Visa News

Travel Medical Insurance issued by Russian insurance companies are not accepted for entry into Sweden and travelers must hold a Travel Medical Insurance issued by a company outside Russia (e.g. within the EU)

Please note that processing times for legalisation of documents at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi are currently longer than normal due to increased demand. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Thailand will now allow Indian travelers to stay visa-free for up to 60 days starting December 2025. The move aims to boost arrivals to 2.5 million visitors, encouraging longer stays and wider exploration beyond Bangkok and Phuket.

With easier access, affordable travel, and rich cultural charm, Thailand strengthens its spot as India’s favorite getaway for 2025 and beyond.

The Philippines has introduced visa-free travel for Indian tourists for up to 14 days and launched direct Air India flights from Delhi to Manila after 10 years.

These moves aim to boost Indian arrivals and strengthen tourism ties between the two nations. Since the visa-free rule began in June, travel interest from India has jumped 28%, making the Philippines one of the top three Southeast Asian destinations for Indian travellers.

Starting 30 October 2025, the UK will fully replace traditional visa vignettes (passport stickers) with digital eVisas for most work, study, family, and settlement visa applicants.

Successful applicants and their dependants will need to create a UKVI account to view their visa status online instead of receiving a physical vignette.

The eVisa system—already in use for some work and study visas since July 2025—aims to make travel and border checks faster and more secure.

Starting November 2025, Bulgaria will open new long-term visa centres in major Indian cities — New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai — to make applying for residence, work, study, or family visas easier for Indian nationals.

The move, in partnership with VFS Global, will simplify the visa process, reduce travel time for applicants, and strengthen India–Bulgaria relations through smoother, faster access to long-term visas.

Netherlands Visa Application Update 2025: Only Color-Printed Documents Accepted. The Netherlands Visa Application Centre has announced a new document submission rule — applicants must now submit only color-printed documents for all visa categories; black and white printouts will no longer be accepted at VFS centers effective immediately.

Saudi Arabia has updated its business visa process for Indian applicants — applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months, submit an MOFA-invited letter, Chamber of Commerce endorsement, company cover letter, and proof of qualification matching their job title; processing timelines remain country-specific.

Iceland Visa Application Centre Lucknow 2025: Now Open from 29 October A new Iceland Visa Application Centre will open in Lucknow effective 29th October 2025, making visa submissions easier and more accessible for applicants from Uttar Pradesh and nearby regions, eliminating the need to travel to other cities for Iceland visa processing.

Effective 20 October 2025, all applicants applying for a German visa must visit the VFS Global Centre in person to provide their biometrics, even if they have submitted them previously.

Italy Visa Application Centres to Remain Closed on 30 October 2025

New Delhi, October 19, 2025: Applicants are advised that no applications will be accepted on 30 October 2025 at the Italy Visa Application Centres in Jalandhar, Chandigarh, and New Delhi due to operational reasons.

Revised Appointment Schedule:

• Jalandhar & Chandigarh Centres:

• Appointments scheduled for 29 October have been rescheduled to 31 October 2025.

• Appointments scheduled for 30 October have been rescheduled to 3 November 2025.

• New Delhi Centre:

• All appointments booked for 30 October (excluding Study Long-Term) have been rescheduled to 29 October 2025.

Study (Long-Term) appointments for 30 October have been rescheduled to 22nd, 23rd, 27th, and 28th October 2025.

All applicants are requested to check their registered email IDs for updated appointment details.
A printed copy of this communication must be enclosed with the visa application as a reference during submission at the respective Visa Application Centre.

Germany Visa Centres in New Delhi & Gurgaon to Remain Closed on 20 October for Diwali

New Delhi, October 19, 2025: The Germany visa application and passport collection centres in New Delhi and Gurgaon will be closed on Monday, 20 October, in observance of the Diwali festival.

Applicants with appointments on 20 October are advised to check their appointment portal/email for rescheduling updates. Regular operations are expected to resume on 21 October.

The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (Kolkata) will be closed on Monday, 20 October 2025 and Tuesday, 21 October 2025 for Kali Puja and Diwali.
Normal operations will resume on Wednesday, 22 October 2025.

Plan your visa submissions and collections accordingly.

The France Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Kolkata will remain closed on 20th and 21st October 2025 in observance of Diwali. Operations will resume on 22nd October 2025.

Due to 20 October 2025 being declared a holiday, the Germany Visa Application Centre in Hyderabad will remain closed on this date.

Applicants holding confirmed appointments for 20 October will be served on the next working day, i.e., 21 October 2025, at the same appointment time.

Applicants must carry their original appointment letter along with all mandatory documents when visiting the centre.

The Schengen Entry and Exit System (EES) is set to launch on 12 October 2025.

This new digital border system will replace manual passport stamping with electronic registration at the external borders of 29 European countries.

The initiative aims to simplify border checks and enhance travel security across the Schengen Area.

As per instructions from the Embassy of Moldova, with immediate effect, issuance of Type B (Transit) and Type C (Short Stay) visas has been temporarily suspended until further notice.

Applicants for Type B and Type C visa categories may continue to apply online for an electronic visa via the official platform:
🔗 www.evisa.gov.md

The Embassy will only accept applications for Long-Stay Visas (Type D) until further instructions are issued.

Effective 20 October 2025, the France Kathmandu Visa Application Centre will be relocating to a new address:

📍 Fourth Floor, LS Complex, Thapathali-11, Kathmandu, Nepal

Applicants are advised to take note of this change and ensure that all appointments and correspondence from the mentioned date are directed to the new location.

The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, Mumbai will resume acceptance of visa and attestation applications from 15th October 2025.

Applications already submitted will be processed and issued in chronological order.

Our team at BTW Visa Services will continue to assist travelers and keep you informed on further Updates.

New service charges for Canada visa applications will come into effect from Saturday, 1st November 2025.

Applicants are advised to review the updated fee details before submitting their applications.

For the Netherlands short-term visas (Tourist/Business), the processing time has increased significantly:

• Previous: 15 working days

• Now: 30 to 45 working days

• This change applies across all jurisdictions and is due to high application volumes and backlog at the embassy.
  BTW Tip: Apply well in advance — ideally 6 to 8 weeks before your intended travel date.

Visa fees will be revised to ₹9,000.

Applicants are advised to plan and apply accordingly.

Apply before the hike to save on cost.

Entry Type Decision Single or Multiple Entry – Embassy Will Decide

• While applying for a Saudi business visa, applicants must now only mention their travel intent.

• The final decision on issuing a single or multiple entry visa will be taken by the Saudi Embassy based on the application and supporting documents.
  Please prepare your file accordingly.

Apostille Requirement Varies by MOFA Location

• MOFA from Delhi:

• Degree certificate must be apostilled

• MOFA from Mumbai:

• Apostille not required

Please check your MOFA issuance location before proceeding with document preparation.

Austria Visa Update-Scheduled Server Maintenance Notice

Due to system maintenance, visa payments will not be accepted on the following dates:

• 22nd June & 27th July

• 12:30 AM to 2:30 AM (IST)
  

Saudi Arabia Visa Appointments Now Open – June 2025 Update Good news for travelers!

Visa appointments for Saudi Arabia have officially resumed from today.

• All visa categories — including business, work, and family visit — are now open for booking.

• If you’re planning to travel, this is the right time to start your
  documentation and schedule your submission.

• Need help with attestation, MOFA, or embassy filing?

BTW Visa Services is here to assist you with end-to-end support.

USA Student Visa Update – June 2025

F1 visa appointments are currently on hold.

What’s Affected?

F1 Visa (Student Visa) applicants are unable to book new appointments at the moment.

Why Is This Happening?

U.S. embassies are temporarily holding F1 visa slots due to high volumes and internal scheduling changes.

What Should Students Do?

Monitor official portals regularly

Keep documents ready

Stay in touch with trusted visa consultants like BTW Visa Services

BTW Visa Services Can Help

Track appointment releases

Document guidance

Visa interview prep

Blocked tickets are mandatory — but be careful where you land!

Cyprus is divided into two regions:

• Northern Cyprus (under Turkish control)

• Southern Cyprus (official Republic of Cyprus)

Why This Matters for Your Visa: When applying for a visa to Southern Cyprus, your blocked air ticket must show arrival in the correct region.

• Southern Cyprus: Approved Entry Points

• Northern Cyprus: May lead to visa rejection

Example of a Common Mistake

• Applicant plans to visit Southern Cyprus

• But ticket shows arrival in Northern Cyprus

Result? Visa rejected due to mismatch

What You Should Do: Always confirm your destination city and arrival airport. Book blocked tickets to official Southern Cyprus entry points only Review your itinerary before submission

BTW Visa Services Can Help : From selecting the correct entry point to booking the right flight — we ensure your visa file meets exact consulate guidelines.

For business travel to Romania, the following documents are now mandatory:

• An authorization letter, duly apostilled

• An invitation letter, attested by the Romanian Ministry

Ensure both documents are correctly verified before submission to avoid delays or rejections.

The Schengen visa fees have been revised:

• Adults: €80 ➝ €90

• Minors (6–12 years): €40 ➝ €45

Travelers applying after 11th June must pay the updated fees as per new EU regulations.

Saudi Arabia had recently opened appointment slots for all visa categories.

However, due to a system update at the embassy/VFS, appointments are temporarily closed again.

This is a technical suspension — not a policy change.

Applicants are advised to check back regularly for slot availability or stay connected with BTW Visa Services for real-time updates.

A new UK Visa Application Center (VAC) has been officially opened in Haryana.

Operational Since: 31st May 2025

Applicants from Haryana and nearby regions can now submit their UK visa applications locally.

This new center aims to improve accessibility and reduce travel time for visa applicants in North India.

Book your appointment at the nearest VFS center with updated location access.

The UK government has announced an increase in visa fees across multiple categories, effective immediately.

• Hike Range: Approximately 10% to 13%

• Affected Visa Types:

Standard Visitor Visa 

• Business Visa

• Tourist Visa

• Family Visit Visa

Applicants are advised to check the updated fee structure before scheduling their appointments or making online payments.

Plan your travel budget accordingly and apply in advance to avoid further hikes.

As per the circular issued by the High Commission of Nigeria in New Delhi,

The mission will remain closed to the public on the following dates:

• Friday, 6th June 2025

• Monday, 9th June 2025

This closure is in observance of Eid al-Adha, as declared by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Visa and consular services will resume on Tuesday, 10th June 2025.

Applicants are advised to plan their submissions accordingly to avoid delays.

For all visa categories (Tourist, Business, Family) under the Delhi jurisdiction,

the processing time has been extended.

• Previous Processing Time: 5–6 working days

• Updated Processing Time: 10–11 working days

This update applies to applications submitted via the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi.

Slovenia (part of the Schengen Zone) has started accepting walk-in visa submissions at VFS centers.

• Walk-in Timings: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

• Applicable for all short-term Schengen visa categories.

No prior appointment is needed during the designated walk-in hours.

Serbia visa processing, which usually takes 30 working days, is now facing unexpected delays. Applicants are advised to plan accordingly.

Due to official holidays from 5th June to 9th June 2025,

UAE visa applications will not be accepted during this period.

• Visa processing will resume from 10th June 2025 onwards.

• Plan your travel timeline and submission accordingly to avoid delays.

The Italy Consulate (Mumbai) has introduced a new, event-based visa category called Tourism Jubilee under the South Jurisdiction.

What is  Tourism Jubilee?

It is a special tourism category linked to a specific event or occasion being recognized by the Italian consulate.

Who Can Apply?

• Only applicants who have a valid invitation letter for the Tourism Jubilee event

• The name of the consular officer must be mentioned in the invitation

• The consulate will verify and shortlist applicants

• Only selected individuals will be allowed to apply under this category

• This is not a regular tourist visa. It is event-specific, requires invitation verification, and is subject to approval by the Italy

For Romania work visa applicants:

• A valid Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is m  it andatory

• The PCC must be apostilled

• PCC is valid for only 6 months from the date of issue

Ensure timely issuance and apostille to avoid delays or rejections.

For applicants traveling to Morocco on a business visa (multiple entry):

• An original invitation letter from the host company in Morocco is mandatory

• The invitation must be locally legalized (Morocco legalization required)

• Applications without proper legalization will not be accepted.

For travelers heading to Saudi Arabia, the following documents are now essential:

• A Travel MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) approval must be issued from Delhi

• A degree certificate is also required as part of the documentation.

• Ensure both documents are prepared and verified before submission.

For tourist, business, or family visit visas, self-employed travelers must provide: Either a valid Udyam Aadhaar, GST Certificate, or SHOP Act License

Notarization is mandatory
Note: The notary and Mantralaya stamp process is mandatory to process the visa application.

(not attestation)

If the SHOP Act is in a regional language, it must be translated into English

Ensure these requirements are fulfilled to avoid processing delays.

Saudi Visa Applications Begin from 16th June

Start Your Document Attestation Now!

Why Start Early?

Saudi visa processing involves multiple steps:

✔ State attestation

✔ MEA Apostille

✔ MOFA Attestation

✔ Embassy Attestation

Note- This attestation is required only for processing the work and dependent visas, while only the Apostille process is necessary for business visas.

Don’t wait till the last minute!

Who Needs This?

Business Visa

Family Visit Visa

Work/Employment Visa

All categories require proper document attestation

What Documents Need Attestation?

Depending on your visa, you may need:

• Degree Certificate

• Marriage/Birth Certificate

Each must be attested as per embassy guidelines

PEC helps with:

✔ Document collection

✔ Translation (if needed)

✔ End-to-end attestation

✔ Secure delivery

Don’t Miss the Window!

Start now to avoid delays

Visit: pecattestation.com

Call: 020-48508000

Visa application process for Saudi Arabia will officially resume from 16th June 2025.

All categories — including business, family visit, and work visas — will be accepted from this date onward.

Applicants are advised to start preparing their documents and complete attestation processes in advance.

The short-term visa fee for Switzerland has been increased to €90.

This applies to all Schengen (Type C) visa categories including tourism, business, and family visits.

Ensure updated payment is made at the time of application to avoid delays

Malaysia has extended its Visa on Arrival facility to include business travelers, not just short-term tourists.

No e-visa is required if you’re opting for Visa on Arrival.

However, all travelers using this facility must complete the Malaysia Arrival Card process before departure.

A smoother entry process — now open to business travel as well!

The walk-in submission window for Sweden visa applications has been revised.

New Timings: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Monday to Friday)

Previous timing of 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM is no longer valid.

Applicants must visit the VFS center during the updated time slot for walk-in submissions.

For Portugal visa applications, hotel bookings on plain company letterheads are no longer accepted.

Only official hotel bookings from platforms like Booking.com or Agoda are accepted by the Portugal Consulate/Embassy.

Ensure valid proof of accommodation from recognized platforms to avoid rejection.

For all types of U.S. visa applications, it is now mandatory to provide your National ID number.

This information must be entered at the time of filling out your visa application form.

Ensure your National ID is valid and readily available during the application process to avoid delays or rejections.

Walk-in submissions are now accepted for all visa categories — no prior appointment required.

Walk-in timings: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

No jurisdiction restrictions apply — applicants can submit from any location in India.

Flexible and faster submission process now available for Austria visa applicants.

For family visit visa applications, a Town Hall Letter (Lettre de la Mairie) is now mandatory — regardless of whether the host family is sponsoring your trip or not.

This applies to all applicants visiting family members in France.

Ensure this document is obtained before filing your visa application to avoid rejection.

A new UK Visa Application Center (VAC) is being launched in Haryana.

This center will be operational from 31st May 2025.

Applicants from Haryana and nearby regions can now submit their UK visa applications locally.

Improved convenience and accessibility for North India-based travelers.

Effective immediately, the China Prime Lounge service is compulsory for all types of visa applications.

Applicants must now opt for this premium service, which includes enhanced comfort and faster processing at the VFS center.

Additional Charge: ₹2,844 per applicant: This fee is over and above the regular visa fees. Plan your budget accordingly.

A Birth Certificate is now mandatory for both minors and adults applying for a Portugal visa.

If an adult applicant does not possess a birth certificate, they must provide a self-declaration explaining the reason for its absence.

Ensure this document is included to avoid delays or rejections.

Italy has launched a new pre-verification portal for long-term visa applicants:

🔗 visa.helloverify.com

How it works:

1. Upload your documents on the website.

2. The authorities will verify and cross-check your documents.

3. If approved, you will proceed to the next step (appointment scheduling).

4. If rejected, your request for appointment will be denied.

Mandatory for all long-term visa applicants. Ensure accurate and complete documentation.

The German Embassy/Consulate in India holds jurisdiction only for long-term (D-category) visa applications.

For short-term (Schengen) visas have no jurisdiction.

Always verify the correct consulate and visa category before applying to avoid rejections.

Personal submission is mandatory for every visa application,

even if the applicant has submitted biometrics previously.

This means you must visit the VFS center in person each time you apply—regardless of prior submissions.

No exemptions are allowed. Plan your visit accordingly.

For long-term (D-category) visa applications, only one set of documents is now required. Previously, two complete sets had to be submitted.

This change simplifies the application process for all D visa applicants.

Austria Visa Update – May 2025

Walk-in submissions are now allowed for the following categories:

• Business Visa (Short-term)

• D Visa (Long-term stay)

No prior appointment is needed for these visa types.

Ideal for urgent or last-minute applications.

The usual 15 working day processing timeline for Netherlands visas has now increased to 30–45 working days due to high application volume.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance to avoid travel disruptions.

A Leave Sanction Letter may not be officially marked as mandatory for a tourist visa, but it is a strongly recommended document.

Providing this letter from your employer significantly strengthens your application and supports your intent to return.

More documents = higher approval chances.

Greece Visa Document Requirement – May 2025

If submitting a Marriage Certificate &  Income Tax Return (ITR) as part of your application, these documents must be CA-attested (Chartered Accountant attestation required).

Unauthenticated documents may lead to delays or rejection.

Mumbai Jurisdiction: If a minor is traveling with parents, the Notarized Travel Consent must also be attested by the Mantralaya.

Delhi Jurisdiction: A Visa Authorization Form signed by both parents and notarized is mandatory. If the minor is traveling alone, a Travel Authorization Form signed by both parents, notarized, and apostilled by MEA is required.

Ensure correct documentation based on jurisdiction to avoid delays.

The Embassy of Greece requires a minimum 20-day gap between the visa appointment date and the intended travel date.
Applications not meeting this gap will not be accepted.

Plan your travel and appointment accordingly to avoid rejection.

Applicants must now ensure a travel gap of minimum 15 days and maximum 30 days from the date of their visa appointment.

This means your intended travel date should be at least 15 days after your appointment and not beyond one month from it.

This guideline applies specifically to urgent business visa applicants.

Plan accordingly to avoid rejection or rescheduling.

Due to high application volume, the Chinese Consulate is taking 2–3 additional working days beyond the regular processing time after the document collection date.
This applies to all visa categories

VFS Panaji (Goa):

Applicants must submit all pages of their passport (including blank pages).

VFS Pune & Mumbai:

Only the first and last pages of the passport are required.

Ensure correct document submission based on your VFS center to avoid delays.