Schengen Visa Support
VFS Global New York - Schengen Visa Application Center
VFS Global New York is the primary visa application center for Schengen visas in the Northeast United States, serving residents of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and all New England states.
VFS Global procedures, fees, and appointment availability can change. Always check the official VFS Global portal and embassy website for your destination country before applying.
Location & Contact Information
📍 Address:
VFS Global New York
3 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
United States
📞 Phone: +1-646-935-4555 (VFS Helpline - varies by country)
🌐 Website: www.vfsglobal.com
🗺️ Location: Columbus Circle, Midtown Manhattan, near Central Park
Operating Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Holidays: Closed on US federal holidays
Appointment Slots: Available throughout the day (typically 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM slots)
Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. Security screening takes 5-10 minutes.
Fees & Payment
VFS Global New York operates CASHLESS. Only credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted. Do not bring cash to your appointment.
Standard Fees (USD)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Adults 12+) | $90 |
| Schengen Visa (Children 6-11) | $45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| VFS Service Fee | $25-$50 (varies by country) |
| Premium Lounge (Optional) | $45-$75 |
| Photo Service (Optional) | $15 |
| Courier Return (Optional) | $25-$35 |
| SMS Updates (Optional) | $3-$5 |
Note: Exact fees vary by destination country. Check country-specific VFS portal for precise pricing.
Countries Using VFS New York
VFS Global New York processes visa applications for the following Schengen countries. Click your destination for booking:
Note: France uses TLS Contact (different service provider). Iceland and Liechtenstein process through Norwegian and Swiss embassies.
States & Regions Served
VFS Global New York serves residents of the following US states:
- ✅ New York (NY)
- ✅ New Jersey (NJ)
- ✅ Connecticut (CT)
- ✅ Pennsylvania (PA)
- ✅ Massachusetts (MA)
- ✅ Vermont (VT)
- ✅ New Hampshire (NH)
- ✅ Maine (ME)
- ✅ Rhode Island (RI)
Note: You can use any VFS center in the USA regardless of state residency. If you live closer to Washington DC, Chicago, or others, choose the most convenient location.
How to Get There
🚇 By Subway (Recommended)
Station: 59th Street-Columbus Circle
Lines: A, B, C, D, 1 (all stop here)
Exit: Central Park West exit
Walk: 1 minute walk to 3 Columbus Circle
🚗 By Car/Taxi
Address for GPS: 3 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
Nearby Parking Garages:
- Central Parking - 60 W 57th Street ($20-$50/hour)
- ICON Parking - 150 W 58th Street ($25-$50/hour)
- Rapid Park - 200 W 58th Street ($30-$60/hour)
Uber/Lyft Drop-off: Columbus Circle (West Side of circle)
🚌 By Bus
Bus Routes: M5, M7, M10, M20, M104 (all stop at Columbus Circle)
From Airports
- JFK Airport: AirTrain to Jamaica → E train to 7th Ave → transfer to A/C/D to Columbus Circle (75-90 minutes)
- LaGuardia Airport: Q70 bus to Jackson Heights → E/F train to 7th Ave → A/C/D to Columbus Circle (60-75 minutes)
- Newark Airport: AirTrain to Newark Penn Station → NJ Transit to NY Penn Station → 1/2/3 to Times Square → walk or transfer (75-90 minutes)
Families with Children
Special considerations when bringing children to VFS New York:
- ✅ Children under 12 must be accompanied by parent/guardian
- ✅ Bring birth certificates for all children
- ✅ Both parents should attend if possible (or notarized consent from absent parent)
- ✅ No play area - bring quiet activities for waiting
- ✅ Biometrics required for children 12+ (fingerprints)
- ✅ Free visa for children under 6
Accessibility
VFS Global New York is wheelchair accessible:
- ✅ Elevator access to center
- ✅ Wheelchair-accessible restrooms
- ✅ Columbus Circle station has elevators (Central Park West exit)
- ✅ Sign language interpreters available (request when booking)
- ✅ Priority seating for elderly and disabled visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is VFS Global New York located?
VFS Global New York is at 3 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019, near Columbus Circle and Central Park. Easily accessible via subway (A, B, C, D, 1 trains to 59th Street-Columbus Circle).
2. Does VFS New York accept cash?
NO. VFS Global New York operates cashless. Only credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted. Do not bring cash to your appointment.
3. What are the VFS fees in New York?
Standard visa fee: $90 for adults (12+), $45 for children (6-11). VFS service fee varies by country ($25-$50). Optional services: Premium lounge ($45-$75), photo service ($15), courier return ($25-$35). Exact fees depend on your destination country.
4. What are VFS New York operating hours?
VFS Global New York is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on weekends and US federal holidays. Appointment times vary throughout the day.
5. Which states does VFS New York serve?
VFS New York serves residents of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island (entire Northeast region).
6. How do I reach VFS New York by subway?
Take subway lines A, B, C, D, or 1 to 59th Street-Columbus Circle station. Exit at Central Park West and walk 1 minute to 3 Columbus Circle. The center is directly at Columbus Circle.
7. Is parking available at VFS New York?
Nearby parking garages include Central Parking at 60 W 57th Street and ICON Parking at 150 W 58th Street. Rates are typically $20-$50 per hour in Midtown Manhattan. Public transit is highly recommended.
8. How far in advance should I book VFS New York appointment?
Book 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak summer season (May-August). Check daily for cancellations if appointments are full. Winter months (November-February) typically have better availability.
9. Can I submit documents for multiple countries at VFS New York?
No, each appointment is country-specific. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply to the country where you'll spend the most nights. You'll need separate appointments for different destination countries.
10. What documents do I need for VFS New York appointment?
Required: Valid US passport (or foreign passport with US visa/green card), completed application form, 2 passport photos, travel insurance (€30,000+ coverage), flight reservations, hotel bookings, bank statements (last 3 months), employment letter, and appointment confirmation. Check country-specific requirements.
11. Does VFS New York process same-day appointments?
No, same-day appointments are not available. You must book online in advance. For urgent travel, some embassies offer expedited processing (additional fees apply) - check when booking.
12. Can someone else submit documents on my behalf at VFS New York?
Generally NO. Applicants must appear in person for biometric capture (fingerprints and photo). Exceptions: Children under 12 and elderly/disabled persons with medical proof may have representatives, but biometrics still required.
13. How long does visa processing take at VFS New York?
Standard processing: 10-15 business days after VFS submits to embassy. Peak season may take 15-20 days. VFS typically forwards documents to embassy within 1-2 days. Total timeline: 2-4 weeks. Expedited options may be available for urgent travel.
14. Can I track my passport after submitting at VFS New York?
Yes, use your VFS reference number to track on the country-specific VFS portal. You'll receive email/SMS updates. Passport return: Pick up at VFS or courier delivery (if selected and paid for).
15. What if I need to reschedule my VFS New York appointment?
Log into your VFS account on the country-specific portal and reschedule (subject to availability). Most centers allow rescheduling up to 2 days before appointment. Repeated rescheduling may affect your application.
Other VFS Centers in USA
If VFS New York is not convenient, consider these alternative locations:
- VFS Washington DC - Mid-Atlantic region
- VFS Chicago - Midwest region
- VFS San Francisco - Northern California
- VFS Los Angeles - Southern California
- VFS Houston - Texas & South