📅 Schengen Visa Appointment Booking Guide
Need to book a Schengen visa appointment? This guide walks you through the entire process - from finding the right VFS center to what to bring on appointment day.
What's Covered
📍 Where to Book Your Appointment
Most Schengen countries use VFS Global or TLS Contact as their visa application centers. Some countries also accept direct embassy appointments.
| Provider | Countries Using |
|---|---|
| VFS Global | France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, and most others |
| TLS Contact | Belgium, Spain, Portugal (in some countries) |
| BLS International | Spain (in some countries) |
| Direct Embassy | Some countries offer direct appointments |
📝 Step-by-Step Booking Process (VFS Global)
Step 1: Visit VFS Website
Go to the VFS Global website for your destination country (see links below). Select your current location/country.
Step 2: Create Account
- Click "Book Appointment" or "Schedule Appointment"
- Register with your email address
- Verify your email
- Complete your profile with passport details
Step 3: Select Visa Category
- Choose "Schengen Visa" or "Short Stay Visa"
- Select purpose: Tourism, Business, Family Visit, etc.
- Enter number of applicants
Step 4: Choose VFS Center & Date
- Select nearest VFS center
- View available dates and times
- Pick your preferred slot
Step 5: Enter Applicant Details
- Fill in passport information
- Enter contact details
- Add travel dates
Step 6: Confirm & Pay (if required)
- Review all details
- Some VFS centers require online fee payment
- Confirm your booking
Step 7: Print Confirmation
- Download appointment confirmation
- Note down reference number
- Print to bring on appointment day
🔗 VFS Global Websites by Country
Official VFS appointment booking links (select your location after clicking):
visa.vfsglobal.com/france
visa.vfsglobal.com/germany
visa.vfsglobal.com/italy
visa.vfsglobal.com/netherlands
visa.vfsglobal.com/switzerland
visa.vfsglobal.com/austria
visa.vfsglobal.com/greece
blsspainvisa.com
💡 Tips for Getting Appointment Slots
- Book Early - Slots fill up 3-4 weeks in advance during peak season
- Check Multiple Cities - If your nearest center is full, try another city
- Check Early Morning - New slots often release at midnight or early morning
- Refresh Regularly - Cancelled appointments become available
- Avoid Peak Season - April-August has longest wait times
- Set Alerts - Some VFS sites allow email notifications for slot availability
- Try Weekdays - Weekday appointments are often easier to get
- Premium Services - Some VFS centers offer "Prime Time" slots for extra fee
📋 What to Bring on Appointment Day
✅ Required Items
- Appointment Confirmation - Printed copy
- Passport - Original + photocopy of all pages
- Application Form - Filled and signed
- Passport Photos - 2 photos (35×45mm)
- All Supporting Documents - Originals + copies
- Visa Fee - Cash/card (check accepted payment methods)
📁 Document Checklist
- Travel insurance certificate
- Flight reservation
- Hotel booking
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
- Employment letter / Business documents
- Cover letter
- Travel itinerary
💡 Tips for Appointment Day
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Dress formally/smartly
- Don't bring large bags (security restrictions)
- Turn off phone or put on silent
- Be prepared for basic questions about your trip
🏢 What Happens at VFS Center
- Security Check - Bags scanned, phones may need to be stored
- Token/Queue Number - Get your queue number at reception
- Document Check - Staff reviews your documents for completeness
- Application Submission - Hand over all documents
- Biometrics - Fingerprints and photo captured
- Fee Payment - Pay visa fee + VFS service charge
- Tracking Receipt - Get receipt with tracking number
Total Time: Expect to spend 1-2 hours at the VFS center.
🔄 Rescheduling & Cancellation
To Reschedule:
- Login to your VFS account
- Find your appointment
- Click "Reschedule"
- Select new date/time
- Confirm changes
Policies:
- Must reschedule 24-48 hours before appointment
- Some countries charge rescheduling fee
- Limited number of reschedules allowed
To Cancel:
- Login and select "Cancel Appointment"
- Fees (if pre-paid) may or may not be refundable
- You'll need to book a new appointment from scratch
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I book my appointment?
Book 4-6 weeks before travel. During peak season (April-August), book 6-8 weeks in advance as slots fill quickly.
No appointment slots available - what do I do?
Keep checking daily as cancellations open up slots. Try different VFS centers in other cities. Check early morning when new slots may release.
Can I book for family members together?
Yes, when booking you can select multiple applicants. Family members can have the same appointment slot.
Is VFS appointment fee separate from visa fee?
Yes. You pay the VFS service charge (₹2,200-3,500) in addition to the €90 visa fee. Both are paid at the VFS center.
What if I'm late for my appointment?
If you're significantly late, you may be turned away and need to reschedule. Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Can someone else submit my application?
No, you must attend in person for biometrics (fingerprints + photo). Exceptions only for children under 12 or disabled applicants with documentation.
📅 Ready to Book?
1. Find your destination country's VFS website
2. Create account and select appointment slot
3. Gather all documents before appointment day
4. Arrive 30 minutes early with everything ready!