What is TLScontact?
Definition
TLScontact
TLScontact is a European outsourced operator of Visa Application Centres (VACs). Consulates contract TLScontact to run the appointment booking, document collection and biometric capture for visa applications. Like VFS Global, TLScontact does not make the visa decision — the consulate does.
Key facts
| Founded | 2007, headquartered in London. |
|---|---|
| Operates in | 100+ countries, 130+ application centres. |
| Government clients | Includes France, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, China and Vietnam. |
| What TLScontact does | Books the appointment, collects the application form, captures the biometric photo and fingerprints, ships the file to the consulate. |
| Service fee | Typically €30-50 on top of the consular visa fee, paid by the applicant. |
TLScontact vs VFS Global
Both are outsourced visa application centre operators. TLScontact serves France in most markets, Belgium and Switzerland. VFS Global serves Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and many others. The service is functionally identical; the difference is which consulate uses which operator in a given country.
How a TLScontact appointment works
Book through the TLScontact website for your consulate. Fill the application form online. Pay the service fee plus consular fee. Attend the appointment in person. The TLScontact officer captures a biometric photo and fingerprints (first-time applicants), checks documents, and ships the file to the consulate. The consulate decides; TLScontact returns the passport to the applicant.
Can I bring my own photo?
No. TLScontact (like VFS Global) captures the biometric photo on-site using a calibrated capture device. The applicant cannot use a photo brought from outside. A printed photo on the application form is separate from the biometric capture.
Frequently asked questions
Does TLScontact decide whether I get the visa?
No. TLScontact is an administrative middleman. The visa decision is made by a consulate officer who reviews the file after TLScontact ships it. TLScontact staff cannot tell you the result during the appointment.
Why does TLScontact cost extra on top of the visa fee?
The consular fee pays the consulate. The TLScontact service fee pays for the application centre infrastructure — appointment system, biometric capture, secure courier. Together they typically add €30-50 to the consular fee.
Can I switch from TLScontact to VFS Global for the same visa?
No. The consulate decides which operator handles applications in your market. You must use the operator your consulate has contracted.