Travelers to the UK targeted in ETA scams

Travelers to the UK are being targeted by ETA scams as new visa-free regulations roll out, with a £10 (US$13.50) application fee and the need to provide passport details, a valid photo, and answers about suitability when applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation. The article notes that while some scams offer an actual ETA at inflated prices, many victims end up paying more or losing contact after payment, and some are steered toward unofficial channels promising faster processing.

It cites that most ETA decisions are automatic and issued within minutes when using the official UK ETA app, though some applications can take up to three working days, so applicants are urged to apply well in advance. After approval, the ETA is linked to the passport used, and applicants receive a 16-digit ETA reference number from UKVI, with email confirmation usually arriving within three working days.

The piece also highlights a Canadian ETA phishing scam that charged CAD 100, far above the official CAD 7 fee, and stresses sticking to the official .gov[.]uk site or the official ETA app to avoid fraud, and to verify any contact through government sources. According to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), there is no need to present documents beyond your passport when entering the UK.