Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that a new VFS Global visa application centre will officially open in Bhubaneswar on 1 April , 2026.
This launch date holds special significance as it coincides with Utkal Divas, or Odisha Day, celebrating the state’s foundation. The establishment of this centre follows a formal request from the Union Minister to the External Affairs Minister and the CEO of VFS Global, Zubin Karkaria.
For years, residents of Odisha faced the logistical and financial burden of traveling to Kolkata, Delhi, or Hyderabad to complete visa formalities. This local facility is designed to eliminate those hurdles, offering a streamlined process for students, business professionals, and families seeking international travel.
The centre will be located at the Babasaheb Ambedkar Bus Terminal(BASBT) in Baramunda, where the Odisha Government has provided 3,000 square feet of space to support its operations.
In its initial phase, the facility will focus on processing visa applications for the United Kingdom and selected Schengen countries, with plans to include more nations as demand increases.
Beyond basic application submission, the centre will offer premium concierge services such as personalized form-filling assistance, travel insurance guidance, and document verification.
This initiative is expected to enhance international mobility for the region and create new specialized employment opportunities for local youth, aligning with the broader mission of improving the ease of living for citizens.