UK And Germany Visa Delays Loom As TLScontact Visa Centres Face Closure.
Travellers planning to apply for visas to the United Kingdom or Germany are bracing for potential delays as the UK government transitions its visa application services from TLScontact to VFS Global, leading to temporary closures of visa application centres across Germany. The switch, part of a broader overhaul to improve visa processing efficiency, is set to disrupt services in the coming months, with significant implications for applicants in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
According to industry sources, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) service will cease accepting new tourist visa applications through TLScontact from 21 June 2025, with normal processing expected to resume on 6 July 2025 under the new provider, VFS Global. During this transition period, visa application centres operated by TLScontact in Germany will close, leaving applicants unable to submit new applications or facing severely restricted access. The move has raised concerns among travellers, particularly those with time-sensitive plans, as the closures are likely to create a backlog and extend processing times.
The transition follows the UK government’s decision to award a global contract to VFS Global, a leader in outsourced visa services, to manage its overseas visa and citizenship application centres. The change aims to streamline operations, reduce appointment times, and improve passport collection processes, with an average collection time of 20 minutes promised. However, the immediate impact will likely be felt by applicants in Germany, where TLScontact has been the primary visa service provider since 2014.
In addition to the UK visa disruptions, Germany’s visa services may also face challenges. TLScontact currently operates visa application centres for German Schengen visas in the UK, and any operational changes could exacerbate delays for non-UK nationals seeking to travel to Germany. The German Foreign Office has advised applicants to book appointments well in advance and to ensure all documentation is complete to avoid further complications. Processing times for Schengen visas typically range from 10 to 15 working days, but peak periods and incomplete applications could lead to longer waits.
The shift to VFS Global is part of a broader strategy to modernise visa services across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Applicants affected by the change will receive email notifications from both TLScontact and VFS Global, and are urged to check their spam folders to avoid missing critical updates. To verify the authenticity of communications, applicants should ensure emails originate from addresses ending in @tlscontact.com or @vfsglobal.com.
Travellers are advised to plan ahead and avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements until their visas are approved. The UK government has emphasised that the transition will ultimately enhance the visa application experience, but the short-term disruptions are likely to test the patience of many.
For further details on the transition or to check the status of visa applications, applicants can visit the TLScontact or VFS Global websites, or contact their local visa application centre.
