VFS Global will now process and facilitate the Nepali visa applications for Italy through its Kathmandu-based office.

Cesare Bieller, Consulate General of Italy in Kolkata, inaugurated the Italy Visa Application Center in Kathmandu recently.

The center will facilitate applicants for Italy Schengen visas, which allow them to travel to Italy and other Schengen countries. According to Schengen rules (26 European countries are now members), all applicants, who intend to spend maximum number of days in Italy or if Italy is the first port of entry or the main destination of their trip, can apply for a visa to the Consulate General of Italy in Kolkata through this new Application Centre in Kathmandu.

Inaugurating the application center, Consul General Beillar said that his office will make the decision on Nepali visa applications through a ´special fast track´ mode. “We will give priority to Nepali applicants and try to ensure that the Consulate General in Kolkata will process visas on a priority basis and passports will be returned to Kathmandu in less than 10 days," said Beillar.

Beillar also said that Italy was expecting a significant increase in the number of visa applications in the upcoming months in the run up to the Milan Expo 2015 which kicks off in Milan on May 1.

“Nepal will have a wonderful pavilion at the Milan Expo 2015. I am sure that a large number of Nepali people want to visit not only the Expo, but also many other scenic destinations that Italy is known for,” he added.