Guwahati to Become a Major Visa Hub as Assam Confirms Processing for 60+ Countries

significant change in how people from the Northeast apply for international visas is finally taking shape. Assam has confirmed that Guwahati will soon process visa applications for more than 60 countries, ending the long-standing inconvenience of traveling to cities like Delhi or Mumbai for basic biometric submissions.

The development follows an initial agreement between the Assam government and VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions.

While more details are awaited, the announcement has already created a wave of relief among students, business travellers, tourists, and medical travellers across the Northeast.

A Long-Demanded Facility Finally Arrives

For years, residents of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura have faced a simple but frustrating hurdle. Even if their documents were ready online, they still needed to appear physically in Delhi or Mumbai to submit biometrics for many countries.

The travel itself often cost more than the visa fee.

A Silchar-based student told a local news outlet last year that she spent ₹16,000 just to travel to Delhi to submit fingerprints for her UK student visa. Many families share similar stories, especially during peak travel or admission season.

With the new centre set to open in Guwahati, that journey will finally come to an end.

What the Chief Minister Announced

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the update through a post on X on Thursday. His message captured both the frustration people face and the expected relief ahead.

He wrote:

“Travelling abroad? Need to submit biometrics for your visa application? That meant a long journey to either Delhi or Mumbai. Soon this will be history for our people from Assam and the North East. Happy to share that @VFSGlobal has agreed in principle to set up a dedicated visa facilitation centre for over 60+ countries in Guwahati. We will be sharing more details soon – such as countries for which visa application can be made in Guwahati, opening timelines etc. Do stay tuned.”

This confirmation signals that all major formalities between VFS Global and the state government are nearly complete.

Why Guwahati Makes Strategic Sense

A Natural Gateway to the Northeast

Guwahati is already the economic and transportation hub of the Northeast. The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport has seen rising international flight operations in recent years, including routes to Singapore and Bangkok.

Adding a visa facilitation centre here aligns with the region’s increasing global mobility.

The Rapid Rise in International Travel from Assam

According to travel agencies in Guwahati, the demand for visas to countries such as Thailand, the UAE, the UK, Canada, and Japan has steadily grown in the last five years. Students heading abroad for higher education form a large share of applicants, followed by tourists and business travellers.

Many travel consultants say the new centre will reduce delays caused by appointment shortages in Delhi and Mumbai.

What the Centre Will Likely Offer

While the official rollout plan is still being prepared, VFS Global centres generally provide services such as:

H3 – Expected Services

• Visa application submission
• Biometric enrollment (fingerprints and photographs)
• Document collection and verification
• Premium lounge facility for faster processing
• Passport return and collection
• SMS/email tracking updates

H3 – Possible Countries Included

The final list is still under discussion. However, in other states, VFS Global typically handles visa applications for countries such as:

• Schengen nations (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.)
• United Kingdom
• United States (document services, depending on consular agreements)
• Canada
• Japan
• Thailand
• Singapore
• Australia
• Gulf countries

It remains to be seen which countries will be included in Guwahati’s setup, but the Chief Minister’s statement hints at a broad list.

Relief for Students and Professionals

High Travel Costs Will Reduce

For students applying during peak seasons, flight tickets to Delhi often jump to ₹8,000–12,000 one-way, not counting hotel stays and transport. The new centre could save applicants both money and time.

A Guwahati-based travel advisor, speaking casually to reporters last month in a different context, said that “biometrics ka tension logon ko sabse zyada hota hai, paper sab online ho jaata hai but physical visit ek headache ban jata hai.”
This sentiment echoes across the region.

Faster Turnaround Time

With a local centre, applicants will have more flexible appointment timing. This can reduce waiting periods, especially for countries where appointment queues often stretch for weeks.

Boost to Tourism and Business

Travel experts believe this move could indirectly benefit the state’s economy.

H3 – Growth of Outbound Tourism

Travel companies in Guwahati often arrange group tours to Dubai, Bali, Thailand, and Europe. Easy visa access is expected to increase bookings.

H3 – Support for Business & Medical Travel

Many Northeast-based traders frequently visit Bangladesh, Thailand, and China for sourcing goods. A local visa centre simplifies their travel cycle.

Similarly, patients traveling abroad for treatment—particularly to Thailand or Singapore—often face last-minute hassles with visa appointments. A local centre can provide predictable timelines.

Implementation Timeline: What We Know So Far

The state government has not yet released an exact launch date. However, based on previous VFS Global setups in cities like Pune and Kochi, the process typically involves:

1. Identifying and approving the building
2. Setting up biometric facilities
3. Conducting security audits
4. Coordinating with embassies
5. Opening the appointment portal

Since VFS Global has already agreed “in principle,” the official announcement may come soon, followed by country-wise rollout phases.

Why This Matters for the Northeast’s Global Connectivity

For decades, residents of the Northeast have lacked many services that are routine in metro cities. Passport offices, international schools, and medical facilities arrived later compared to other Indian states.

A visa facilitation centre marks a symbolic and practical milestone. It recognises the growing aspirations of people in the region and integrates them more closely with global opportunities.

The move also aligns with Assam’s broader development push—expanded airports, better highways, and new business zones.

FAQs

1. When will the Guwahati visa centre open?

The government has not yet announced a confirmed date. Details will be shared soon through official channels.

2. How many countries will this centre cover?

As per the Chief Minister’s announcement, more than 60 countries are expected to be included.

3. Will biometrics be done in Guwahati?

Yes. Biometrics is one of the main reasons for opening the centre.

4. Will this reduce travel to Delhi or Mumbai?

Yes. Residents of the Northeast will no longer need to travel outside the region for most visa biometrics.

5. Will the centre handle US visas?

This will depend on agreements with the US Embassy. In many cities, VFS handles document services but not interviews.

Conclusion

Guwahati’s upcoming visa facilitation centre represents more than just convenience—it marks a long-overdue recognition of the Northeast’s growing global footprint. Whether for studies, tourism, business, or medical treatment, thousands of people will benefit from easier access to international travel.

As the state awaits the final rollout plan, one thing is clear: this move will make Guwahati a central international gateway for the entire region.