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Schengen visa applicants have been warned once again by the visa outsourcing company VFS Global against scammers and, at the same time, have also been advised to not leave their applications for the last minute.

Through an official statement, the VFS Global Head of North Asia and the Philippines Bernard Vijaykumar suggested that scammers are taking advantage of applicants and warned everyone to be extremely cautious, Schengen.News reports.

As explained by VFS Global, the company has been receiving complaints about scammers and intermediaries who are offering fake appointments and promising positive decisions in exchange for money.

Considering such reports, Vijaykumar has recommended that travellers apply for visas well in advance as, according to him, leaving everything for the last minute increases the risk of delays and exposes applicants to scammers who want to exploit their urgency.

To ensure that the visa application process runs smoothly for all those who need the document to enter the bloc, Vijaykumar reminded that visa applications can be filed up to six months before the planned travel date.

The latest applications can be made at least 15 days before the planned entry to the Schengen Area. However, in order to avoid any last-minute delays and inconveniences, it is not advised to make last-minute applications.

EU Embassy Diplomats Have Also Given Recommendations to Schengen Visa Applicants
A number of EU embassy diplomats in Thailand have also given recommendations to Schengen visa applicants during an awareness initiative.

While the recommendations were directed towards Thai nationals, they also apply to other applicants, regardless of their nationality.

To avoid delays, the Head of the Consular Section at the Embassy of Czechia in Bangkok, Veronika Hadravova, encouraged all applicants to take care of their applications early.

The same advised everyone to be aware of scammers who guarantee visas and appointments in exchange for money.

Representatives from Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Switzerland also made similar recommendations for those who want to apply for Schengen visas for the purposes of visiting the bloc.

Source: https://schengen.news/schengen-visa-applicants-warned-of-scammers-urged-to-apply-early/