The Malta High Commission in New Delhi and VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, have announced the launch of the Malta Visa Application Centre in Colombo.

Inaugurated on 3 December 2025 by H.E. Mr Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta to India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and Malta’s Ambassador to Nepal and Mr Manpreet Singh Arora, Country Manager, VFS Global, Sri Lanka and Maldives, the centre will become operational on 1 February 2026.

The new facility will allow Sri Lankan citizens travelling to Malta the convenience of submitting their Schengen visa applications in Colombo, with the assessment of visa applications continuing to be undertaken by the Malta High Commission in New Delhi.

VFS Global has moved to a larger, upgraded facility in Sri Lanka. The 80,000-square-foot centre at No. 675, Dr Danister De Silva Mawatha, Colombo 09, is equipped with modern amenities, is easily accessible, and offers an enhanced customer experience.

The spacious premises, supported by well-trained customer service staff, will provide applicants with a seamless and comfortable environment throughout the visa application process.

H.E. Mr Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta to India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and Malta’s Ambassador to Nepal, said, “We have seen a steady increase in the number of Sri Lankans travelling to Malta for work, study, and leisure. The opening of the Malta Visa Application Centre in Colombo offers greater convenience and improved access for applicants. We appreciate VFS Global’s continued partnership and professionalism, which ensures that visa services are delivered efficiently and to the highest standards.”

Ms Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer, VFS Global, South Asia, “Our long-standing partnership with Malta since 2008 reflects the deep trust we share with the Government of Malta. With the launch of our expanded and upgraded centre in Colombo, Sri Lankan travellers to Malta will benefit from modern, state-of-the-art facilities and enhanced convenience. Supported by well-trained staff we remain committed to providing a seamless, efficient, and trusted application experience on behalf of the Government of Malta.”

Applicants get an option to choose from a range of optional and additional services to enhance their overall visa application submission experience. It is important to note that opting for these additional services does not have any bearing on the timeline or decision on visa applications.

VFS Global has been a trusted partner for the Government of Malta for visa processing services since 2008. The company offers visa services on behalf of the Government of Malta across 71 countries through a network of 215 dedicated visa application centres globally.

In Sri Lanka, VFS Global is a trusted partner to 24 client governments.

VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation as per the checklist, and enrol biometrics. VFS Global has no role in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa. Decision making on the granting or refusal of visa is the sole prerogative and sole responsibility of the Embassy within the Schengen coordination system.

Image caption: H.E. Mr Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta to India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and Malta’s Ambassador to Nepal, (centre), along with Mr Manpreet Singh Arora, Country Manager, VFS Global, Sri Lanka and Maldives (left) and Mr Senthano Sabar, Honorary Consul, Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Malta in Sri Lanka (right), at the launch of the Malta Visa Application Centre in Colombo