UK ETA scams: How to identify fake websites

The UK ETA is a new requirement for visa-exempt travelers to the United Kingdom. However, fake ETA sites and “too-good-to-be-true” offers are popping up in search results, social ads, and emails that look official.

In this guide, iVisa explains the most common UK ETA scams, how to spot them quickly, and what to do if you’ve been targeted.

iVisa is a legitimate third-party service trusted by millions of travelers worldwide, with strong independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot, and a secure application process that helps you apply correctly.

This article is written with official UK government guidelines in mind.

What are fake ETA application websites?

Fake UK ETA websites are built to look real while tricking travelers into overpaying or handing over sensitive data. Many copy the GOV.UK style, use similar colors and layout, and claim they’re the “official” or “fastest” route to an ETA.

Their goal is to get your money or identity details, sometimes using urgency tactics like timers or “limited slots,” even though UK ETA applications aren’t quota-based. If a site feels pushy or salesy, pause and verify before submitting anything.

When in doubt, check the tips below on how to find the real UK ETA website or apply with a trusted provider like iVisa.

How to spot a fake UK ETA website?

Scam sites often include words like “gov,” “official,” or “homeoffice” in their domains to imitate the official portal. You may see addresses such as eta-uk-official.com or govuk-eta-service.org that look convincing at a glance, and some buy sponsored ads to appear above real results.

The official UK ETA routes are the GOV.UK ETA page and the UK ETA app, and real government domains end in “.gov.uk.”

On the other hand there are safe, third-party websites like iVisa with distinct branding, offering assistance with your application. They offer additional services for uncertain travelers, such as an extra check of your application or help with uploading photos. iVisa is not a scam, will never claim to be the government, and all final decisions are made by the Home Office.

How to quickly tell real vs fake vs trusted UK ETA help?

Here’s an overview for a quick check. When you’re uncertain or the UK ETA app glitches, iVisa offers secure assistance.

Feature	Official UK ETA	Fake ETA websites	Trusted third-party (e.g., iVisa)
URL	Ends in .gov.uk	Often ends in .org and imitates GOV.UK wording	Branded site, not claiming to be GOV.UK
Transparent fees	£16 government fee	Hidden or inflated price	Government fee plus transparent service fee
Tone	Neutral, no urgency	“Guarantees,” countdowns, pressure	Offers help, no approval guarantees
Data handling	Official secure portal	May request excessive data	Clear privacy policy and only requests the required info
Outcome control	Decision by Home Office	Doesn’t submit / submits incorrectly	Assists only; Home Office decides

How can you protect yourself from fake UK ETA websites?

Follow these steps when you’re ready to apply for your UK ETA:

1. Check the URL and website: The official site is on GOV.UK with “https://” and a padlock icon. A third-party service never mimics the UK ETA government tone or style.

2. Confirm the fee: The ETA costs £16 (at time of writing), any inflated charges claimed to be the official fee are red flags. iVisa always shows a transparent service fee on top of the official fee at checkout.

3. Never send passport or card details by email or message: Need help applying securely? iVisa provides a legitimate route with secure payment options like secured payment platforms, PayPal, and more.

Use a reputable third-party like iVisa if you want assistance reviewing or completing your application.

Jan Koelle, iVisa document expert, recommends:

“When in doubt, verify your ETA status on GOV.UK. A real ETA will show up when you type in your passport details on the official site - a fake one won’t.”

What are UK ETA impersonation scams?

Beyond fake websites, some fraudsters pose as the UK Home Office or UK Visas & Immigration by phone or social media. They may say your ETA is “incomplete,” you owe money, or you must confirm details urgently.

The aim is to scare you into paying or sharing personal data. Official agencies warn they will not unexpectedly contact you to demand fees or sensitive information.

Any surprise message about your ETA should be treated skeptically until verified. For safety reasons, iVisa will never directly ask you to share personal details outside the application website or app.

What are forged-document and false-promise ETA scams?

Some scammers claim they can “guarantee” approval or provide “special letters.” Because the UK ETA is digital, they may promise insider access or advise altering documents to “improve chances.”

These claims are false: The UK Home Office alone decides applications using security and identity checks. Paying for forged documents or miracle services risks refusal, future travel issues, and possible bans. If you hear “guaranteed ETA” treat it as a scam.

iVisa offers real help without false promises, and keeps you updated throughout the process. The UK Home Office always decides the final outcome of your application.

How can I spot a fake UK ETA document?

A UK ETA is not a printable visa or PDF. It’s a digital permission linked to your passport and checked by airlines/border systems. You might get an email confirmation, but you won’t receive an official “ETA document” you need to show or print.

What an official UK ETA looks like (and doesn’t)

Official UK ETA:

ETA is electronic and tied to the passport you applied with.
No physical document is issued by the UK government.
Confirmation comes via an email telling you the ETA was granted (or refused), but even that email says you don’t need to show it at the border.

Likely fake UK ETA:

Certificates with QR-codes, links, or other info that can lead you to another (fake) website.
Messages saying “print this and carry it” or “show this at immigration.”

iVisa will never send a document that includes scannable codes, links, or other information leading you to another website. We simply send a copy of the UK government email for your administration. You can verify this information via the official UK ETA status check page.

Example of a real UK ETA email

Here’s what a UK ETA email typically looks like, with the official GOV.UK letterhead at the top:

Example of a real UK ETA email

The UK ETA reference number is 16 digits long, example: 0000-0000-0000-0000. It will typically state your name and validity of your UK ETA.

If approved, iVisa will send a PDF document version of the official UK government email for your administration only, you won’t have to show this at the border and we will never ask to click on a link or scan a code.

Can I check somewhere if my UK ETA is real?

Yes, if you’ve applied and are in doubt if your UK ETA is real, you can use the official UK ETA verification page on GOV.UK. Simply enter your passport details (the same passport you used to apply) and it will show whether you have a valid ETA and when it expires.

If a website asks for extra payment to “check your UK ETA status,” it’s a scam.

iVisa never asks for payment to check the status of your UK ETA. If you have any questions about the document you received, our customer support team is available 24/7.

FAQs about UK ETA scams

What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

The UK ETA is a digital travel permission for eligible non-visa nationals visiting or transiting the UK for short stays (up to six months per visit). It's not a visa and doesn’t guarantee entry, but it is required to board your transport if you’re covered by the scheme.

Most applicants get a decision quickly via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK. If you prefer guidance beyond the government portal, credible third-party services like iVisa can help you complete and review your application accurately and submit it through trusted channels, while the Home Office makes the final decision.

How much does the UK ETA cost?

The official UK Government application fee is currently £16 per traveler (at the time of writing). Some websites charge much more; that doesn’t make them official.

A legitimate third-party service (such as iVisa) may charge a separate, clearly disclosed service fee for support like form completion, document checks, and traveler assistance. If any site hides its pricing or claims the ETA itself costs more than £16, consider it a strong scam warning.

How can I avoid UK ETA scam websites?

Scams can look professional, and it’s hard to tell sometimes if it’s the official UK ETA app or website. One thing you can do is to check if the website URL ends in GOV.UK. Avoid websites that state that they are an “official visa partner” or they “guarantee” a visa approval.

If you need assistance outside the government portal, pick a reputable provider like iVisa that doesn't claim it's the government, shows full costs upfront, and has real reviews.

Can a third party guarantee ETA approval or fast-track processing?

No. Only the UK Home Office grants or refuses an ETA, and no third party can guarantee approval or bypass checks.

Be wary of anyone promising “guaranteed acceptance,” “special access,” or instant decisions for extra payment. A legitimate service like iVisa may speed up your application by helping you submit correctly, but it cannot change government results.

iVisa provides honest help without guarantees, checks your application for mistakes, so you can apply correctly the first time.

What happens if I submit forged documents for an ETA?

Submitting forged or altered documents can lead to ETA refusal and serious long-term immigration consequences, including possible bans or extra scrutiny on future UK travel.

The ETA system runs identity and security checks, and suspicious data can trigger manual review. Some scammers advise to lie or submit edited documents, however, the applicant is still responsible for accuracy and honesty.

Always submit original, truthful information and use secure channels. If you need help doing that correctly, iVisa supports safe, compliant applications, and helps you apply correctly to avoid extra costs or even worse, a travel or entry ban.

Which third party services can help me apply for my visa?

Reputable third-party services can help you prepare and submit correctly by offering clearer steps, error checks, and human support, especially useful if GOV.UK isn’t working or your payment fails.

You pay the government fee plus a transparent service fee, and the Home Office still decides. For trusted, traveler-friendly assistance, iVisa is one of the leading options.

Is there a faster or more user-friendly alternative to the UK ETA government website?

Many travelers experience issues with the UK ETA app and search for another way to apply, often ending up on fake/scam websites.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any trusted third-party services that help you apply correctly and avoid mistakes and app glitches without pretending to be the government.

iVisa assists travelers with their UK ETA application, for example when they experience issues with photo uploads, app freezes, or simply like the idea of someone double-checking if everything’s correct. The decision still comes from the Home Office either way.

My payment isn’t going through on the UK ETA portal, is there a different way I can apply?

If payment fails on the UK ETA app, the first safe alternative is the GOV.UK website, which uses a different checkout flow and often works when the website is overloaded.

If you still encounter issues during the payment step (for example, due to card-verification issues), a reputable third-party provider can help you re-submit securely.

iVisa is a legitimate option: it offers a simpler process, checks your details to reduce rejection risk, and lets you pay through secure options such as card, PayPal, and more, while the UK authorities still make the final ETA decision.

The UK government ETA website isn’t working, where else can I apply?

When the UK ETA app is down or glitchy, an alternative is the UK GOV.UK website.

If you want a safe non-government route for help while the portal is unstable, use a clearly branded, well-reviewed third-party service. iVisa fits that role, it doesn’t replace the Home Office decision, but it does give you a reliable, safe way to apply when official channels are frustrating.

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