📍 Track Your Schengen Visa Status

Reviewed by Schengen Visa Support Editorial Team · Policy references: EU Visa Code, embassy and VFS tracking instructions

Submitted your visa application and wondering what's happening? Here's how to track your Schengen visa status online and understand what each status update means.

Last updated: March 2026. We review this page against official Schengen/EU visa policy pages and relevant embassy or VFS instructions.

Related by Intent

How to Track Your Application

There are two main ways to check your visa status:

1. VFS Global Tracking

If you applied through VFS Global (most common):

  1. Visit the VFS tracking portal for your country
  2. Enter your Reference Number (from receipt)
  3. Enter your Last Name (as on passport)
  4. Click "Track" to see current status

2. Embassy Portal

Some embassies have their own tracking systems:

  • Check the embassy website directly
  • Look for "Application Status" or "Visa Tracking"
  • May require appointment reference number

VFS Tracking Links by Country

Official Schengen visa tracking portals by country
Embassy Tracking Portal
🇫🇷 Francefrance-visas.gouv.fr/web/france-visas
🇩🇪 Germanyvfsvisaonline.com/Germany
🇮🇹 Italyvfsvisaonline.com/Italy
🇪🇸 Spainblsspainvisa.com
🇳🇱 Netherlandsvfsvisaonline.com/Netherlands
🇨🇭 Switzerlandvfsvisaonline.com/Switzerland
🇬🇷 Greecevfsvisaonline.com/Greece

What Each Status Means

✅ "Application Received"

Your documents are at VFS. Waiting to be sent to embassy.

⏳ "Under Process" / "In Progress"

Embassy is reviewing your application. This is normal - can take 10-15 days.

📋 "Additional Documents Required"

Embassy needs more information. Check email for details and respond quickly.

✅ "Processed" / "Ready for Collection"

Decision made! Collect your passport from VFS. Status doesn't reveal if approved or rejected.

📦 "Dispatched"

If you chose courier delivery, passport is on the way to your address.

What You'll Need to Track

  • Reference Number - On your VFS receipt (format: DEL/2026/123456)
  • Last Name - Exactly as on passport
  • Date of Birth - Some portals require this
💡 Tip: Take a photo of your VFS receipt! You'll need the reference number for tracking.

How Long Does Processing Take?

  • Standard: 10-15 working days
  • Peak Season: 15-30 days (summer, holidays)
  • Complex Cases: Up to 45 days

Don't panic if status shows "Under Process" for 2 weeks - that's normal!

Tips While Waiting

  1. Don't call daily - Status updates every 2-3 days max
  2. Check email - Embassy may request additional documents
  3. Keep phone on - Rare, but embassy might call for clarification
  4. Don't book non-refundable flights until visa approved
  5. Be patient - Peak seasons take longer

What Each VFS Application Status Means

Status ShownWhat It MeansAction Required?
Application ReceivedVFS has logged your submissionNone — wait
Pending with ConsulateForwarded to embassy/consulate for reviewNone — normal stage
Additional Documents RequestedEmbassy wants more supporting documentsYes — respond promptly
Decision MadeVisa approved or refused — passport ready for collectionCollect passport at VFS
DispatchedPassport sent back (for postal/courier applications)None — await delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does VFS take to process a Schengen visa application?

VFS Global forwards applications to the relevant consulate within 1–2 business days of your submission. The consulate then has up to 15 calendar days to make a decision (standard), 30 days (complex cases), or 60 days (in exceptional circumstances). Processing time depends on the issuing country, season, and your individual circumstances. See our full processing time guide.

My status hasn't changed in 2 weeks. What should I do?

If your application has been with the consulate for over 15 business days with no update or decision, contact VFS directly using their customer support portal (not the tracking page). Provide your reference number. Do not call the embassy directly unless VFS advises you to. Keep records of all contacts.

Can I contact the embassy directly to chase my visa?

Generally no — most embassies do not handle individual enquiries about pending applications. All communication is routed through VFS Global. However, if you receive an email from the embassy (not VFS) requesting additional documents, you should respond to that embassy contact directly. Always check whether an urgent processing option was available at submission.

What happens if the consulate requests additional documents?

You will receive an email from VFS listing exactly what is needed. Submit the requested documents through VFS as quickly as possible — typically within 5–10 business days. Delays in responding may extend processing time significantly. Make sure the documents directly address what was requested.

What does it mean when my passport is ready for collection?

Your application has been decided. Visit your VFS centre to collect the passport. Bring your appointment booking confirmation and a valid photo ID. Check the visa in the passport before leaving the centre — verify the surname, given name, nationality, dates of validity, and number of entries are all correct.

Processing Time → Rejection Guide →