Reported by Mr. Sirasit Tatiyapantharak [#RETAILman | #RETAILmanX]

• Book visa appointments only through official channels such as VFS Global or Embassy websites (as applicable)
• VFS Global or any third-party entity can not guarantee you a visa; decision is the sole prerogative of Embassy / Consulate
• VFS Global does not work in association with any third-party entities for visa appointment allocation 
• VFS Global is neither involved in job placement nor immigration-related services

Just before the commencement of peak travel season, VFS Global, the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, shared advisories for visa applicants in Thailand to avoid visa related frauds and apply for visas well in advance, at an event held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 22 January 2026. 

Simon Peachey, Chief Operating Officer – Australasia, China, and RCIS, said, “We urge travellers to submit their visa applications as early as possible. Last-minute applications not only risk delays but also make applicants more vulnerable to fraudsters who exploit urgency. Travellers should remember that visa appointments are completely free and can only be booked through our official website, www.vfsglobal.com. VFS Global has no tie-ups with external agents or third-party operators, nor do we have any influence over visa decision-making. We advise applicants to exercise caution, avoid engaging with unverified individuals claiming association with VFS Global, and thoroughly verify any service before making a payment.”

As a trusted partner to 26 foreign governments in Thailand, VFS Global would like to remind applicants across Thailand the following points:
1. Apply for your visa as early as possible

It is recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and stay. Most countries accept visa applications up to 180 days (6 months) before your date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 09 February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel. 

2. Visa appointments through VFS Global are absolutely free of cost 

They must be booked directly through our official website www.vfsglobal.com or government portals. There could be a nominal service fee to prepay for select countries. We do not offer “priority access” or sell any appointment slots.

3. VFS Global does not work in association with any third-party entity for appointment allocation

Please beware of scammers and fraudulent entities who claim to be associated with us in any capacity or pose as VFS Global claiming to offer guaranteed appointments.

4. VFS Global staff or any third-party entity cannot influence your visa decisions

The decision on accepting or refusing your visa application, the visa tenure, and timeline to process your application lie solely in the hands of the respective embassies or consulates.

5. VFS Global does not provide immigration and overseas job services

Please be cautious of scammers offering spurious job or immigration opportunities in the name of VFS Global for money.

6. VFS Global never asks you to share your personal information or make an upfront payment via any social media message, email, SMS, or calls. 

If applicants have been asked to make payments to personal accounts to expedite visa application process, applicants may be interacting with a scamster. Payments should only be made through our official website (www.vfsglobal.com) or at our Visa Application Centre.

If visa applicants have been approached by someone selling appointments or claiming insider access, report it to us immediately by visiting  https://secure.ethicspoint.eu/domain/media/en/gui/108559/index.html. Applicants can also visit our anti-fraud resource page at https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/donotfallforfraud/ to learn more and protect themselves and their loved ones. If applicants become a victim of visa/immigration fraud, report it to police. 

VFS Global caters to 26 sovereign governments in Thailand namely Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand (E-visa and E-extension), The Netherlands, Ukraine, and UK, through a network of 38 visa application centres in 3 cities – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

Enjoy our optional value-added services for a seamless visa experience:

• Visa At Your Doorstep: Apply for your visa and enrol biometrics from the location of your choice.
• Premium Lounge: Get an end-to-end personalised visa submission experience from the comfort of a lounge.
• Premium Application Centre: Non mandatory service for UK visa applicants allowing their application process to be convenient and more relaxed.
• Mobile Visa Application Centre (MVAC): Highly flexible facility for UK visa customers at three locations in Thailand – Thanya Park, Siam Paragon, and Icon Siam.
• Keep My Passport When Applying: Convenient service for UK visa applicants to hold on to their passports till the visa decision comes.
• Prime Time: Apply for your visa beyond normal working hours or even on weekends.
• Courier Service: We deliver your passport and documents. It’s quick, safe, and convenient. 

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