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The global travel industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom in 2025, with visa applications for numerous countries reaching historic highs. According to a collaborative report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and VFS Global, the African Travel & Tourism sector holds immense potential to contribute US$168 billion to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million new jobs.
Realizing this growth hinges on strategic policies, including enhancements in air infrastructure, streamlined visa services, and robust tourism marketing initiatives to attract global visitors.
The surge in travel demand has led to a significant increase in visa appointment requests, creating fertile ground for scammers who exploit eager applicants. These fraudsters often pose as VFS Global employees, associates, or third-party agents, promising expedited appointment slots for a fee. Their schemes target not only visa applicants but also jobseekers, siphoning money from unsuspecting victims seeking legitimate services.
Addressing this growing concern, Mr. Stephen Kubasu, General Manager-Operations at VFS Global, emphasized the importance of vigilance. “Applicants must understand that visa appointment slots are allocated online, determined by demand forecasts and the internal capacity planning of Consulates,” he explained.
“We urge applicants to arrive at the Visa Application Centre 15 minutes before their scheduled time to avoid missing their slot. Fraudulent parties frequently use deceptive tactics, creating fake profiles with our logos and official names on social media and search platforms. These impostors mislead genuine travellers by embedding their contact details in seemingly legitimate listings. We strongly advise applicants to avoid paying for early bookings and to verify information through official channels.”
To curb fraudulent activities, VFS Global has rolled out a series of robust anti-scam measures. Only individuals with valid appointments are permitted entry into Visa Application Centres, ensuring tighter control over access. A visa application form validation system now integrates form reference numbers with appointment booking references to enhance security.
Additionally, an OTP (One-Time Password) code is mandatory for booking appointments, reducing the involvement of unauthorized agents. VFS Global has also launched widespread anti-fraud campaigns, disseminating warnings through social media, appointment letters, call centre voice messages, and physical advertisements like posters. Applicants encountering suspicious activities are encouraged to report details to acco@vfsglobal.com for immediate investigation.
The unprecedented demand for outbound travel has resulted in longer-than-anticipated processing times, prompting VFS Global to implement operational enhancements.
These include extended hours of operation, dedicated time slots for passport submission and collection, and expanded waiting areas to accommodate applicants more comfortably. These measures aim to alleviate bottlenecks and improve the overall experience at Visa Application Centres.
