Travellers applying for UK visas should be aware of significant changes in the management of visa application centres globally.
Beginning in September 2024 and continuing through January 2025, the UK government will transition to new commercial partners across regions including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, according to TravelBiz.
This shift, aimed at streamlining visa services, could affect applicants in the process of applying. Starting October 15, 2024, UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services will move from Sopra Steria to TLScontact, meaning appointments scheduled on or after that date will take place at TLScontact locations.
Though availability may initially be limited, applicants need not take any immediate action.
In certain regions, TLScontact will also transition to VFS Global as the service provider. This means some applicants may begin their visa process with TLScontact and complete it with VFS Global. Regions affected include Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Applicants impacted by this transition will receive emails from both TLScontact and VFS Global. The UK government advises the following steps:
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Check Emails: Look for notifications from “@tlscontact.com” or “@vfsglobal.com” and monitor spam folders if needed.
Verify Email Authenticity: Ensure the emails are legitimate by checking the sender’s domain.
Follow Instructions: Follow any guidance given to ensure a smooth transition in the application process.
If you have a scheduled appointment with TLScontact, you should attend as planned.
Rescheduling may incur an additional Mandatory User Pay (MUP) fee, but refunds can be requested for the original MUP fee from TLScontact.
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For more details on the transition or to seek support, applicants are encouraged to visit the TLScontact website, select their country, and navigate to the help page.
The UK government has already shifted some visa centres, including in Belgium, to VFS Global, with additional locations to follow.
Applicants are advised to stay vigilant, regularly check emails, and verify the legitimacy of communications to ensure their visa applications proceed smoothly.
The change is strictly related to service providers and will not alter the visa application process or decision times.