Visa scam complaints soar as UK ETA rules are used by fraudsters

Holidaymakers are being warned to avoid unofficial websites when applying for travel visas, after criminals stole more than €32,000 from Dutch travellers so far this year, the Telegraaf said on Wednesday.

The sharp rise in visa scams is linked to the introduction of Britain’s new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) requirement in April, which has fuelled a surge in fake and overpriced visa sites, the paper said. The Fraud Helpdesk, which monitors scams,  said it had received 189 reports so far this year, compared with just 12 in the whole of 2024.

“In some cases, scammers offer no service at all, but we also see third-party companies charging excessive fees for valid visas,” a spokesman said. “Others use phishing tactics to obtain credit card details. People think they’re applying for a visa, then see one or more unauthorised payments.”

Visa expert Hilde Cevaal said many travellers fall for fraudulent services after searching on Google. “Typing something like ‘visa for England’ and clicking the top link can be dangerous,” she said. “These are often sponsored results leading to fake or overpriced sites. An ETA should cost around €16, but some of these sites charge €178.”

Tourism adviser Isabel Mosk urged travellers to use official government sites, which often include “.gov” in the URL. “You can also go through trusted providers like ANWB or TUI,” she said. “A physical travel shop might seem less convenient, but it’s far safer. In some cases, you can also apply for a visa at the airport.”

Both experts warn against assuming a slick website is safe. “The better written and more polished a site looks, the more cautious you should be,” Mosk said. “Government sites are often clunky and awkward. If it looks too smooth, it could be a trap.”

Cevaal said even legitimate-looking services might still misuse your data. “Personal data is extremely valuable. Some scammers are after more than just your money,” she said. “Don’t be tempted by seemingly cheap or fast options. It could cost you a lot more in the end.”