Kumasi Document Fraud Office has recorded 35 fake visas since 2023; mostly those procured from agents — GIS

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has advised the public to verify their visas and other travel documents with the Service before travelling, particularly when such documents are obtained through visa agents.

The Service said the precaution would help travellers avoid disappointment, frustration, arrest at the airport and significant financial losses.

According to the GIS, it has recorded several cases involving fake visas, with victims often relying on agents to process their travel documents.

The Service warned that unsuspecting travellers could face serious consequences if they present fraudulent documents at the airport, even if they were unaware that the visas were fake.

Speaking in an interview on Otec FM’s morning show, Nyansapo, on Wednesday, DSI James Appiah of the Document Fraud Office of the Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service disclosed that the office had recorded 35 fake visa cases since 2023.

He said the fake visas involved several destinations, with Canada, Albania and Dubai among the countries and destinations most frequently identified in the cases.

“The Document Fraud Office has recorded 35 fake visas since 2023, mostly Canada, Albania and Dubai,” DSI Appiah told the host Kwaku Owusu Boateng.

DSI James Appiah cautioned the public against dealing carelessly with visa agents, stressing that travelling with a fake visa constitutes an offence.

“People should be careful when dealing with agents to acquire visas,” he warned.

He urged travellers to verify their visas and other travel documents with the appropriate authorities during the visa acquisition process to protect themselves from fraud and avoid unnecessary financial losses.