DRC: Joris Salden Warns Against Fraudulent Schengen Visa Agencies

During a visit to Kinshasa on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Joris Salden, Director General of Consular Affairs at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a warning to Schengen visa applicants about the fraudulent practices of some intermediary agencies.

Salden highlighted that certain agencies demand exorbitant fees for appointments or application processing, despite having no access to the official appointment booking platforms. He emphasized that the European Visa Center (EVC) cannot sell appointment slots, making such claims technically impossible.

He also denounced the use of forged documents by these agencies, which often results in visa refusals and penalties for applicants.

Salden urged applicants to follow official procedures through the CEV website and to report fraud when encountered. He reminded the public that the official cost of a Schengen visa is 90 euros, far below the inflated charges demanded by unscrupulous intermediaries.