VFS Visa Application Centres in India (2026): Cities, Fees & Booking

Who runs the visa centre for each country?

A visa application centre (VAC) is not the embassy. It is an outsourced office that collects your documents, takes your biometrics (photo + fingerprints) and couriers your passport back. The decision is always made by the embassy or consulate — never by the centre staff. Here is the operator, the Indian cities with a centre, and the official place to book, for the destinations Indians ask about most.

City lists reflect each operator/embassy's official 2026 pages (see sources). Centre lists change — always confirm the current city and address on the official booking link before you go.

France VFS in India — 14 cities, and the "any centre" rule

France is the single most-searched Schengen centre in India, and it has the widest network — 14 VFS Global centres: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Jaipur, Kochi, Goa and Puducherry.

Italy VFS — your consulate depends on where you live

Italy is different: you must apply where you have continuously resided for the last 6 months, and four Italian missions split the country. Applying under the wrong jurisdiction is a common cause of rejected appointments.

So there is an Italy VFS centre in Jalandhar and Chandigarh — but only for applicants living in North India, whose file goes to the Delhi Embassy.

Canada, UK & USA — the non-Schengen route

Canada

VFS Global is the exclusive Canada VAC operator in India, with centres in the major metros (including New Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai). You first apply and pay online to IRCC, then attend a VAC only for biometrics. Government fees are set by IRCC: visitor visa (TRV) CAD $100 per person and biometrics CAD $85 per person (a separate VAC service fee applies).

United Kingdom

Also VFS Global, in 11 cities including the Connaught Place (Delhi) and Bandra-Kurla (Mumbai) centres. You apply and pay on GOV.UK first, then book a biometric slot at any UK VAC in India — there is no state-based jurisdiction. The Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months) fee for applicants in India is ₹17,551.

United States

The USA does not use VFS. B1/B2 visitor applicants pay the US$185 MRV fee, book through usvisascheduling.com, give biometrics at a Visa Application Center, and attend a separate interview at the Embassy (New Delhi) or a Consulate (Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata) — assigned by the state you live in.

Does the city I apply in matter? (Consulate jurisdiction)

This is the detail that trips people up. For some countries you can lodge a short-stay visa at any centre; for others your state decides your consulate.

Fees: the visa fee vs the service fee

You pay two separate things — the government visa fee, and the operator's service charge. Don't be surprised by the second one.

The uniform Schengen short-stay fee is €90 for adults (since 11 June 2024). Exact rupee amounts and service fees are set on each official booking page and change with the exchange rate — treat these as a guide, not a quote.

How to book a VFS appointment in India (step by step)

1. Confirm your operator & consulate. Use the table above — VFS, BLS or GVCW — and check whether your state fixes your consulate.
2. Start on the official page first. For the UK, Canada, USA and Australia you apply/pay online before you book a slot. For Schengen you usually book the centre appointment directly.
3. Pick your city & a slot. Create an account on the official booking link and choose the nearest centre. Slots for peak season (Apr–Aug) fill fast — book early.
4. Attend for biometrics. Go in person with your documents and passport; fingerprints and a photo are taken (biometrics are valid 59 months for Schengen).
5. Track & collect. Your passport is couriered back or collected. Keep the reference number safe.

Frequently asked questions