Residents of Jeddah travelling to Greece can now apply for their visas from a visa application centre within the city.

VFS Global recently launched its new Greece visa application centre, its third centre for the European country in Saudi Arabia. The first two centres were rolled out in the cities of Riyadh and Al Khobar at the start of this year.

The centre was inaugurated by Michael Votsis, consul general of Hellas (Greece) in a formal ceremony on December 12. In addition to the regular visa application counters, VFS Global also offers the optional Premium Lounge service to Greece visa customers, providing personalised assistance with the process, as well as private biometric enrolment, in a plush ambience.

In addition to the three centres now operational in the kingdom, VFS Global also offers residents across the kingdom an optional doorstep visa service. Customers who book the 'Visa At Your Doorstep' service will have trained professionals visit their home or office, offering end-to-end assistance throughout the visa application process, including biometric enrolment, at a time and location convenient to the customer.

Votsis stated that Greece is not only a summer destination, but an all year round vacation resort with great skiing centers during winter, famous museums and cultural monuments like Acropolis, and hospitable and warm people ready to accommodate the needs of Saudi tourists.

Commenting on the launch of the centre, Vinay Malhotra, regional group COO – South Asia, Middle East & North Africa, Americas, VFS Global, said: "The growing network of our Greece visa operations is a reflection of the increasing popularity of the destination, as well as the faith of the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Jeddah in our services. We are excited to be bringing the Greek visa process closer to home for residents of Jeddah, making their first step to their travel truly seamless.”

Each year, approximately 6,000 travellers from Saudi Arabia visit Greece. In the 11 months that VFS Global has been offering Greece visa services in Riyadh and Al Khobar, it has processed approximately 4,500 applications already.

VFS Global has been associated with the Government of Greece since 2007 through a vast network of 89 visa application centres in 23 countries worldwide.

Other optional service available at the centre:
• Prime Time appointments to submit applications outside of business hours
• Photocopy and photo booth services
• SMS notifications on the progress of the application
• Doorstep delivery of passports via courier. - TradeArabia News Service