What happens at the Visa Application Centre

On the day of your appointment:

• Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.

• You must attend the appointment for your visa application. You cannot send someone in your place.

• Only applicants and one parent/legal guardian accompanying a child under 18 years are permitted to enter the Visa Application Centre.

• Printed copies of your visa application, passport bio page, as well as valid passport or travel document with at least 2 empty pages are required.

• All supporting documentation (originals and copies) are required.

• Children under 18 years old need to be accompanied by an adult and this cannot be a member of VFS Global staff.

• If you miss your appointment on the scheduled day, you will need to book a new appointment after 24 hours from your original appointment date.

 

Biometrics

Without biometrics information, your visa application will not be processed.

• At the centre, you will also need to submit your fingerprints and photograph. This is known as biometric information collection.

• Your fingerprint scan and facial scan will be captured.

• A digital fingerprint scanner will collect images of all your fingers, and at the same time a digital photo will be captured. This is a quick, discreet and non-intrusive process.

• Your digital photograph must show your full face. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted spectacles, or a head covering unless it is worn for religious or ethical reasons.

• If you have temporary injuries on your fingers, you’re advised to wait until your injuries have healed.

• Ensure your fingertips are free from any forms of temporary body decoration as it interferes with the working of the scanner.

• If you have applied for a Schengen Visa in the last 59 months, you don’t need to submit biometric data

• Applicants who are under 12 do not need to submit full biometric data.

• Heads of state do not require a visa and will not need to submit biometric data.

• Fingerprints are collected from all 10 fingers. If that is not possible due to physical reasons, exception marking will be added to system.

 

Search Procedure

In the interest of safety and security, we reserve the right to conduct random bag searches of applicants and visitors.

Our staff have the right to work without fear of abuse or intimidation. Threatening or abusive words or behaviour towards our staff will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Please have the following documentation ready for inspection: Passport, Application form and Collection receipts, if applicable.