Lounge
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SMS alerts
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Courier return services
VFS Global Wins Global Contract for Slovakia Visas
VFS Global has secured a new 5-year mandate from Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to handle visa processing across 83 countries, with 159 centres set to operate globally.
The project includes:
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87 new visa centres launching in January 2026
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Comprehensive biometric enrollment
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Application submission
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Premium value-added services such as translation and courier return
This major contract positions VFS Global as a core strategic partner for Slovakia’s global mobility needs.
What This Expansion Means for Travelers
The global expansion signals several benefits for travelers:
- More access points: More centres mean less travel to major cities to file applications.
- Reduced backlog: New centres help manage heavy demand in countries like Nigeria and India.
- Better service experience: Lounge access, SMS updates, biometric upgrades, and doorstep services improve convenience.
- Increased processing efficiency: AI-powered systems and high-capacity centres streamline operations.
With global travel steadily increasing, VFS Global’s investment in infrastructure and technology aims to deliver faster, more reliable, and more accessible visa services worldwide.
