The short answer
You must apply with your current valid passport, but you should carry old passports as well. Previous booklets evidence travel history and prior visas, and several missions specifically ask to see them at the counter.
How this works for Germany applications
The appointment record and the form must carry the current passport number. If you renewed after booking, update the passport number in your profile before the cut-off and reprint the appointment letter.
Old passports remain valuable evidence. Cancelled booklets showing compliant previous travel strengthen visitor and business applications considerably.
For Germany, appointments in India run through VFS Global under German Missions in India, with indicative processing of 15–30 days short-stay, 4–12 weeks long-stay. The rule above applies at every Indian centre serving this mission.
Processing time
- Answer status
- Reviewed 2026-07-31
- Our desk response
- Usually within the hour on WhatsApp
- Visa processing
- 15–30 days short-stay, 4–12 weeks long-stay
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We monitor slots daily and confirm the earliest workable date.
Required documents
- Apply on the current, valid passport only
- Carry cancelled old passports to the appointment
- Update the passport number if you renewed after booking
- Do not submit an expired passport as the primary document
- Report a lost old passport with a police reference
Latest updates
- 2026-07-31: Answer re-checked against current centre practice in India.
Key points
Everything worth remembering, in one place:
- Apply on the current, valid passport only
- Carry cancelled old passports to the appointment
- Update the passport number if you renewed after booking
- Do not submit an expired passport as the primary document
- Report a lost old passport with a police reference
Frequently asked questions
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Written & reviewed by Travel To Abroad specialists
This guide on visa appointment assistance is maintained by Travel To Abroad's in-house appointment desk — a team of travel documentation specialists with 8+ years of hands-on experience booking VFS, BLS, TLScontact and embassy slots for Indian travellers. Every page is reviewed by a senior case manager before publishing.
Last reviewed: July 2026
How we source this information
Fees, processing times and document lists are cross-checked against the official embassy / consulate website, the appointed VAC portal (VFS / BLS / TLScontact) and our internal case logs from real bookings completed in the last 90 days.
Compliance & our scope of service
Travel To Abroad is an independent travel assistance company. We are not a government body, embassy, consulate or an authorised VAC. All applications are submitted through the official channel of the destination country and every fee, decision and interview outcome rests solely with that authority.
We assist with slot booking, rescheduling, documentation review and supporting travel documents. We do not guarantee visa approval and we do not offer immigration or legal advice.
Important: Appointment availability, government fees and document requirements can change without notice. Always confirm the latest details on the official embassy / VAC website before travel. Nothing on this page constitutes legal, immigration or financial advice.
We provide assistance with official visa processes. We do not guarantee appointment availability or visa outcomes. Decisions rest solely with the relevant embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre.