VFS vs BLS Tourist Visa Processing Compared
- Samiksha Bagal
- Dec 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Table of Contents
VFS vs BLS tourist visa
Key Differences in Their Operations
Countries Managed by VFS vs BLS
Visa Application Process at Each Center
Service Fees and Value-Added Services
Document Handling and Security
Which Is More Convenient for Indian Tourists?
FAQs
VFS vs BLS Tourist Visa
When Indian travellers apply for international tourist visas, they usually interact with third-party visa outsourcing partners instead of embassies directly. This is where the VFS vs BLS tourist visa comparison becomes important.
VFS Global and BLS International are authorised visa application outsourcing companies appointed by embassies to manage tourist visa submissions, biometrics, and document handling. Understanding how VFS and BLS handle tourist visa applications helps travellers choose the right centre and prepare accurately.
Key Differences in Their Operations
The VFS vs BLS tourist visa difference is mainly operational, not decision-based.
Feature | VFS Global | BLS International |
Global Presence | 165 countries | 70 countries |
Digital Systems | Advanced | Moderate |
Appointment Flow | Fully guided | Mixed (manual + digital) |
Walk-in Options | Limited | Available for some countries |
Both function as a VFS visa center or BLS visa process facilitator but follow embassy-defined procedures strictly.
Countries Managed by VFS vs BLS
Understanding the difference between VFS and BLS for tourist visas depends heavily on destination.
Country | Managed By |
UK | VFS Global |
Canada | VFS Global |
Schengen Zone | VFS Global |
Australia | VFS Global |
Malaysia | BLS |
Spain | BLS |
India (OCI/Passport) | BLS |
UAE (India visas) | BLS |
Morocco | BLS |
Embassies decide partners, so applicants cannot choose between VFS vs BLS tourist visa centers freely.
Visa Application Process at Each Center
The VFS vs BLS tourist visa application flow differs slightly:
VFS Visa Center
Online appointment booking
Digital document checklists
Structured biometric slots
Faster tracking systems
BLS Visa Process
Semi-digital submission
Limited appointment slots
Walk-ins for select countries
Both require physical presence for biometrics, confirming how visa application outsourcing works.
Service Fees and Value-Added Services
Another key VFS vs BLS tourist visa difference is service offerings.
VFS Services
SMS alerts
Premium lounge
Courier passport return
Higher service fees
BLS Services
Form-filling assistance
Budget-friendly pricing
Basic tracking tools
Value depends on travel urgency and comfort preferences.
Document Handling and Security
Despite differences, VFS vs BLS tourist visa security standards remain strict:
Embassy-sealed document handling
Barcoded receipts
CCTV-monitored centers
Real-time application tracking
This ensures safe visa application outsourcing for Indian travellers.
Which Is More Convenient for Indian Tourists?
When evaluating which visa center is better for Indian travelers, consider:
Destination country
City availability
Appointment waiting time
Budget vs digital convenience
VFS vs BLS tourist visa convenience depends entirely on travel needs, not superiority.
The VFS vs BLS tourist visa comparison shows both are logistics partners, not decision-makers. VFS offers broader country coverage and advanced systems, while BLS serves specific destinations cost-effectively. Choosing the correct center based on embassy assignment ensures smooth tourist visa submission and fewer delays.
FAQs
1: What is the main difference between VFS and BLS for tourist visas?
The difference between VFS and BLS for tourist visas lies in operational scale and digital systems. VFS Global manages more countries with advanced appointment tools, while BLS International focuses on select destinations with cost-effective services.
Key points:
Both are visa application outsourcing partners
Neither approves visas
Embassy assigns the partner
Understanding VFS vs BLS tourist visa roles helps avoid wrong expectations.
2: How VFS and BLS handle tourist visa applications differently?
How VFS and BLS handle tourist visa applications differs mainly in process flow. VFS visa center applications are fully appointment-driven with online tracking, while the BLS visa process allows limited walk-ins for some countries.
Process includes:
Document submission
Biometrics capture
Embassy forwarding
Both follow embassy rules strictly.
3: Can Indian travellers choose between VFS vs BLS tourist visa centers?
No. Indian travellers cannot choose between VFS vs BLS tourist visa centers. Embassies appoint a single partner per country. Applicants must submit through the assigned VFS visa center or BLS visa process channel only.
Important notes:
Embassy controls assignment
Partner choice is not flexible
Submission elsewhere leads to rejection
4: Which visa center is better for Indian travelers—VFS or BLS?
Which visa center is better for Indian travelers depends on destination, not preference. For Schengen, UK, or Canada, VFS is mandatory. For Spain or India-related visas, BLS is required.
Decision factors:
Destination country
Appointment availability
Budget vs convenience
This makes VFS vs BLS tourist visa a situational choice.
5: Do VFS or BLS influence tourist visa approval?
No. Under the VFS vs BLS tourist visa framework, neither VFS visa center nor BLS visa process influences approvals.
They cannot:
Approve or reject visas
Speed up decisions
Modify embassy rules
Only embassies decide outcomes, regardless of visa application outsourcing partner.
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