This can be requested on the official website of the British government and in an official app.
With the help of fake websites, which are deceptively similar to the official website and sometimes even appear more professional, perpetrators collect the data of victims and withdraw significantly higher amounts of money from the applicant's account. At the same time, personal data may be obtained fraudulently.
Fraudulent (usurious) offers of up to 200 euros
There are already several providers offering ETA applications on the internet. These are placed prominently in search engine results (high up on the results page). A multiple of the original price is often charged for this service, although the costs are not necessarily directly visible. The advertisements recorded by the police to date state amounts of up to 200 euros that applicants have paid for an ETA.
Tourists who appear to have properly registered in advance for a stay in England often only find out an overpriced surprise afterwards and may receive an ETA that is not valid and does not allow them to enter the country.
Only apply for an ETA via the original website
We advise you to only use the original website of the British government or the original app for the ETA application. You should not trust search engine results. With the right papers from the British government in your luggage, you can then travel to Big Ben or your destination on the island in a relaxed manner.
The most important facts about the original application
- The real price from 9. April 2025 is 16 GBP, the equivalent of 18 euros
- The processing time is approx. 3 days
The police advise
- Only use the two official ways to apply for the ETA:
- via the government portal https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
- Through the official ETA app (App Store or Google Play Store: UK ETA, https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app.)
- Fraudulent websites often appear at the top of search engine results lists. Do not be tempted by this.
- If you have been taken in by such an application page or even just suspect it, file a report immediately with your local police or on the Internet at https://polizei.nrw.
- Take screenshots of the website and, if applicable, the confirmation e-mail
- . of the confirmation e-mail
- Notify your bank if you have provided your bank details or credit card details and have the credit card blocked if necessary.
- Keep an eye on your account movements and report any unusual debits to the police and your bank immediately.