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  • FAQ

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    How can I avoid ETA scams from unauthorised servers and fake websites?      

    Unfortunately we are receiving quite a few reports from people who thought they applied for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), but then did not hear back. Sometimes they even paid more than the £16 ETA fee. 

    Reminder: ETAs are for visitors to the UK from non-visa national countries. If you live in the UK you do not need one. See our FAQ I’ve heard EU citizens now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they want to travel to the UK. I am an EU citizen with (pre-)settled status under the EUSS - what does this mean for me?

    Always use only official UK government websites to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Official UK government websites always have '.gov.uk' at the end of their website address.

    KEY WARNING SIGNS OF ETA SCAMS:

    • Websites that imitate government services, claiming to process ETAs, but that do not have '.gov.uk' in their website address
    • Websites that charge more than the official £16 ETA fee
    • Promises of guaranteed approval or faster processing
    • Requests for payment through insecure methods (money transfer, vouchers, personal bank accounts)
    • Requests for unnecessary personal or financial information
    • Poorly designed websites with spelling/grammar errors


    OFFICIAL ETA PROCESS:

    • The official ETA application website is https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply
    • The official 'UK ETA' app is available from official app stores: UK ETA on Google Play and UK ETA on the Apple App Store
    • ETAs cost exactly £16 - other websites may charge more
    • Payment is only made through official GOV.UK and commercial partner websites
    • The Home Office will never contact you to ask for money or personal details


    TO REPORT ETA SCAMS:


    Remember: An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK - it only authorises travel to the UK. 

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