March 7, 2017 TnH Global

VFS Global expands service network for Czech Republic launches Visa Application Centre in Kochi

Newly opened centre in Kochi is the eleventh visa application facility for the Czech Republic in India

The Embassy of the Czech Republic and VFS Global have launched the eleventh Czech Republic Visa Application Centre in Kochi, India, bringing access to visa application facilities for residents of Kochi in a spacious and comfortable environment.

The centre was inaugurated by Mr. Martin Smolek, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and H.E. Mr. Milan Hovorka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in India and, Mayor of Municipal Corporation of Kochi, Hon. Ms. Soumini Jain on 03 March 2017. The inauguration was also attended by other key members from the Embassy and VFS Global. This new centre in Kochi is centrally located at 1st Floor, Coastal Chambers (Manoj Tower), M G Road, Ravipuram, Kochi 682015, Kerala.

In the last one year, Kochi is the eleventh city in India where VFS Global has launched a Visa Application Centre for the Czech Republic, to provide for the growing demands for visas to the country among Indian tourists. A day earlier, on 02 March 2017, a new Czech Republic Visa Application Centre was also launched in Jaipur, India.

At the launch, HE Mr Milan Hovorka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to India, said he cherished inaugurating such a centre in yet another major city in India where people can submit their Schengen visa applications for travel to the Czech Republic by visiting VFS Global centres.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Mr Martin Smolek said he was glad to have the opportunity to inaugurate the Czech Republic Visa Application Centre in Kochi during his very first visit to India. He said, “Indeed, we continue to deliver on our promises and aim to strengthen our relationship by encouraging more and more people to travel to the Czech Republic. This is not yet the end of our endeavors as we will announce the opening of additional Czech Visa Applications Centres soon.”

The setting up of a eleventh visa application centre in India in less than a year since commencement of services for the client government in India, signifies the company’s strengthening association with the Embassy of the Czech Republic. Before these centres, applicants earlier had to travel to Mumbai or Delhi to apply for Czech Republic visas.

Commenting on the launch, Vinay Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East and South Asia, VFS Global, “We are pleased to further enhance the visa services network for the Czech Republic in India, through this modern visa application facility in Kochi. The new centre will serve the ever-increasing volumes of visa applications for the Schengen country, and illustrates the emerging popularity of the Czech Republic as a tourist destination. We are confident that the introduction of professional and hassle-free Czech Republic visa services in Kochi will be well-received by aspiring travellers from this city.”

VFS Global consistently strives to support the client government in smoothly processing large volumes of visa applications in India and to enhance accessibility to visa application facilities for leisure, MICE, and business travellers, so that the Embassy can focus on the key task of adjudication of visa applications. VFS Global first set up visa application operations for the Czech Republic in 2008, in Russia, and has since established a robust network of 83 centres for this client government across 18 countries.

Key features of the centre include:

Convenient and central location
Skilled staff well-versed with the local language to handle applications and queries
Extended operating hours enabling visitors to submit applications at their time of convenience
Dedicated website for easy access to information including visa categories, requirements, checklist, applicable fees, visa status update
100% secure handling of passports, documents and personal information
Doorstep delivery of passports

Czech Republic Visa Application Centre

Address: 1st Floor Coastal Chambers (Manoj Tower), M G Road, Ravipuram, Kochi 682015 Kerala

Helpline: 02267866023

Email: info.czechindia@vfshelpline.com

Website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/czechrepublic/india/

Operational from Monday to Friday, except holidays as declared by the Embassy

Submission Timing for Applicants, Representatives and Travel Agents: 0800hrs – 1200hrs and 1300hrs – 1500hrs (with prior appointment)

Document Collection Timing: 0800hrs – 1200hrs and 1300hrs – 1500hrs