VFS Global issues fraud warning to Turkish visa applicants

Istanbul, Türkiye — During the conferense, company representatives warned the public about growing fraudulent activities exploiting the surge in visa demand. These include illegal sale of visa appointments, issuance of fake appointment confirmation letters, and false promises of guaranteed visa approvals—all of which are being perpetrated by criminal networks posing as VFS Global employees or affiliates.

“Criminal networks are targeting visa applicants”

VFS Global, which facilitates visa application processes for numerous countries in Türkiye, stated that the rise in outbound travel demand has led to a significant increase in visa applications. The high volume of appointment requests has created an opportunity for fraudsters, who attempt to scam applicants by impersonating official personnel or claiming unauthorized partnerships with the company.

Officials emphasized that VFS Global has no role in the outcome or processing time of visa applications and does not collaborate with any third-party organizations. They urged applicants to be cautious and to only use the official website, www.vfsglobal.com, for booking appointments.

Key warnings from VFS Global

• Visa appointments are completely free and can only be booked through the official website.• VFS Global plays no role in visa decisions or processing times.

• The company does not engage with third-party intermediaries or recruitment services abroad.

• Appointment availability is managed solely by the respective embassies or consulates, not VFS Global. “We do not work with third parties for appointment bookings”

Sertan Aslanturk, VFS Global’s Regional Head for Türkiye and Azerbaijan, stated:

“We strongly advise all applicants to submit their visa applications well in advance of their intended travel dates. Delays can increase the risk of falling victim to scams that exploit urgency. It is also crucial for applicants to understand that VFS Global does not work with any third-party agencies for appointment bookings and has no influence over the decision-making process. We urge the public to remain vigilant against individuals or entities falsely claiming association with our organization.”

VFS Global’s guide to avoiding visa fraud

1. Apply Early Submit your visa application well before your planned travel dates. Most countries accept applications up to 90 days in advance, while Schengen countries allow submission up to 6 months before travel, in line with the Schengen Visa Code effective since February 9, 2020.

2. Appointments Are Free of Charge

Appointments must be scheduled through the official website and are free. While service fees may apply depending on the country, there is no charge for booking an appointment.

3. No Influence on Decisions or Processing

Visa decisions and processing times are determined solely by the respective embassies or consulates. VFS Global is responsible only for administrative tasks such as collecting applications and biometric data.

4. No Collaboration with Third Parties

Be cautious of individuals or organizations that guarantee appointments or visa approvals, especially those claiming to represent VFS Global. Common mistakes to avoid in visa applications

• Mismatched Information: Ensure that application details (e.g., name, passport number, date of birth) exactly match official documents.

• Incorrect Photo Format: Submit photos that meet the specific format requirements of the destination country.

• Missing Documents: Refer to country-specific checklists on the VFS Global website to ensure all required documents are included.

• Unverified Bank Statements: Provide updated and authenticated bank statements to support financial requirements.

VFS Global represents 26 countries in Türkiye

VFS Global currently operates visa services in Türkiye on behalf of 26 countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others. The company’s responsibilities are limited to administrative support—collecting applications, verifying documents, and capturing biometric data. Final visa decisions rest exclusively with the respective diplomatic missions.