VFS’ Italy Global app from Feb

VFS Global, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy, will launch the ‘Italy Global’ App on February 1, to facilitate a seamless visa process for Indian travellers heading to the European nation or those interested in doing business there.

Anupriya Bishnoi

The previous year was a record one for Italy, with as many as 61,000 Indians travelling to the European nation, thus marking a year-on-year growth of 25 per cent. According to Vicenzo de Luca, Ambassador of Italy, in 10 years’ time, they have doubled the number of tourist visas to Italy. “That means Italy is becoming one of the top destinations in Europe for Indians. We also encourage Indian movie makers to come and shoot in Italy, and we aim to target the Indian wedding segment,” he says. The Ambassador adds that mobile biometrics launched by VFS will be available to assist with any application queries. A team of VFS Global staff will visit the customer at the location to collect their visa application and enroll biometric data.

We also encourage Indian movie makers to come and shoot in Italy, and we aim to target the Indian wedding segment – Vicenzo de Luca

Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group COO – South Asia, Middle East & North Africa, Americas, VFS Global, says that mobile biometrics will essentially be beneficial to large groups travelling to Italy and will reach every corner of the country. He shares, “Recently, we also launched a new mobile App for Italy – Italy Global – which will go live on February 1 and will act as a complete tourist guide for travellers who are either just applying for a visa or those who are interested in doing business in Italy.”

Daniele G. Sfregola, First Secretary, Head of Consular and Visa Section, Italy, says that realising the importance of the Indian market, the new ‘Italy Global’ App, being launched in collaboration with VFS, will allow applicants to seek assistance through navigation tools and a real-time chat interface. This App will be easy to use and will be handy.