As travel, study, and tourism seasons approach, Moroccan citizens are increasingly asking about the timelines and procedures for collecting their travel visas from TLScontact centers after receiving approval notifications.
According to multiple user experiences and information published on visa center websites, the time between receiving a visa approval notice and collecting the passport is usually between 24 to 48 hours. Beneficiaries are allowed to go to the designated center only after receiving an official email or SMS confirming that “documents are ready for collection.”
TLS Warns Against Premature Visits
TLS centers have issued formal statements on their websites warning applicants not to visit the center before receiving the official notification, clarifying that “passport collection is only possible once the applicant has been informed that the documents are ready, not immediately after visa approval.”
A source from TLS Rabat stated that “the process is smooth in most cases, and the only issue some applicants face is arriving too early, before getting the official notice, which leads to unnecessary waiting or having to return later.”
Passport Retention Period
Consular sources indicate that TLS retains passports for a maximum of 30 days after the visa is issued. However, some consulates may apply different deadlines, which means applicants must check the exact collection period mentioned in their notification.
Advice for Travelers
Experts in immigration and travel matters recommend the following tips for visa applicants:
- Regularly check your email and SMS messages for notifications.
- Confirm the official working hours of your designated TLS center, especially during public holidays.
- Bring your national ID card or the deposit receipt when collecting your passport.
These guidelines underscore the importance of organization and punctuality, especially with the high volume of applicants during peak travel and academic seasons.
Hopes for Greater Digitization
While the process is relatively efficient, many citizens still hope for more advanced digital solutions, such as real-time notifications and mobile apps for step-by-step application tracking — aligning with the government’s broader agenda of digitizing public services.
Source: Fes News Media