CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The upgraded Italian visa application center in Chongqing opened on September 11. Vespa, wine, delicacy, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa... these elements give an Italian flavor.

“It is the first time that the upgraded visa application center has opened to the public,” said Merzi Screwvala (right), Vice President of VFS Global (an Italian visa outsourcing and technical services team) in southwest China.

“The number of Italian visa applications rose 13 times year-on-year in the first eight months of this year,” said Fabio Schina, Consul General of Italy in Chongqing. He hoped that the upgraded visa application center would lead to more cooperation between the two nations.

There are 21 service windows in the visa application centers, offering photo taking, photocopying, SMS notification, translation, and form-filling services, said Merzi Scrwvala. The spacious center is equipped with a wide variety of modern facilities, satisfying the increasing need for visa applications.

The upgrade center opens from 8:30 to 16:30 on weekdays, offering a VIP lounge, passport delivery, and SMS notification services. The center also provides a “Visa at Your Doorstep” (VAYD) service, allowing applicants to apply for an Italian visa at a location of their choice.

With the recovery of outbound tourism, the newly upgraded visa application center will play an important role in Chongqing's growing tourism demand, said Merzi Screwvala. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)