How can I track the status of my Schengen Visa?
What happens after I submit my Schengen Visa application?
Officials at the visa application center and/or embassy of the Schengen state you have applied to will process your Schengen visa application. This usually takes around 15 days, but processing time can sometimes take up to 30 days, or 60 in exceptional cases.
How can I track my Schengen Visa application?
You can track your Schengen Visa application via the embassy of the country you applied to by contacting them, or going online, either via their website or the website of the outsourced visa application center you have applied to.
Tracking your visa application via VFS Global
All Schengen states outsource the processing of visa applications in many countries, with the firm VFS Global operating a network of visa application centers in countries including China, the U.S., and India, where you will submit your application, supporting documents, and provide biometric data. They provide a tracking service via their website (vfsvisaonline.com) allowing you to check on the status of your application. To obtain information about your application, you will need to provide your last name and the reference number that was given to you when you applied.
Tracking French Schengen Visa applications
France has its own visa application tracking tool for travelers who applied via a French embassy or consulate rather than a visa application center. To obtain information about the status of your visa application, you will need to input the reference number you were given when making your application and your date of birth into their website tracking tool (pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/VisaNET-Consultation-Internet/html/frameset/frameset.html)
Tracking Schengen Visa applications made at a CAPAGO visa application center
If you made your application at a CAPAGO visa application center, you can use the
Tracking Schengen Visa applications made at a TLS visa application center
Another firm that handles visa applications is TLScontact. If you applied for your Schengen Visa at a TLS application center, then you can use the online tracking tool on their website (tlscontact.com) to track your Schengen Visa application. To obtain information about your status, you will need to log into the TLS account you set up when you made your initial application.
Tracking Schengen Visa applications made at a BLS visa application center
BLS is an outsourcing firm that is favored by Spain. It handles visa applications for their embassies in some countries. You can track your application via their website (blsspainvisa.com) by inputting the reference number you received when making your application and your date of birth.
Tracking your application if you applied via a Global Visa Services visa application center
Greece’s official visa applications partner - although they do not act for them in all countries - is the firm Global Visa Services. If you have applied for a Schengen Visa via one of their application centers, you can track your application via their website (gvcworld.eu/page/our-services) and online tracking tool. You will need to input an application ID and your date of birth to obtain this information.
Should I worry if my visa application tracker says it is still being processed after 15 days?
No, you should not. Although visa applications usually only take around 15 days, they can take up to 30 days if embassies and visa application centers are busy - and can take up to 60 days in some circumstances.
Related topics on Schengen visa
- How long does it take to get a Schengen visa ?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost ?
- How to extend a Schengen visa?
- How long is the schengen visa valid ? What happens if I overstay ?
- What are the first port of entry rules for Schengen visa ?
- Which countries are the easiest to obtain a Schengen visa from?
- What changes in 2020 for the new Schengen visa ?
- What is ETIAS?
- What do I need to know about renewing a Schengen visa?
- How to stay and work in the Schengen area after a student visa ?
Frequently asked questions about tracking my Schengen Visa application
How do I know when I can collect my passport after my application has been processed?
Once your application has been processed you will be asked to collect your passport from your visa application center. If you’re lucky - certain countries offer a passport courier service to deliver it back to you.
What should I do if there is no online tracking tool provided by the embassy I’m using to apply for a Schengen Visa?
You should contact the embassy or consulate for an update - especially if you have waited a long time for your application to be processed.
If I am applying for a Schengen Visa via a visa application center- can I contact the embassy for information?
You can do - but it is better and easier to use the online tools provided by the visa application center you have used - as the embassy may not update you.