UK ETA Applications: How to Spot Fake Sites and Protect Your Information

Charlie UK Visa News 25 April 2025 | Updated On April 28, 2025 | 0

As the UK rolls out its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, travellers are being warned about a growing number of fake websites posing as official government platforms.

Scammers are taking advantage of the shift towards online visas and travel authorisations, and the UK is now among the many countries affected.

Fraudulent websites are becoming more sophisticated. They copy the look of the official UK government site, use similar domain names, and even pay for top spots in Google search results through sponsored ads.

These scam sites often:

Steal personal details like passport numbers and home addresses.
Capturing banking information and lead to fraudulent charges.
Submit invalid applications—or in some cases, don’t submit them at all.

Thousands of travellers have already fallen victim simply by clicking the wrong link when searching for “UK ETA application.”

⚠️ Remember: The only official website to apply for a UK ETA is https://www.gov.uk.

Not All Third-Party Websites Are Scams

While many fraudulent sites exist, some legitimate travel agencies offer real help with UK visa and ETA applications for a fee.

These trusted companies:

Clearly state that they are not an official government site.
Offer application reviews, customer support, and transparent pricing.
They are helpful for travellers who are unsure about the process or have complex cases.

If you need assistance with UK ETA or eVisa application, contact IaM.

However, it's important to know you can apply for a UK ETA directly yourself for a lower cost through the government’s site.

How to Spot a Fake UK ETA Website

Be cautious if you notice:

A URL that doesn’t end with .gov.uk.
No clear disclaimer saying it’s a third-party service.
Vague or missing privacy policies.
Very high fees with no explanation.
Overuse of official-looking logos and images.
Listings marked as “Sponsored” or “Ad” at the top of search results.

Always double-check the web address and make sure you're on an official UK government domain.

Quick Tips to Stay Safe

✅ Remember, only use the official site: https://www.gov.uk
✅ Double-check URLs before entering any personal information
✅ Watch for small “Sponsored” or “Ad” labels in Google search results
✅ When in doubt, contact the UK Home Office or your local embassy for confirmation
✅ If you use a visa agency, choose one that is transparent about its role and fees

The UK's new ETA system makes it easier to travel, but it also opens the door to scams.

A few extra minutes of caution when applying online can protect your personal information, your money, and your travel plans.

Are you planning to visit the UK? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

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And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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