As the peak travel season nears, Filipinos planning international trips are being cautioned about the increasing prevalence of visa scams and fraud. Bernard Vijaykumar, VFS Global’s Head of North Asia and the Philippines, highlighted a significant 38% increase in visa applications from the Philippines in 2024 compared to 2019, indicating a surge past pre-COVID numbers. This growth in demand has unfortunately become a fertile ground for scammers who pose as embassy or VFS Global staff, promising to expedite visa approvals for a fee.
Vijaykumar spoke at a press conference in Taguig City, emphasizing the popularity of destinations like Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom among Filipino travelers. He warned that the rush to secure visas has led to fraudulent activities, including the distribution of fake appointment letters and the use of deceptive email addresses.
To combat these scams, Vijaykumar advised travelers to apply for visas well in advance of their travel dates. He stressed that last-minute applications not only risk delays but also make applicants more vulnerable to fraudsters exploiting their urgency. He clarified that VFS Global, which manages visa administrative tasks for 28 foreign missions in the Philippines, does not collaborate with any third-party entities for appointment bookings.
Vijaykumar also provided guidance on visa application timing, noting that most countries accept applications up to 90 days before travel, while Schengen Visa applications can be submitted six months in advance. He reminded travelers that scheduling visa appointments is free and should only be done through www.vfsglobal.com, although a nominal service fee may apply for certain countries.