After more than two months since commencing operations, the new state-of-the-art Italy Visa Application Center of the Embassy of Italy in Taguig, confirms the quality of its services for applicants in the Philippines.
In addition to standard application procedures, travelers can also avail themselves of a range of supplementary services, including the premium lounge, prime time submissions outside regular hours, personal assisted service, and translation service, among others, for added convenience. The spacious facilities at the Taguig Visa Center are equipped with modern amenities and staffed by well-trained customer service representatives who assist visa applicants at every step.
To further enhance customer experience, Italy visa applicants receive dedicated call center support, along with click-to-talk functionality, webchat, email, webform, and chatbot support for prompt query resolution. Additionally, a tourism manager is available at the same venue for visitors interested in learning more about Italy's numerous tourist attractions while planning their trip.
In cooperation with "VFS Global," the world's largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, the Embassy also offers services in two other major cities (Cebu and Davao) and is planning to open a fourth center soon in Batangas City.
The official inauguration of the main visa application center in Taguig was led by Ambassador of Italy to the Philippines Marco Clemente and Kaushik Ghosh, head of VFS Global Australasia on December 7, 2023 in the presence of representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and of the diplomatic corps.
Ambassador Clemente said during the ceremony, "Philippines is a key source tourism and business market for Italy and we are taking every possible measure to ease and streamline processes for travelers. The establishment of these new centers is an important step towards this strategy to further develop our bilateral relations. Applicants in the Philippines will now be able to apply for Italy visa in three key cities (and soon, four), from two earlier, helping them save their time and cost of travel." "These new visa application centers will help us in providing high-quality service to Italy visa applicants in the Philippines through a seamless visa application submission process. I think it is another excellent occasion to keep celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties," he added.
Ghosh also said, "VFS Global shares a long-standing relationship with the government of the Italy since 2004 and we are excited to expand our partnership further. These centers in the Philippines will play a crucial role in effectively catering to the growing demand for travel to Italy, one of the most popular destinations in the world. We are confident that these visa application centers will enhance customer experience by making the visa application process even more smooth and seamless, thereby helping us better serve travelers better."
The Italy visa centers are located at: Ground Floor, One Campus Place, Building A, McKinley Town Center, McKinly Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; Unit 1001C and 1004B, 10th Floor, Kepwealth Center Samar Loop, cor. Cardinal Rosales Ave, Cebu City, Cebu; FES 07, Second Floor, Alfresco Area, Felcris Centrale, Brgy., 40-D Quimpo Blvd, Davao City; and to be opened soon is Batangas City. All centers operate from Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.