Schengen Visa Appointment
How to book and prepare for your appointment
Booking Your Appointment
A Schengen visa appointment is where you'll submit your application in person, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and potentially have a brief interview. Depending on your location, you'll book through one of three channels:
- Embassy or Consulate: Direct booking through the destination country's diplomatic mission
- VFS Global: External visa application center used by many embassies
- TLS Contact: Another major visa service provider
How to Book Your Appointment
- 1
Find the right application point
Visit the embassy website of your destination country to find whether they process visas directly or use VFS Global/TLS Contact in your location.
- 2
Create an account
Most booking systems require you to create an online account with your email address before scheduling.
- 3
Choose your visa category
Select the appropriate visa type (usually "Short Stay/Type C" for tourism, business, or family visits).
- 4
Select date and time
Choose from available appointment slots. During peak season, available dates may be weeks away, so book early.
- 5
Pay any appointment fees
VFS Global and TLS Contact charge a service fee on top of the visa fee. This may be payable when booking or at the appointment.
- 6
Receive confirmation
You'll get a confirmation email with your appointment details. Print this and bring it to your appointment.
Appointment Quick Facts
- Book how early
- 4-6 weeks
- Arrive
- 15 min early
- Duration
- 30-60 min
- Reschedule
- Usually allowed
Before travel date
Before scheduled time
Including wait time
With advance notice
VFS Global vs TLS Contact
Many embassies outsource visa processing to external companies:
VFS Global: The largest visa outsourcing company, operating in 140+ countries. They handle document collection, biometrics, and passport return. Used by embassies of Germany, France, Italy, and others.
TLS Contact: Another major provider, used by several Schengen embassies. Similar services to VFS.
Both charge a service fee (typically €20-35) on top of the visa fee. The actual visa decision is still made by the embassy — these centers just handle logistics.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Appointment confirmation: Printed email confirmation
Passport: Original plus copies of all pages with stamps/visas
Completed application form: Signed and dated
Photos: 2 recent photos meeting Schengen requirements
All supporting documents: Insurance, bank statements, bookings, employment letter, etc.
Visa fee: €80 in accepted payment method (cash or card)
Service fee: If using VFS/TLS, their additional fee
What Happens at the Appointment
Your appointment typically includes:
- Check-in: Present your confirmation and passport
- Document submission: Staff review your documents for completeness
- Biometrics: Digital fingerprints (all 10 fingers) and photo taken
- Fee payment: Pay the visa fee and any service charges
- Interview: Brief questions about your trip (not always)
- Receipt: You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your application