The travel industry is witnessing an extraordinary upswing in 2025, with visa applications for destinations worldwide reaching unprecedented levels. A joint report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and VFS Global highlights the African Travel & Tourism sector’s potential to inject US$168 billion into the continent’s economy and generate over 18 million jobs. Achieving this growth depends on critical policy advancements, such as upgrading air infrastructure, optimizing visa processing systems, and intensifying tourism promotion efforts to draw international visitors.
This spike in travel enthusiasm has driven a sharp rise in demand for visa appointment slots, creating opportunities for scammers to exploit vulnerable applicants. Fraudsters, often masquerading as VFS Global staff, affiliates, or third-party agents, lure jobseekers and visa applicants with promises of faster appointment bookings for a fee, siphoning funds from those seeking legitimate services.
Mr. Stephen Kubasu, General Manager-Operations at VFS Global, addressed the issue, urging caution. “Visa appointment slots are allocated online, based on projected demand and the capacity planning of Consulates,” he clarified. “Applicants should arrive at the Visa Application Centre 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time to secure their slot. We warn against engaging with touts who falsely guarantee early bookings for payment. Many scammers create counterfeit profiles on social media and search platforms, using our logos and official names to deceive travellers. These fraudulent listings often include fake contact details, misleading applicants into believing they’re dealing with our organization.”
To combat these scams, VFS Global has introduced stringent countermeasures. Access to Visa Application Centres is now restricted to individuals with confirmed appointments, enhancing security. A new validation system links visa application form reference numbers to booking references, ensuring authenticity. An OTP (One-Time Password) is required to book appointments, minimizing unauthorized agent interference. Additionally, VFS Global has launched a comprehensive anti-fraud awareness campaign, featuring warnings across social media, appointment letters, call centre messages, and physical posters. Applicants who encounter suspicious activities are urged to report details to acco@vfsglobal.com for prompt action.
The overwhelming demand for outbound travel has led to extended processing times, prompting VFS Global to enhance its operational framework. The company has expanded operating hours, introduced dedicated slots for passport submission and collection, and added more waiting areas to improve applicant comfort. These initiatives aim to reduce delays and streamline the application process at the centres.
