Ghanaian travellers urged to adopt early planning as visa demand spikes ahead of peak academic and travel season

VFS Global is encouraging Ghanaian visa applicants to adopt earlier planning habits and avoid last minute applications, as rising demand for international travel continues to strain appointment availability during peak seasons.

The advisory comes as student mobility, group travel, and family visits abroad increase sharply, particularly ahead of academic resumption periods in Europe, North America and other destination countries.

According to the visa facilitation company, a significant number of applicants underestimate processing timelines and appointment demand, leading to congestion at visa application centres and increased vulnerability to misinformation from unauthorised agents.

VFS Global says many applicants only begin arranging documentation and bookings shortly before intended travel dates, creating pressure that is often exploited by intermediaries who promise quick fixes that do not exist within official systems.

Speaking on the issue, Mr Prashant Kansara, Regional Head for Central and West Africa, said proper planning remains the most effective way to ensure a smooth application experience.

He noted that while visa decisions remain solely the responsibility of respective embassies and governments, applicants can significantly reduce stress and delays by preparing documentation early and using only verified channels for appointment booking.

The company explained that demand is especially high among student groups and organised travel delegations, where multiple applications are often submitted within the same timeframe, increasing pressure on appointment systems.

To address this, VFS Global says it continues to promote structured group application coordination services, which help organise submissions more efficiently without affecting processing outcomes or appointment priority.

It stressed that these services are purely administrative and do not influence visa approvals, timelines, or embassy decisions.

Applicants in Ghana have also been advised to rely exclusively on the official website, www.vfsglobal.com, for accurate information, as fraudulent actors continue to circulate fake appointment links and misleading contact details across social media platforms.

VFS Global reiterated that no agent or third party has the authority to guarantee visas or expedite processing, urging travellers to remain cautious as demand for international mobility continues to rise.