Be Aware of Fake ETA Visa Websites

Let’s be honest—travelling should be exciting, not stressful. But imagine planning your dream vacation, only to get ripped off by a fake ETA visa website. Unfortunately, it’s more common than you’d think. These shady sites charge inflated fees or, worse, steal your personal information.

If you’re planning international travel and need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority), you must ensure you’re applying through the legitimate government portal. In this article, we’ll show you how to spot a fake site, which countries have ETA systems, and how to protect your money and identity.

What is an ETA Visa?

An ETA is an Electronic Travel Authority—a digital authorization that allows short-term travel without going through a full visa application. It’s designed to simplify travel and usually applies to tourists or business visitors.

ETA ≠ eVisa. An ETA is often linked to your passport number and doesn’t require a paper visa sticker.

How Fake ETA Websites Scam Travelers

Scammers have become very clever. They build sites that look almost identical to official government portals, complete with country flags, logos, and even “live chat” options. But here’s what they’re really doing:

  • Charging excessive service fees (some as high as $200+)
  • Collecting sensitive information (passport numbers, addresses)
  • Offering fake approvals, which may be rejected at the airport

Real-Life Examples of ETA Scams

  1. James from Sydney tried to apply for a Canadian ETA and ended up on a third-party website. He paid $175 instead of the official $7 CAD.
  2. Priya from Melbourne shared her passport details on a fake Sri Lankan ETA site, leading to identity fraud.

Don’t be the next victim. Learn from these mistakes.

How to Identify a Legitimate Government ETA Website

Here’s a simple rule: If it’s not a .gov domain, be cautious.

Check for:

  • HTTPS encryption (padlock icon in the URL bar)
  • Government branding and official links
  • No ads, pop-ups, or vague payment options

Warning Signs of Fake ETA Websites

  • Typos and poor grammar
  • Countdown timers are pressuring you to apply quickly
  • Hidden fees at the last step of checkout
  • A sketchy “customer service” email address (like [email protected])

Tips to Ensure You’re Paying the Official Visa Fees

Before entering your card details:

  • Open your government immigration website directly (don’t rely on search ads)
  • Use official visa fee charts to verify what you should be paying
  • Avoid any third-party offers unless referred by a trusted travel agent

Tools and Resources to Help You Verify Website Legitimacy

Not sure if the site is legit? Use:

  • WHOIS lookup tools (to check domain age and owner)
  • Browser extensions like McAfee or Norton Safe Web
  • Scamwatch or government advisories to see blacklisted sites

Official ETA Websites by Country

Here’s a quick list of countries with ETA systems and their only official websites:

Countries Planning to Introduce ETA Soon

  • European Union: ETIAS system launching by 2025
  • Japan and Thailand are reviewing digital entry systems
  • Always check your destination’s immigration website for the latest updates

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Act fast:

  • Call your bank or card provider to dispute the charge
  • Report the site to Scamwatch or cybersecurity authorities
  • Inform the official immigration department—they may guide you on reapplying correctly

Role of Travel Agencies in Preventing ETA Scams

A trusted travel agent can protect you from these pitfalls. Instead of navigating confusing sites, let them handle it.

They’ll ensure:

  • You get the correct visa
  • You pay the actual fee
  • You avoid unnecessary delays

Why You Should Trust Payless Travel

For over 30 years, Payless Travel has been a reliable name in the Australian travel scene.

  • Thousands of happy clients
  • Transparent pricing—no hidden fees
  • Expertise in International flights, holiday package, car hire and hotel bookings

If you’re unsure, Payless Travel can help guide you through the ETA process safely and affordably.

Final Checklist Before Applying for an ETA

✅ Is the site URL ending in .gov or an official domain?
✅ Is the fee accurate to what the government lists?
✅ Are you paying through a secure (HTTPS) connection?
✅ Is your travel agent verifying everything?
✅ Did you read the fine print before submitting your data?

Fake ETA visa websites are a growing concern—and they’re after your wallet and your identity. But with a few simple precautions, you can outsmart the scammers. Use the official government websites, double-check URLs, and when in doubt, turn to a trusted travel agency like Payless Travel to take the stress out of the process.

Safe travels and smart choices—your trip deserves nothing less!

FAQs

1. Can a travel agency apply for my ETA on my behalf?
Yes, reputable agencies like Payless Travel can assist you with ETA applications.

2. What’s the difference between ETA and ESTA?
ESTA is the U.S. version of an ETA. It stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

3. Is it safe to use third-party sites for ETA applications?
Only if they’re authorized partners or referred by a trusted travel agent. Otherwise, avoid them.

4. What if I accidentally applied on a fake site?
Contact your bank immediately and reapply through the official immigration portal.

5. Do all countries use ETA systems now?
No, only specific countries use ETA or similar systems. Always verify with the destination country’s immigration website.