Consuls general of Schengen countries launch the new visa center in Jeddah.

JEDDAH — A new joint VAC (Visa Application center) for Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Malta, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland was launched on Tuesday in Jeddah by VFS Global jointly with its local partner Al-Etimad Modern Business Solutions Co.

The new center for Schengen visas was inaugurated by Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah Al-Faisal, CEO of TasHeel group, and a number of ambassadors, consuls general and representatives of the eight European nations.

Prince Faisal, at a short ceremony, said: “The new visa services center will serve Saudis and expats who desire to visit the eight European nations, in addition to providing them with vital information about these countries.

“We have invested around SR80 million in this new visa application center just to provide an extensive array of visa services and value added services to ensure an effortless visa application process and an exceptional travel experience to our customers.”

The services cater to both individuals and groups needing to travel to these countries for whatever purpose.

Premium service options are made available to customers for speed, convenience and luxury.

Paul John Maliekel, VFS Global’s regional CEO for Africa, Americas, Australasia, Europe and Middle East, said: “The new visa services center is packed with more convenience and comes with dedicated service counters, reception area and a premium lounge, all to enhance the experience and add value to the process of visa applications.

“Our endeavor is to provide a truly hospitable ambience at the visa center with up-to-date contemporary facilities that will make applying for a Schengen visa with us a pleasant experience.”

The new visa center is located at TasHeel Commercial Plaza, Suwaid Bin Sakher Street, off Prince Sultan Street, Al-Mohammadiyah District 1.