United Kingdom: The Official ETA Website and How to Spot Fake Sites
Many websites copy government visa and travel-authorisation sites and charge extra. Here is the official address for United Kingdom (Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)), what the government says about copycat sites, and where to report visa fraud, all read on its own pages.
Do this first
- Type the official address yourself or follow it from the government or embassy site. Do not use the first search result or an ad.
- Compare the web address letter by letter with the official domains below. A site that is not on them is not the government.
- Be wary of any site that adds a “service” or “processing” fee, or promises faster approval for extra money.
- If you already paid or entered passport and card details, call your bank’s fraud line now.
Official website
- Apply here: apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation
- Government information page: www.gov.uk/eta
- Official domains: gov.uk, apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk
Who needs it: Visitors from visa-exempt nationalities (e.g. Europe, USA, Australia, Canada) coming to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man for up to 6 months for tourism, family visits or certain other reasons; British and Irish passport holders and those with UK permission to live/work/study do not need one.
Processing time, as published: 'You'll usually get a decision by email within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days.' (gov.uk/eta/apply)
What the government says about fake sites
gov.uk/eta: 'Other websites may charge more to apply. Avoid websites that imitate government services.' gov.uk/eta/apply: 'You cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app.' (gov.uk/eta and gov.uk/eta/apply). General page on imitation sites: gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing
Report visa fraud
Forward suspicious emails to [email protected] (NCSC); forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free); report misleading adverts to the ASA; if you lost money and are in England/Wales: Report Fraud online (reportfraud.police.uk/reporting-a-fraud) or 0300 123 2040; Scotland: Police Scotland. Source: gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing
Checked on the government’s own pages on 30 October 2026. Fees are not listed because they change; read the current fee on the official site. If something has moved, tell us. See every company and portal in Travel and Delivery Scam Help, and report the crime to the police via the cyber agencies directory.