How to recognize legit visa websites in 2026 (and avoid fake visa third parties)

If you’ve searched online for “is iVisa legit?” or “is iVisa fake or real” you’re in the right spot.

You may have started a visa application online and, halfway through the process, wondered whether you were actually on an official government website. That moment of doubt is more common than you think, and pausing to double-check is the right thing to do.

The truth is that legitimate third-party visa services do exist, alongside official government websites. Founded in 2013, iVisa has supported more than 1.4 million travelers worldwide and has strong independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot, for government-issued visas and travel authorizations such as the UK ETA, US ESTA, and India eVisa.

At the same time, visa scams are a growing global problem. As more countries introduce digital systems, fake eVisa websites have also increased - making it harder for travelers to tell what’s real and what isn’t. In this guide, we explain how to recognize legitimate visa websites and avoid scams.

Is it better to apply for a visa through the government or a third-party service?

That depends on what type of service you need, your background, and how much time you have. When applying for a visa or digital travel authorization, travelers have two safe paths:

1. Apply directly through the official government website

This is the lowest-cost option and works well for tech-savvy travelers who feel confident navigating complex forms. For example, applications can be submitted online for the UK ETA, US ESTA, and India eVisa through the government portal - without visiting an embassy.

However, government sites often provide limited guidance and support if something goes wrong during the process, and many travelers report frustration and delays when obtaining their appropriate visas.

2. Apply through a legitimate third-party facilitator

Government sites can be challenging to use. Many travelers have reported issues such as:

• Website crashes
• Payment errors
• Photo upload failures
• Unclear instructions
• No real or quick customer support

Trusted platforms like iVisa exist to solve these exact frustrations. We help travelers complete applications accurately, prevent mistakes, provide human support, and simplify the process.

Many applicants who search for terms like “iVisa legit,” “iVisa fake or real,” “iVisa UK ETA legitimate,” or even “iVisa scam” do so because they want reassurance that they are choosing a verified, well-established service. iVisa provides that reassurance through transparent pricing, secure systems, and a proven track record serving travelers worldwide since 2013.

How can I recognise a visa scam?

In December 2025, multiple travelers in Pakistan were prevented from boarding flights after unknowingly submitting fake or incomplete documents purchased from fraudulent visa agents. A nationwide crackdown followed, highlighting a growing global problem: people are being misled by fake visa services every day.

Fake visa websites often look very convincing. Some impersonate government portals for the UK ETA, US ESTA, or India eVisa, imitating the government colors, fonts, or even using “.gov” keywords in their URLs.

"I was tempted by a website offering an 'express visa' for just $50 – way cheaper than the official fee. Everything looked legitimate until I noticed the website had no padlock in the address bar and the contact email was a generic Gmail account. That’s when I realized it was a scam and backed out just in time," explained James, USA.

iVisa will never claim to be the government website. We are a legitimate third-party service offering assistance to travelers who want extra confidence during their application process.

What does a scam visa website look like?

Here is what real scam sites tend to have in common:

iVisa tip: Protect yourself by ensuring the website is secure (look for "https://" and a padlock icon) and comparing pricing with trusted sources.

What does legit third-party visa website look like?

Legitimate services are easy to identify once you know what to look for. Genuine online providers offer:

• Clear disclosure that they are not a government website • Consistent branding (for iVisa, green design instead of government blue) • A long operational history • Verified reviews from real customers • Secure payment options with encryption • Human support available via chat, WhatsApp, or phone • Active social media channels: Instagram, Linkedin, Youtube • Partnerships with other companies • Positive news in the media about the company

iVisa, for example, has processed travel documents for over 1.4 million customers, offers multilingual human support, and has been in business for 10+ years. We never claim to be the government, and all final decisions are made by immigration authorities.

Avoiding visa scams: Quick checklist

Note, before entering passport or payment information on ANY visa website, always check:

1. Is the branding consistent, or does it mimic government colours?
2. Does the company list a real physical address and contact information?
3. Are there verified reviews from independent platforms, such as Trustpilot?
4. Does the site clearly state that it is a private service and not a government service?
5. Are government fees and separate service fees transparent?
6. Can you find their active social media accounts?
7. Can you contact them through Whatsapp, chat, SMS or phone?

If any of these seem off, it may be a scam site. If you need any reassurance, feel free to contact the iVisa customer support agents. We offer 24/7 support before, during, and after the visa application process.

Why use an online visa service?

Reliable third-party platforms exist because many travelers need additional help. Customers choose iVisa and similar services for:

• Help avoid costly errors, as proven by a global 99% approval rate
• Human review and document validation
• Multilingual support
• Secure and flexible payment options
• Status tracking and reminders
• Assistance and a simplified process when government sites fail
• Guidance for travelers with past refusals or complex histories

As Roberto from São Paulo shared:

“I had a previous refusal, so I wanted help making sure every detail was correct. Having someone walk me through the process made me feel more confident and less likely to make a mistake.”

Why you can trust us for all your travel documents

Trust and reliability are essential when it comes to travel documents. Here’s why travelers worldwide choose iVisa:

Need more information about visas?

Please contact us if you have any questions about visa applications or would like to learn more about our services.

• WhatsApp: Instant support through messaging
• iVisa Chat: Speak directly with our friendly team on the website

At iVisa, we’re committed to making your travel experience stress-free and enjoyable. Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on exploring the world.