4 months Ago
Since the beginning of the year, Dutch holidaymakers have lost more than €32,000 to fraudsters exploiting the newly introduced ETA requirement.
The UK's ETA system, launched in April, has led to a rise in fake and overpriced visa websites.
According to data from a scam monitoring service, there have been 189 reports of visa fraud in 2025, compared to just 12 during the entire previous year.
Fake Sites, High Fees, and Phishing Tactics
Some scam websites offer no real service, while others charge excessively for legitimate documents. In more dangerous cases, users are tricked into providing their credit card details, later discovering unauthorised charges.
Visa expert Hilde Cevaal explained that many travellers are misled by search engine results. "People type in something like 'visa for England' and click on the top result, which is often a sponsored link to a fraudulent or overpriced site," she said. "An ETA should cost around €16, but some of these sites charge €178."
Experts Recommend Using Trusted Sources
Tourism adviser Isabel Mosk stressed the importance of applying through official websites, which usually include ".gov" in their addresses. She added that using trusted travel agencies like ANWB or TUI, or even applying at the airport, can be safer.
"It may seem less convenient, but it reduces the risk significantly," she noted.
Both experts warned that the appearance of a website isn't always a reliable indicator of its safety. "A sleek, professional-looking site can be a red flag," Mosk explained.
"Government platforms often look outdated or awkward, but they're far more secure."
Cevaal also highlighted the risk of data misuse, even by services that seem legitimate. "Personal data is highly valuable. Some scammers aim to steal more than money," she warned. "Avoid cheap and fast offers. They may cost you far more in the end."
