Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced an agreement ‘in principle’ with VFS Global to establish a visa-facilitation centre in Guwahati, serving more than 60 countries. The move will spare north-eastern residents the costly trek to Delhi, Kolkata or Mumbai for biometrics and interviews.
The centre is slated for launch in early 2026, pending final site confirmation. Airlines and travel agents in the region forecast a 15 per cent rise in outbound traffic once operational, especially for labour mobility to Southeast Asia and the Gulf.
![Guwahati to Get Multi-Country Visa Centre via VFS Global]()
For employers, the facility reduces processing time for project staff headed abroad, and universities expect smoother departures for scholarship students. VFS said it will introduce appointment slots outside standard business hours to accommodate remote travellers.
The centre aligns with India’s Act East policy, positioning Guwahati as a gateway for cross-border trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan and ASEAN. Logistics operators at the city’s expanding airport may also benefit from increased charter demand.
The centre is slated for launch in early 2026, pending final site confirmation. Airlines and travel agents in the region forecast a 15 per cent rise in outbound traffic once operational, especially for labour mobility to Southeast Asia and the Gulf.
For employers, the facility reduces processing time for project staff headed abroad, and universities expect smoother departures for scholarship students. VFS said it will introduce appointment slots outside standard business hours to accommodate remote travellers.
The centre aligns with India’s Act East policy, positioning Guwahati as a gateway for cross-border trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan and ASEAN. Logistics operators at the city’s expanding airport may also benefit from increased charter demand.
