Application procedure

Read the list of documents which need to be submitted with your visa application based on your travel purpose and prepare the documents carefully. Please always choose the correct travel purpose.

Please create your personal user account by providing your email address and a password. You will then have to activate your account by clicking on the link provided in the email that will be sent to you.

Log in to your account, fill in the requested personal data. If you are a member of a group of people applying for a visa together, please fill in the data of those accompanying you too. Submit the group when you finish.

Choose a date and time of your convenience to submit your application at our Visa Application Centre. Don't forget to print your appointment confirmation letter.

Attention: For Libyans and foreigners residing in Libya, please submit your visa application for Germany on this website.

Schengen visa applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the start of the trip, but they must be submitted no later than 15 days before the scheduled departure date. Applications filed less than 15 days before departure are generally inadmissible and are not processed by the embassy.

In case of no-show at the scheduled appointment or in case of non-submission of the application (abandonment, incorrect visa type, false passport number, etc.), a new appointment will not be possible until 48 hours after the date of the main appointment.

The VIDEX form (English, German or French version) should be completed online via the VIDEX website and printed. The form should be completed in capital letters and must be signed by the applicant in person using black ink.

If your fingerprints are over 59 months old, you must visit again. Otherwise, no personal appearance is required.

Short-stay applicants need to use this VIDEX form.

Please arrive on time for your appointment with the appointment confirmation letter. If you are late or do not attend your appointment, you will need to make a new appointment.

Please note: In accordance with the Federal Foreign Office’s instructions, applicants arriving more than 15 minutes late for their appointment will be required to book a new appointment.

A wide range of additional services is available to facilitate the process of submitting your application;

Your application and supporting documents will be checked against the requirements of the German Diplomatic Mission and your biometric details will be captured.

Visa fees are paid in cash at the TLScontact Visa Application Centre, while the TLScontact service fee is paid online.

Once these steps have been completed, your visa application is transferred to the German Diplomatic Mission for a decision.

You can track your application at any time in your personal account.

Children under the age of 12 are not admitted to the centre. However, you can have access to a children's area by subscribing to our Premium Lounge service.

Please note that you can collect your passport on the day you submit your visa application provided you present a complete copy of the passport (with all pages stamped and blank pages)

For minors: if the mother is applying for minor children under the age of 18, please ensure that you have the birth certificate for each child with you when you apply.

Please note that when applying for a visa for a minor for whom you are neither the parents nor the legal guardian, it is necessary to provide a visa application power of attorney signed by the parents or legal guardians.

After the German Diplomatic Mission has made a decision on your visa application, your passport will be returned to the visa application centre.  You will be notified by automated email as soon as your passport is ready for collection.

You can collect your passport in person or by a representative.

Collection in person with:

• Your Application Checklist;
• Your Original Photographic ID;
• Copy of Your Photographic ID.

Collection by a representative with:

• Your Application Checklist;
• Copy of Your Photographic ID;
• Representative’s Original Photographic ID;
• Copy of Representative’s Photographic ID;
• Letter of authorization signed by you (clearly stating the representative’s details).