France to Launch New Visa Processing Hub in Bangalore by 2026

France plans to enhance its visa services by opening a processing center in Bangalore by 2026. This initiative will streamline Schengen visa applications for Indian travelers, making the process more efficient.

Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, announced this development following discussions with the new French Consul in Bangalore, Marc Lamy. Once operational, the Bangalore consulate will join existing French visa processing centers in Mumbai, Kolkata, Pondicherry, and New Delhi, strengthening France’s diplomatic presence in India.

France’s Growing Popularity Among Indian Travelers

France continues to be a top destination for Indian travelers seeking Schengen visas. Reports indicate that India ranked as the fourth-highest nationality for visa applications to France in 2023.

Indian nationals submitted a total of 176,237 applications, making up 18.2% of all Schengen visa requests from India. This figure represented 6.7% of the 2.6 million visa applications that France received that year.

Mumbai Consulate Leads in Visa Applications

Among France’s visa processing centers in India, the consulate in Mumbai received the highest number of applications, handling 51,787 requests. The ranking of French visa processing centers in India based on application volume is as follows:

• Mumbai: 51,787 applications
• Bangalore: 51,787 applications
• New Delhi: 36,754 applications
• Chennai: 25,120 applications
• Kolkata: 10,133 applications

Both the Mumbai and Bangalore consulates have seen significant demand, indicating the need for additional processing capacity.

France’s Expanding Diplomatic Network in India

Currently, France operates an embassy in New Delhi along with four consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Pondicherry, and New Delhi. Each center serves different regions:

• Mumbai: Processes applications from Maharashtra, Goa, and nearby states.
• Kolkata: Caters to applicants from eastern and northeastern India.
• Pondicherry: Handles applications from Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.
• New Delhi: Manages visa applications from northern states.

With Bangalore set to become the fifth visa center, France aims to enhance accessibility for travelers from Karnataka and southern India.

New Italy Visa Application Centre

In addition to France’s expansion, the Consulate General of Italy has recently launched a dedicated visa application center in Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru. This facility, in partnership with VFS Global, aims to streamline services for Indian travelers. It offers faster processing and specialized visa assistance, catering to the rising demand for travel to Italy.

Conclusion

France’s decision to establish a visa processing center in Bangalore demonstrates its commitment to strengthening ties with India. This new center will accommodate the increasing demand for travel to Europe.

Indian travelers will benefit from greater convenience and faster application processing. Ultimately, this initiative reinforces France’s position as a leading Schengen destination for Indian visitors.