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AS DEMAND for overseas travel from Indonesia has skyrocketed, visa applications for various countries have reached higher levels than ever before. With this increase comes an increased risk of fraudsters posing as employees, partners of organizations, or agents and brokers.
These fraudsters claim to be able to provide schedules, issue fake appointment letters, or influence visa approval decisions in order to take advantage of travelers.
In this regard, VFS Global, a leading global technology and outsourcing services specialist, shared important information related to anti-fraud and early application registration for visa applicants at an event held in Jakarta on March 12, 2025. The event was also attended by representatives from the embassies of Austria, Hungary, Switzerland and the Netherlands, who underscored their support for VFS Global’s outreach activities ahead of the peak holiday season.
A Quick Guide to Avoiding Fraud When Applying for a Visa To make your vacation and visit more comfortable, you need to pay attention to the following guidelines:
1.Apply early
It is recommended that you apply for a visa as soon as possible after you have booked your airfare and accommodations. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) prior to your travel date.
2. Free Visa Appointments
VFS does not charge for visa appointments for the countries we serve. Appointments are free and can only be booked at www.vfsglobal.com. There may be a nominal service fee payable in advance for certain countries.
3. VFS Global has no role or influence in the decision of your visa application
The decision on the visa application, the validity of the visa and the timeframe for processing it is entirely in the hands of the relevant embassy or consulate. VFS Global handles only the administrative and non-judgmental aspects of the visa application process. VFS Global or any third party has no role or influence in the decision of your visa application.
4. VFS Global does not work with third parties
Applicants should be wary of scammers and companies claiming to work with us in any capacity or impersonating VFS Global in order to defraud them by selling appointments or guaranteeing visa decisions.
5. VFS Global does not engage in job placement or immigration related services
Applicants are advised to be wary of scammers offering fake jobs or immigration opportunities to make money.
In the hustle and bustle of preparing for a trip, applicants are prone to making avoidable mistakes that can result in their visa being denied. Here are some of the most common mistakes made when applying for a visa.
1.Incorrect information
Applicants should ensure that the details on their application form, such as name, passport number and date of birth, are exactly the same as those on their official documents. In some cases, applicants tend to provide information that does not match their documents or identification.
2. Wrong photo format
Applicants must submit a photo that meets the required format. Please visit our website for specific photo guidelines for the country you are booking from.
3. Incomplete documents
Applicants should refer to the destination-specific checklist available on the VFS Global information page to ensure all required documents are submitted. Even one missing document may render your application incomplete.
4. Uncertified bank statements
For certain destinations, applicants must ensure that their bank statements are properly certified as required. While it is common practice to submit bank statements, and most travelers are aware of this, not certifying these statements is a common mistake.
More Convenient Visa Service Options To make the visa application process easier, there are several services you can take advantage of. What are they?
Visa At Your Doorstep
Apply for your visa and enroll your biometrics from a location of your choice.
Premium Lounge
Get a fully personalized visa application experience in the comfort of a Premium Lounge.
Premium Application Center
A non-compulsory service for UK visa applicants that makes the application process easier and more relaxed.
Keep My Passport When Applying
A convenient service for UK visa applicants to store their passport until their visa decision is issued.
Prime Time
Apply for your visa outside normal office hours or even at weekends.
Courier Service
We will deliver your passport and documents. Fast, secure and convenient.
VFS Global Services in 25 Countries VFS Global serves 25 sovereign governments in Indonesia, namely Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Latvia, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Ukraine through a network of 47 Visa Application Centers in 6 cities – Bali, Jakarta, Makassar, Mataram, Medan and Surabaya.
VFS Global is also the official partner of the Directorate General of Immigration for services related to the Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) service.
VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-line administrative tasks, including the collection of visa application forms, required checklist documentation, and biometric enrollment, if applicable. VFS Global has no role in the decision-making process for granting or denying a visa. [sources/photo special]
