All applicants for Schengen visas have been informed by VFS Global that it has no control over the decision or timeline pertaining to their application. VFS Global emphasised in a formal statement that it is fully up to the different governments to decide whether to provide visas and when to do so. Moreover, it also warned everyone to stay away from tricksters that claim to fast-track their visa approvals, using the hashtag “Do Not Fall For Fraud”. “Visa applicants, stay informed! Decisions and timelines concerning your visa application are entirely up to the respective governments. Stay away from tricksters claiming to fast-track your visa approvals,” VFS Global wrote on its official Twitter account. In addition to the above-mentioned, VFS Global made sure to let all applicants know that they are only responsible for receiving their application, stressing that they do not have any type of influence on the decision. “VFS Global has no role or influence on the decision of your visa application,” it highlighted. The warning from VFS Global comes amid increased reports of scammers claiming that they can speed up the process of visa application in return for money. All people who need a Schengen visa in order to be permitted entry into the bloc must keep in mind that they do not have to pay anything when filling out the application as long as they are not completing the process through intermediaries. The only fee that Schengen visa applicants have to pay when applying themselves is the processing fee that goes to the respective country processing the application. The Schengen visa is a short-term visa that permits all of its holders to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Depending on the visa type one is applying for, applicants are required to submit several documents. When applying for any short-term Schengen visa, all applicants must submit the fully completed and signed visa application form, their valid passport, and two photos that have been taken recently. Moreover, Schengen visa applicants must also submit a roundtrip reservation, proof of having purchased travel health insurance valid for their entire period of stay, proof of having secured a place to stay, proof of enough financial means, and proof of paid visa fee, among others.