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New biometric age requirement for long-stay visa applications

New biometric age requirement for long-stay visa applications

9/1/2026

From 1 September 2026, the minimum age for fingerprint collection for long-stay visa (Category D) applications is reduced from 12 to 6 years old.

This means that children aged 6 and over must now provide their fingerprints as part of their visa application.

Children aged 6 and over must attend the appointment in person to have their fingerprints collected.

If you are applying as a family, please make sure that all children aged 6 and over attend the appointment. Plan accordingly when booking your appointment to ensure that all applicants can meet the new biometric requirements.

Appointment Attendance Rules for Premium Lounge

Appointment Attendance Rules for Premium Lounge

4/29/2026

To ensure a smooth application process, please carefully follow the appointment timing rules for the Premium Lounge service.

Arrival and Attendance Policy

In accordance with the instructions of the German Federal Foreign Office, applicants must arrive within the allowed time window for their scheduled appointment.

  • Late arrivals: You may arrive up to 29 minutes after your scheduled appointment time.
  • More than 29 minutes late: If you arrive more than 29 minutes late, your appointment can no longer be accepted, and the Premium Lounge service will not be available. You will need to book a new appointment online through the official portal.
  • Early arrivals: The Premium Lounge service cannot be provided before your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive early, you will be asked to wait until your appointment slot.
Increase of short-stay Schengen visa fees

Increase of short-stay Schengen visa fees

6/7/2024

As per Commission Delegated Regulation 2024/1415 amending Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 as regards the amount of visa fees, Schengen visa fees will increase from 80 EUR to 90 EUR for short-stay visas for adults and from 40 to 45 EUR for short-stay visas for children from 6 to 12 years.

The new visa fee will come into force on 11 June 2024.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO VISIT YOUR FRIENDS OR THE SECOND DEGREE OF YOUR FAMILY, YOU WILL NEED TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR TOURISM

IF YOU ARE GOING TO VISIT YOUR FRIENDS OR THE SECOND DEGREE OF YOUR FAMILY, YOU WILL NEED TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR TOURISM

7/6/2023

You can only book an appointment for visit if you will visit your children, parents, siblings, grandfather, grandmother or your spouse.

You need to prove the family ties with original documents. (eg family registry, birth and marriage certificates)

If you will visit other family members or friends, you need to book an appointment for tourism.

Your visa application won’t be accepted at TLScontact if you book the wrong appointment category.