External service providers: TLSContact opens service center in Namibia

A significant change is imminent that will restructure the visa application process in Namibia . With the opening of the new TLScontact center in Windhoek, a new player will be introduced, bridging the gap between applicants and German diplomatic missions abroad.

The role of TLScontact in the visa process

It is important to understand that TLScontact does not decide on the issuance of visas, but rather acts as an external service provider, serving as the interface to the German Embassy . We repeatedly emphasize to our clients that these centers are primarily responsible for logistics, biometric data collection, and verifying the completeness of applications. The final decision-making authority remains solely with the Federal Republic of Germany. Nevertheless, the opening in Windhoek will hopefully result in increased efficiency. By specializing in customer service, waiting times can be minimized and processes standardized. For travelers from Namibia, this means they now have access to a modern infrastructure that transforms the often stressful application process into a professional environment. This includes not only the submission of documents but also a range of additional services designed to meet the individual needs of applicants.

The structured path to success

The application process now follows a strictly defined path that begins even before entering the center in Windhoek. In our consultations, we always emphasize that preparation is the foundation of every successful visa application . First, applicants must create their personal TLScontact account and accurately enter the required data. A key element remains the VIDEX form , which must be completed online in German or English. In our daily practice, we often see that even minor errors in stating the purpose of travel or personal data can lead to significant delays or even rejections . After the data has been submitted, an appointment is booked . Particularly relevant for personal planning is the fact that all applicants aged twelve and over must appear in person for biometric data collection, unless this has already been done within the last 59 months for a Schengen visa .

Added value or pitfalls in additional services

With the opening in Windhoek, a wide range of paid services are being introduced, designed to make the process more convenient. From assistance with completing forms to "prime time" appointments outside of regular opening hours, TLScontact offers various options. We view these services from a legal perspective with a degree of nuance and skepticism . While a courier service for returning passports undoubtedly saves time and reduces travel, one should not be under the illusion that paid services increase the chances of a successful application . As TLScontact itself rightly points out, these services have no bearing on the processing time at the embassy or the outcome of the review. A professional legal review of the documents by our firm focuses on the substantive content, while the center's services merely embellish the formal aspects.

The importance of biometrics and completeness

A critical point in the new process in Windhoek is the collection of biometric data. In a world of increasing security requirements, this is an essential step for accessing the Schengen Area. The center ensures that fingerprints and photographs comply with strict European standards . Should documents such as photocopies or passport photos be missing, the center offers assistance on-site. However, we caution against relying blindly on these emergency solutions. Incomplete documentation at the time of submission can lead to the application being rejected altogether or the embassy subsequently requesting revisions, which wastes valuable time. In particular, Schengen-compliant travel insurance must absolutely meet the requirements to prevent rejection on formal grounds.

A conclusion for the future of visa issuance

The opening of the TLScontact center in Windhoek is undoubtedly a positive step for German-Namibian relations and the efficiency of the visa process. We welcome the resulting transparency and improved access for applicants in Namibia. Nevertheless, the core of visa law remains: a technically sound application is only as good as its substantive justification . The logistical simplification provided by an external service provider does not absolve applicants of their responsibility to diligently explain their purpose of travel and their intention to return. We therefore advise all interested parties to take advantage of the new opportunities in Windhoek, while always keeping the legal pitfalls in mind. The path to Germany has become more convenient thanks to TLScontact, but the hurdles of the Residence Act remain the same. Finally, it should also be noted that TLScontact has not necessarily proven to be reliable recently . Whether efficiency gains will actually materialize in Windhoek remains to be seen.