During the inauguration of the new Italy Visa Application Centre in Minsk operated by VFS Global, we spoke exclusively with Mr. Tomaso Pietro Marchegiani, Head of Mission and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of Italy in the Republic of Belarus. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on the significance of expanding visa services across five cities in Belarus, the importance of transparency and digital innovation, the applicant experience, and the Embassy's long-term vision for its partnership with VFS Global. Here is the entire transcript of this interview.

The launch of the new Visa Application Centres marks an important milestone in improving access to Italy's visa services in Belarus.

Our first impressions are very positive. We are confident that this partnership will deliver tangible benefits for applicants while maintaining the high standards expected of Italy's visa services.

For the Embassy, visas are much more than an administrative process. They are often the very first point of contact between applicants and Italy. Providing an efficient, professional and welcoming service therefore plays an important role in reinforcing the positive image of our country.

We are pleased to begin this new chapter together with VFS Global and look forward to a successful long-term partnership.

Every transition brings its own challenges, but overall, this has been a very constructive process.

I would like to acknowledge the professionalism demonstrated by both the outgoing service provider and VFS Global in ensuring continuity throughout the transition. From an operational perspective, the most complex task was the transfer of systems and data. From the applicants' perspective, however, the priority has been clear communication.

It is important that people understand one simple message: while the service provider has changed, the Embassy of Italy's visa policy has not. The criteria for issuing visas remain the same, and our objective is to ensure that applicants continue to receive a reliable and consistent service.

I am confident that, together with VFS Global, we will continue communicating this message clearly and effectively.

It is significant both symbolically and practically.

Making visa services available across the five cities means that applicants no longer need to travel to the capital simply to submit their applications. This makes the process considerably more convenient and accessible.

Belarus has vibrant regional cities and communities, and it is important that people throughout the country have access to high-quality visa services close to where they live.

I hope applicants across Belarus will make full use of these new centres, which represent an important investment in accessibility and customer service.

Although it is still early to draw definitive conclusions, the initial feedback has been encouraging.

Applicants have responded positively to the new facilities and the overall environment. At the same time, it is important to recognise that demand for Italian visas remains exceptionally strong, which naturally generates a high volume of enquiries.

The Embassy receives a considerable number of emails and requests every day. Many applicants seek reassurance about procedures and timelines, particularly given the public attention surrounding Schengen visas.

This level of demand is something we welcome. It reflects the continued attractiveness of Italy as a destination for tourism, business, education and cultural exchange.

Naturally, demand currently exceeds our operational capacity, which inevitably creates expectations that cannot always be met immediately. However, managing applicants' expectations remains an important part of our work. We are committed to providing clear information and maintaining open communication throughout the process.

Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that every applicant receives accurate guidance and professional service from the very beginning of their journey.

We see digital innovation as a very positive development.

Belarus has a highly digitally literate population, and most applicants are comfortable using online services. These technologies make the application process more convenient while also strengthening the security and integrity of the visa system.

Digital tools also help address challenges such as the misuse of appointment slots and fraudulent practices, benefiting both applicants and the Embassy.

At the same time, technology should never replace the human element. There will always be applicants who require additional support, whether because of their age or specific personal circumstances.

In those situations, personalised assistance remains essential. Technology should enhance customer service, not replace it, and I am confident that VFS Global will continue to combine innovation with a people-centric approach.

I always encourage people to consult the official websites of the Embassy of Italy and VFS Global, where they will find accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements and application procedures.

Unfortunately, misleading information is sometimes circulated through unofficial channels. Applicants may come across individuals or organisations claiming they can secure appointments more quickly or guarantee the issuance of a visa. Such claims are misleading and should not be trusted.

For applicants facing genuine urgent circumstances, such as participation in international sporting events, business exhibitions or important cultural initiatives in Italy, we encourage them to explain their situation clearly. The Embassy will carefully assess each request and, where possible, provide appropriate assistance.

At the same time, applicants should always be transparent about their circumstances. Honesty remains the best approach throughout the visa application process.

I would also like to underline that Belarusian applicants enjoy an excellent reputation. Refusal rates remain relatively low, and most applicants fully comply with Schengen visa requirements. There is therefore no reason to rely on unofficial intermediaries or fraudulent practices.

It is extremely important. For many people, the Visa Application Centre represents their first direct interaction with Italy. The experience they have there inevitably shapes their first impression of our country.

Applicants do not distinguish between the Embassy and the service provider. They simply associate the quality of the service they receive with Italy itself. That is why professionalism, efficiency and courtesy throughout the customer journey are so important.

The Visa Application Centre is not only a place where documents are submitted. It is also an important part of how Italy presents itself to future visitors. Maintaining high service standards therefore benefits both applicants and the image of our country.

We continue to encourage applicants to submit their visa applications independently whenever possible. The process is transparent, and all the necessary information is readily available through the Embassy and VFS Global.

At the same time, accredited travel agencies continue to play an important role, particularly for organised tourism and specialised travel, such as business events, cruises, winter sports and wellness tourism.

Ultimately, applicants should choose the option that best suits their individual needs while always relying on official and trusted partners.

Our shared priority is to ensure that applicants receive clear, accurate and timely information. The better-informed applicants are, the smoother and more efficient the process becomes for everyone involved.

We also want to maintain the flexibility needed to respond to exceptional situations, whether they involve business delegations, cultural exchanges, sporting events in Italy or other urgent or unexpected travel requirements.

Finally, I believe we should continue working together to raise awareness about fraud prevention, encourage applicants to rely exclusively on official information channels and discourage the use of unofficial intermediaries. Belarusian applicants have an excellent reputation, and we want to ensure that honest applicants can complete the process with confidence and without unnecessary complications.

I am confident that the partnership between the Embassy of Italy and VFS Global will continue to develop successfully, built on professionalism, mutual trust and a shared commitment to serving applicants.

First, I would like to thank everyone who chooses Italy as their destination.

Whether you are planning your first visit or returning once again, I hope you will continue discovering the extraordinary diversity that Italy has to offer. Our country welcomes Belarusian visitors, and we greatly value the long-standing people-to-people ties between our nations.

My advice is simple: rely on official sources of information, prepare your application carefully and allow sufficient time for the process.

We look forward to welcoming you to Italy.