Schengen visa: processing time, VFS/BLS appointment and how to follow up

After submitting, almost everyone has the same questions: how long does the decision take? And what may the visa centre — VFS, BLS, TLScontact and the like — charge, and what not? Here are the key facts, without case-specific advice.

How long the decision takes

The legal basis is the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), Article 23. As a rule it is 15 calendar days from the day the application was validly submitted, including biometrics. In individual cases the period can extend to up to 45 calendar days, for example if the application needs closer examination or another consulate is involved. Important: the period starts not with the appointment alone, but with the complete, admissible application.

A specific processing order cannot be derived from this. Delays often come in waves and are linked to follow-up questions about hotel, invitation or insurance, or to high volume.

Visa centre: mandatory fee or voluntary extras

VFS Global, BLS and similar are service providers; the decision is always made by the consulate. Costs include the consulate's visa fee and possibly a service fee of the centre. Voluntary extras such as a photo service, SMS notification, courier or express shipping, or a premium lounge are optional. You may decline them at the counter; they are not a condition for processing. Check the receipt: extras charged without being asked can be contested with the centre and, if necessary, with the consumer advice centre.

Following up properly

If the 15 days are clearly exceeded, a factual follow-up helps. Write by email to the consulate, not only to the visa centre. Give the application or reference number, the consulate, the submission date and your planned travel date. And politely ask for a status update — if the trip is near, also for a concrete deadline.

Note: if you demand the passport back, you withdraw the application. Afterwards the process starts over. So do not request the passport without need while the trip is still feasible.

Bridging the wait

Book accommodation with free cancellation where possible. Book flights only once the decision is in, or for visa questions rather flexibly and refundably. And apply at the consulate of the main destination (Art. 5 Visa Code), not at a more convenient country.

Quick answers

Is it faster if I switch consulate? Only if the new country really is your main destination; otherwise the application is formally inadmissible. Do I get compensation for a delay? An automatic compensation for an exceeded processing time is not provided. Check the individual case — legal advice is advisable for that.

Note: general information, not advice and no case-specific recommendation. The information of the competent consulate and the information on remedies in your letter are decisive. Last updated: 16.10.2026.

Fits with this

Sources

Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), Art. 23 (decision) and Art. 5 (main destination): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02009R0810-20240611
Information of the competent consulates and visa centres (VFS Global, BLS & co.)