Independent comparison — we never process applications or take payments
26 providers · 199 destinations · 199 passports
Application-centre operators compared
TLScontact vs VFS Global: which visa service fits your trip? (2026)
An independent, side-by-side look at TLScontact and VFS Global using facts from the VisaScout catalogue. Prices and processing times are sample figures, last updated 1 Aug 2026 — confirm the live numbers on each provider's own site.
Side-by-side facts
Fees & times are sample data| Fact | TLScontact | VFS Global |
|---|---|---|
| Provider type | Official partner | Official partner |
| Headquarters | Paris, France | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Founded | — | 2001 |
| Destinations (approx.) | ~90 | ~140 |
| Passports served | Most passports | Most passports |
| Visa types | Tourist, Business, Student, Work | Tourist, Business, Student, Work |
| Service fee from (sample) | ₹2,490 | ₹2,660 |
| Avg. processing (sample) | 13 days | 12 days |
| Express option | No | Yes |
| Support | Centre helplines and online contact forms | Centre helplines, email and self-service tracking |
| Refunds | Centre service fees are non-refundable after an appointment. | Centre service fees are non-refundable once an appointment is attended. |
| Listing check | Done | Done |
| VisaScout score (computed) | 3.9 | 4.4 |
Who each one suits
Choose TLScontact if you want…
- a lower sample starting service fee
Appointment and biometric capture for partner missions
Full TLScontact profileChoose VFS Global if you want…
- a faster average processing time in our catalogue
- wider destination reach (~140 vs ~90)
- an express option
Authorised application centres for many governments
Full VFS Global profileSample tourist-visa totals for Indian passports
SampleIllustrative totals generated from catalogue facts, not quotes. Government fees change — check the official portal.
| Destination | TLScontact | VFS Global |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | ₹4,9804–9 days | ₹4,5706–13 days |
| Thailand | ₹5,8105–12 days | ₹5,4004–10 days |
| Singapore | ₹5,4004–9 days | ₹5,4004–10 days |
| Vietnam | ₹6,2306–14 days | ₹6,6404–10 days |
| Indonesia | ₹5,8105–12 days | ₹5,8106–14 days |
| Malaysia | ₹4,5704–10 days | ₹5,4004–9 days |
Destinations both cover — official-source guides
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bhutan
Cambodia
China
Egypt
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Nepal
Netherlands
Oman
PhilippinesYou may not need either
Many destinations let you apply yourself on an official government portal, with no service fee. Check the destination guides for the official links, and use the document checklist to prepare.
Frequently asked questions
Is TLScontact or VFS Global cheaper?
Which is faster, TLScontact or VFS Global?
Are TLScontact and VFS Global official government services?
Can either guarantee my visa?
More comparisons
Keep planning
- Destination visa guidesOfficial portals and entry options by country
- Visa types explainedTourist, business, student, work and transit
- Document checklistBuild a printable checklist for your trip
- Schengen 90/180 calculatorCount your days in the Schengen area
- Passport validity checkerCheck months of validity left for your trip
- Visa provider directoryEvery listed provider, with listing checks
- Official resourcesGovernment portals in one place
- AltF BacklinksDirectory of sites and communities by AltFTool