Namibians applying for a Schengen visa will now pay a non-refundable service fee of 24.51 Euro (about N$500) after the German embassy in Windhoek outsourced visa processing to TLS Contact.
The embassy says the move aims to reduce waiting times and make it easier for residents to book appointments to travel to Germany and six other European countries, including Belgium, Hungary, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, and Switzerland.
From 19 January, TLS Contact will handle visa form submissions, biometric data collection, and passport delivery at Maerua Mall.
The embassy says the centre is centrally located and accessible for people with physical challenges, and applicants can choose appointment times that suit them.
“The decision to issue or deny a visa remains solely the responsibility of the German embassy in Windhoek,” the statement reads.
The embassy clarifies that national visas for stays of over 90 days such as for work, study, or family reunification, are unaffected and must still be booked directly through the embassy’s website.
Applicants must book Schengen visa appointments online and pay the service fee by card at the centre, where guidance on required documents will also be provided.
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