You can track your Schengen visa application online through the visa centre that processed your submission, whether that’s VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International.
Here’s exactly how to check your status, what each update means, and what to do if tracking stalls.
How to Track Your Schengen Visa Application
Your tracking method depends on where you submitted your application. Schengen countries outsource visa processing to external service providers. The three main ones are VFS Global, TLScontact, and BLS International.
Each provider has its own tracking portal. You’ll use the one that matches the centre where you submitted your passport and documents. Some embassies and consulates also offer direct tracking on their own websites.
The Most Common Tracking Methods
- Online tracking portals — Enter your reference number on the visa centre’s website to see real-time status updates
- Email and SMS notifications — Most centres send automatic updates when your application moves to a new stage
- Embassy or consulate websites — A few Schengen countries let you track directly through their diplomatic mission’s portal
If you applied at a visa centre in Dubai, Delhi, Manila, or Cairo, you’ll almost certainly track through one of these three providers.
What Details Do You Need to Track Your Application?
Keep your application receipt safe — it has the reference number you need for tracking. The exact details required vary by visa centre and country, but most portals ask for a combination of the following.
| Required Detail | Where to Find It | Used By |
|---|---|---|
| Application reference number | Printed on your receipt from the visa centre | VFS Global, BLS International |
| Last name / surname | As written in your passport | VFS Global |
| Date of birth | As written in your passport | BLS International |
| Email and password | The account you created when booking your appointment | TLScontact |
| Passport number | Your passport’s bio page | Some embassy portals |
If you’ve misplaced your receipt, check your email for the confirmation sent when you submitted your application. Most visa centres also email the reference number after your appointment.
Schengen Visa Tracking by Application Centre
VFS Global
VFS Global handles Schengen visa applications for countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and several others. It is the largest visa outsourcing company in the world and operates more than 2,000 visa application centres across over 140 countries.
To track your application on VFS Global:
- Go to visa.vfsglobal.com and select your country of residence and destination country
- Click on “Track Application” from the menu
- Enter your reference number and last name
- Your current application status will appear on screen
VFS also sends SMS and email notifications at key stages. Make sure the contact details on your application are correct and check your spam folder if you haven’t received updates.
TLScontact
TLScontact processes Schengen visas for countries including France, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, with the exact list depending on your location. Unlike VFS and BLS, TLScontact uses an account-based system rather than a simple reference number lookup.
To check your status on TLScontact:
- Visit vcas.tlscontact.com and select your country
- Log in with the email and password you used when creating your TLScontact account
- Your application dashboard will show the current stage of your file
One important note: TLScontact’s dashboard primarily tracks document logistics, not the visa decision itself. It shows whether your documents have been forwarded to the consulate and when your passport is ready for return. It does not show whether the consulate has approved or rejected your visa.
BLS International
BLS International is the worldwide outsourcing partner for Spain visas and also handles Schengen applications for countries like Italy, Portugal, and Malta in selected locations.
To track your application on BLS International:
- Go to the BLS website for your destination country — for Spain visas, that’s tracking.blsspainvisa.com
- Enter your reference number and date of birth
- Your application status will be displayed
BLS also operates country-specific portals. If you applied in the UAE, use uae.blsspainvisa.com for the most accurate tracking.
Embassy or Consulate
Some Schengen embassies and consulates offer their own tracking portals, separate from the visa centre. This is less common but worth checking if your visa centre’s tracker shows limited information.
Countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Czech Republic sometimes provide direct tracking through their embassy websites. You’ll typically need your passport number and application date.
Check the website of the specific embassy or consulate where your application was forwarded. If you’re unsure, your visa centre receipt should mention which consulate is processing your file.
What Do Schengen Visa Application Statuses Mean?
Tracking portals show standardised status messages, but the exact wording varies by provider. Here’s what the most common updates mean in plain terms.
| Status Message | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Application Received | Your documents have been accepted by the visa centre and are being prepared for submission to the consulate |
| Submitted to Embassy / Consulate | Your file has been forwarded to the consulate for a decision. The visa centre no longer has your passport |
| Under Process | The consulate is reviewing your application. This stage can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks |
| Processed | A decision has been made and your passport is being returned to the visa centre. This does not confirm approval or rejection |
| Ready for Collection | Your passport is back at the visa centre and available for pickup |
| Courier Dispatched | Your passport has been shipped to your address or designated pickup point via courier |
If you opted for courier delivery, you may also see a courier tracking number linked to a shipping provider like Aramex or DHL.
How Long Does Schengen Visa Processing Take?
Under the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009), consulates must decide on your application within 15 calendar days. This is the standard legal timeframe from the date an admissible application is lodged.
However, this deadline can be extended:
- Up to 45 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed
The 45-day maximum applies under Article 23(2) of the Visa Code, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1155.
What Causes Delays?
Several common factors can push processing beyond the standard 15-day window:
- Peak travel seasons — Summer (June to August) and holiday periods see significantly higher application volumes, especially at consulates in Delhi, Dubai, and Istanbul
- Incomplete applications — Missing documents or unclear supporting evidence can trigger additional review
- Additional verification — Consulates may need to verify employment, financial documents, or travel history
- Public holidays — Both the destination country’s holidays and your local holidays can pause processing
Apply early. The official minimum is to lodge your application at least 15 calendar days before your intended travel date, but most travel experts recommend submitting at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. You can apply up to 6 months in advance.
Planning a trip to Paris, Barcelona, or Rome? Search for flights on Wego while you wait for your visa decision.
What to Do If Your Schengen Visa Status Is Not Updating
A status that hasn’t changed for a few days is normal. Tracking portals don’t update in real time. Updates typically appear every 2 to 3 business days, and some stages (especially “Under Process”) can remain unchanged for the full 15-day processing window.
Before You Panic
- Double-check your reference number — A mistyped digit is the most common reason for tracking errors
- Check your email and SMS — The visa centre may have sent an update that hasn’t reflected on the portal yet
- Look in your spam folder — Automated emails from VFS, TLScontact, and BLS often land in spam or promotions
When to Contact the Visa Centre
Wait at least 15 calendar days from your submission date before contacting the visa centre. If the standard processing window has passed and your status still shows “Under Process,” reach out to the visa centre’s customer service — not the embassy directly.
When you contact them, have your reference number, passport number, and submission date ready. Most visa centres offer support by phone, email, and live chat.
When to Contact the Embassy
Only contact the embassy or consulate if the visa centre advises you to, or if more than 45 calendar days have passed since your submission with no decision. Contacting the embassy too early or too frequently will not speed up the process.
Use the official contact details on the embassy’s website. Avoid third-party “embassy contact” services that charge fees for information freely available online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track whether my Schengen visa has been approved?
No. Tracking portals only show the processing stage of your application, not the outcome. You will only know if your visa was approved or refused when you receive your passport back from the visa centre.
What does “Processed” mean on the VFS Global tracker?
It means the consulate has made a decision and your passport is being sent back to the visa centre. It does not indicate whether the visa was granted or refused. Collect your passport to see the result.
I lost my application receipt. How do I find my reference number?
Check your email for the confirmation sent after your visa appointment. Most visa centres email the reference number along with the appointment confirmation. If you can’t find it, contact the visa centre’s customer support with your passport number.
How often does the tracking portal update?
Status updates typically appear every 2 to 3 business days. The portal does not update in real time. During the “Under Process” stage, it’s normal for the status to remain unchanged for up to 15 days.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa through Wego?
Wego is a travel search platform that helps you compare and book flights and hotels. Visa applications must be submitted directly through the relevant visa centre (VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International) or the embassy.
Sources
- EUR-Lex — Consolidated EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (current text, Articles 9 and 23)
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 amending the Visa Code
- European Commission, DG Migration and Home Affairs — Applying for a Schengen Visa
- European Commission — Schengen Visa Policy (official overview)
- VFS Global — Official website (visa application services)
- TLScontact — Official website (visa application services)
- TLScontact — Applicant account login (VCAS portal)
- BLS International — Official website (visa application services)
- BLS International — Spain Visa Application Centres (official)
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
