Italy Visa Application Issue: TLScontact Portal Blocks Users
Imagine being ready to finalize your Italy visa application. You've paid the fees on the official GOV.UK website, filled out all the forms, and suddenly the TLScontact portal blocks you. The message reads "No VAC center available in this country" even though some centers confirm having available time slots. This is what dozens of users have reported in the last 24 hours, according to VisaHQ.
TLScontact System Issue
TLScontact manages appointment scheduling centers for the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in over 30 jurisdictions, including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. However, the system is experiencing a technical glitch. New file numbers created after payment on GOV.UK are not recognized by the scheduling database. According to VisaHQ, the problem may stem from a synchronization error between the payment API and TLScontact's internal system.
Consequences of the Issue
The result is straightforward: blocked appointments, frustrated travelers, and delayed plans. Some users show up directly at the centers where time slots are available, but the online system won't let them access these appointments.
Recommended Solution
In light of this situation, VisaHQ recommends submitting support tickets via TLScontact's official form and mentioning the relevant Italian consulate in the message to try to expedite the processing.
Current Status
For now, TLScontact has not released an official statement on this issue, but the technical teams are reportedly aware of the problem and working to resolve it, according to VisaHQ.
