VFS vs TLS vs BLS - which do you use?
Different countries outsource their visa processing to different third-party providers. Before booking, identify which provider handles your destination country in your country of residence.
| Provider | Countries served | Website |
|---|---|---|
| VFS Global | UK, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, UAE + 60 more | visa.vfsglobal.com |
| TLS Contact | France, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey | tlscontact.com |
| BLS International | Spain, Italy (some), Portugal | blsinternational.com |
| Embassy Direct | US, Japan, Singapore, some Gulf states | Varies - check embassy website |
Step-by-step: booking a VFS appointment
- Go to visa.vfsglobal.com
- Select "I'm applying from [your country]" and "I'm going to [destination]"
- Register an account - name, email, phone, password
- Verify your email and log in
- Select your service type - visa submission, biometrics, or passport collection
- Add applicant(s) - yourself and any family members applying together
- Choose a date and time from available slots in the calendar
- Pay the service fee - varies by country, typically $20–50 equivalent
- Print the confirmation - you must bring it physically to your appointment
No appointments available - what to do
VFS slots often appear fully booked, especially during the May–August travel season. Slots do exist - they just go fast. Use these tactics in order:
- Check daily at 6–8am. - New slots typically release in the morning. Refresh the calendar at the start of the business day.
- Try different VFS centres. - Many countries have multiple VFS locations - the main city is fully booked but a smaller centre 90 minutes away has openings.
- Watch for cancellations. - People cancel; slots reappear. Use a browser extension or just check 2–3 times per day.
- Book 6–8 weeks ahead during peak season. - Plan ahead - "I need it next week" rarely works May–August.
- Consider Premium Lounge. - Separate slot pool, often available when standard slots are gone. Costs more but solves the problem.
- Try Tuesday–Thursday. - Mondays and Fridays book first. Mid-week typically has more availability.
- Watch for new slot release days. - Some centres release new slots every Monday morning, others weekly on specific days.
VFS premium services - are they worth it?
| Service | Cost (approx) | What you get | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Service fee only | Normal queue, 2–4 hour wait | Default |
| Premium Lounge | +$50–80 | Dedicated area, shorter wait, refreshments | ✅ If you value time |
| Prime Time | +$30–50 | Appointment outside normal hours | ✅ If you can't take time off work |
| SMS Tracking | +$5–10 | Text updates on application status | ⚠️ Nice-to-have |
| Courier Return | +$15–30 | Passport delivered to your door | ✅ If far from VFS centre |
| Photo Service | +$5–10 | Photo taken at VFS centre | ❌ Cheaper at photo shop |
| Form Filling | +$10–20 | VFS staff fill your form | ❌ Do it yourself |
What to bring to your VFS appointment
- Printed appointment confirmation
- Original passport plus photocopy of the bio page
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Visa photos to country specification (see requirements)
- All supporting documents per visa type
- Visa fee payment - cash or card depending on centre
- VFS service fee payment
- Cover letter (always recommended)
- Employer letter (if employed)
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Travel insurance certificate (mandatory for Schengen)
What happens at the VFS appointment
Typical sequence of a VFS appointment:
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Security screening at entrance.
- Queue at reception. Present appointment confirmation. Get a token number.
- Wait in the seating area (30 minutes to 2 hours typical).
- Counter call: officer checks your documents, collects your passport, and creates the file.
- Biometrics: 10 fingerprints + photograph (if required for your country/visa type).
- Payment: visa fee + VFS service fee at the cashier.
- Receipt issued - keep it safe. You need this number for tracking and collection.
- You leave. Total time: 1–3 hours including queue.
TLS Contact booking - how it differs
TLS Contact handles French and Belgian visas in most countries. The process is similar to VFS but with a key difference: TLS often requires the complete visa application to be uploaded and reviewed BEFORE you can book an appointment. This is the opposite of VFS, where you book first and bring documents later. Account creation, form filling, and document upload all happen first; the appointment slot comes last.
Booking for families or groups
When booking for a family, add each applicant under a single account using the "multiple applicants" option. Children under 12 typically do not need biometrics, so their appointments are shorter. Whenever possible, request consecutive time slots so the whole family is processed together - VFS staff are usually accommodating but cannot guarantee it. Bring birth certificates, custody papers (for single-parent applicants), and parental consent letters for minors travelling without one parent.
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How do I book a VFS Global appointment?
Go to visa.vfsglobal.com, select your country of residence and destination country, register an account, choose your service type (visa submission, biometrics, or passport collection), pick a date and time from available slots, and pay the service fee. The full process takes about 10 minutes if slots are available.
What if no VFS appointments are available?
Check daily at 6–8am (new slots typically release in the morning). Try different VFS centres in your country if multiple exist. Watch for cancellations - slots reappear when others cancel. Book 6–8 weeks ahead during peak season (May–August). Consider Premium Lounge bookings which have a separate slot pool.
Is VFS Premium Lounge worth the extra cost?
Worth it if you value time. Premium Lounge costs $50–80 extra but gives you a separate, faster queue (typically 30–60 minutes total vs 2–4 hours standard), a dedicated waiting area with refreshments, and shorter document review queues. Not worth it for student or family-visit visas where time is flexible.
What should I bring to my VFS appointment?
Always bring: printed appointment confirmation, your original passport plus a photocopy of the bio page, completed and signed visa application form, visa photos to country specification, all supporting documents, payment for the visa fee, and payment for the VFS service fee. For Schengen also bring travel insurance proof.
Can I reschedule my VFS appointment?
Yes, usually up to 72 hours before your appointment. Log into your VFS account, find your appointment, and use the reschedule option. Most centres allow 2–3 free reschedules; further changes may incur a fee. Last-minute cancellations (under 24 hours) usually forfeit the service fee.
Do I need biometrics every time I apply?
Most countries require new biometrics every 5–10 years. The UK requires biometrics for every Skilled Worker application; Schengen accepts biometrics taken within 59 months on the same visa type. Check with VFS - they will tell you at booking whether you need a biometric appointment.
How early should I arrive at my VFS appointment?
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Security screening typically takes 10–15 minutes during peak hours. Arriving more than 30 minutes early is unhelpful - most centres will not let you enter the queue too early to avoid crowding.
Can I book a VFS appointment for my whole family together?
Yes. When booking, select 'multiple applicants' or 'add applicant' and enter each family member's details. Children under 12 are usually exempt from biometrics. Book consecutive time slots if possible so the whole family is processed together - VFS staff will usually accommodate.