VFS Global Secures Massive Visa Deal for Slovakia: What It Means for Travelers from India, China and UAE

Published on November 20, 2025

In a significant development for global travel and visa processing, VFS Global has been awarded a prestigious five-year contract to handle visa applications for Slovakia. This partnership, formalized with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, will see VFS Global manage visa processing services for both short and long-term stays to Slovakia and the Schengen Area. The contract will cover the processing of visas from applicants in 83 countries worldwide, including major nations such as India and China, through 159 cities where VFS Global will establish its application centers.

Visa Services Provided by VFS Global

Under this new arrangement, VFS Global will be responsible for facilitating applications for both short stay (C) visas and long stay (D) visas. The short-stay visas allow travelers to stay up to 90 days in Slovakia or any other country within the Schengen Area, making it an attractive option for tourism, business, or family visits. In contrast, the long-stay visas are for those wishing to stay for over 90 days, typically for purposes such as work or study.

The contract stipulates the establishment of 87 new visa application centers in 41 countries, set to open in January 2026. In addition, an additional 72 centers will open across 42 countries in the subsequent stages of the contract, reflecting the anticipated increase in demand for Slovakian visas.

Increased Demand for Slovakian Travel

The expanded network of visa centers is expected to help accommodate the growing demand for travel to Slovakia, as international tourism to the country continues to rise. In the year ending December 2024, Slovakia welcomed more than 2.16 million visitors, marking a notable 3.9% increase over the previous year. This surge in international tourism is attributed to Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage, thriving mountain tourism, and well-known spa destinations, all of which attract tourists from around the globe. Furthermore, the country offers a range of opportunities for extended stays, including options for work and study, which further bolsters its appeal.

The demand for Slovakian visas is expected to be particularly strong from countries such as India, Turkey, Uzbekistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. These nations alone are projected to account for roughly 70% of the total visa application volume under this contract. With the expansion of VFS Global’s network of centers, the visa application process will be more accessible and efficient, helping meet the demands of applicants.

Enhanced Services for Applicants

One of the key advantages of the new contract is the range of optional services that VFS Global will offer to visa applicants. These services, available at all Visa Application Centres, include document authenticity verification, which ensures the genuineness of supporting documents. Additionally, applicants can benefit from higher authentication of foreign public documents, translation services, and courier return services.

For those seeking an extra level of comfort and convenience during the application process, Premium Lounges will be available at various centers. These services, while enhancing the overall applicant experience, will not influence the outcome or timeline of visa applications. Applicants can opt for these services based on their preferences, providing a more streamlined and comfortable journey through the visa process.

VFS Global’s Administrative Role

It is important to clarify that VFS Global’s role is confined to front-end administrative tasks, including the collection of visa application forms, the submission of required documentation, and the biometric enrolment of applicants. While VFS Global will manage these essential aspects of the application process, the final decision to approve or deny a visa remains with the Embassy of the Slovak Republic or other designated authorities within the Schengen coordination system.

This delineation ensures that applicants receive efficient, professional support throughout the process, while the ultimate visa decision-making is handled by the appropriate government entities.

A Growing Partnership

Commenting on the partnership, Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development at VFS Global, expressed excitement about the opportunity to resume the collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. He noted that the expansion of VFS Global’s network of centers is designed to meet the rising demand for Slovakian visas, particularly as international travel to Slovakia continues to grow. Vyas emphasized that the partnership aims to enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and overall user-friendliness of the visa application process, which will benefit applicants across the globe.

Conclusion: Strengthening Slovakia’s Global Presence

The new contract between VFS Global and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs marks a major step forward in facilitating international travel to Slovakia. With the establishment of new visa application centers in key regions, enhanced support services, and a streamlined administrative process, Slovakia is poised to continue attracting global visitors and expanding its influence as a travel and tourism destination. As international travel becomes more accessible, Slovakia’s position as a destination for cultural exploration, nature tourism, and professional opportunities is set to strengthen, with the support of VFS Global’s expertise in visa processing.