Renthia Kaimbi
The German Embassy in Windhoek has announced changes to its process for applying for a Schengen visa.
The change is aimed at simplifying travel procedures for Namibian residents.
From 19 January 2026, all applications for short-stay Schengen visas to Germany and several other European countries will be handled exclusively through the external service provider TLS Contact.
The embassy stated that the partnership aims to provide applicants with a more efficient and convenient application process for travel to Germany and Europe.
Under the new system, applicants can expect reduced waiting times and a quicker, simpler appointment booking process. TLS Contact already operates in several African countries and serves as a regional partner of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.
Starting 13 January 2026, all visa appointments must be booked only through the TLS Contact website for Namibia.
From 19 January, applicants will submit their application forms and supporting documents at the new TLS Contact German Visa Application Centre at the Regus Office Tower in Maerua Mall.
The centre is accessible to people with physical challenges, and it will handle biometric data collection as well as the return of passports.
The embassy stressed that decision-making authority on visas remains unchanged.
The German Embassy in Windhoek will continue to make all decisions on whether visas are issued or refused and will still represent the interests of Belgium, Hungary, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable service fee of 24.51 euros, about N$500, to TLS Contact in addition to the standard visa fee.
The service fee must be paid by card at the application centre, as cash payments will not be accepted.
The embassy also clarified that the national visa process remains unchanged.
Applications for stays longer than 90 days, including those for work, study, or family reunification, will continue to be processed through the embassy’s website or the consular services portal.
