The German Embassy in Cameroon has expanded its visa processing capacity with the inauguration of a new VFS Global application centre in the capital Yaounde on Monday December 1. The facility becomes the 69th German visa application centre operated by VFS Global worldwide, including existing centres in Nigeria.
According to the embassy, the centre will initially handle visa applications from students, interns, qualified workers and other categories whose procedures do not require their physical presence at the consulate. It will work alongside the German Consulate, which will continue to issue visas.
Speaking at the inauguration, the German Ambassador to Cameroon, Christian Sedat said VFS will handle the administrative aspects of visa applications – including document collection, biometric enrolment and passport return – but will not make any decisions.
“The final decision [on whether a visa is granted or refused] remains entirely that of the embassy”, Ambassador Sedat emphasized.
Before now, the German consulate treated at least 1,000 visa applications monthly. With the new service provider, 500 more applications are expected to be handled, significantly reducing waiting times for applicants.
“Thanks to this center, we have rendered the visa application procedure more modern and easier for [Cameroonian] citizens. This represents an important step in our cooperation with Cameroon,” the German Ambassador said.
Prashant Kansara, VFS Regional Head for Central and West Africa, described the opening of the centre as a “significant milestone” in facilitating travel from Cameroon to Germany, which has become an increasingly sought-after destination for residents and citizens of the central African nation.
“This modern visa centre will enhance accessibility while offering world-class value-added services that elevate customer experience for Africans in Cameroon,” said Kansara.
Germany remains a highly preferred destination for Cameroonians, particularly for studies and skilled employment. There were over 30,000 Cameroonians living in Germany in 2023 and Cameroonians form the second largest group of students from Africa among international students in the Western European country, according to available online data.
