As more and more countries worldwide are introducing electronic travel permits, travellers must apply for them in advance. The countries concerned argue that these travel authorisations offer a number of important advantages. However, some unreliable websites are selling travel authorisations for abusive prices.

Advantages and disadvantages of a digital travel authorisation

Digital travel authorisations present a series of advantages. They ensure national security, monitor migration flows and generate additional revenue. However, visa requirements can be an additional obstacle for many travellers, who are confronted with a large number of providers and websites when they want to apply online for their mandatory visa. This can cause confusion and stress when planning a trip. Travellers can end up on an unreliable website, where their personal data could fall into the wrong hands.

As a consequence, it is very important that travellers inform themselves well before choosing a service provider for their visa application. Read more about the different types of visa providers and what you should pay attention to.

Unreliable providers

Since the introduction of the ETA for the United Kingdom, numerous websites are offering this mandatory travel authorisation. However, some of these websites are not reliable. They often imitate the design of government websites or have an address that closely resembles a government URL. Ranking well in search results is not a guarantee of reliability.

How to recognise an unreliable website

• The website does not clearly state that they are a visa agency, and not an official government website.
• The small print contains unclear information.
• There are no contact details, telephone number or physical address.
• There is no privacy policy or it is unclear.
• The page layout clearly imitates an official page.

Visa agencies

Despite the additional service costs compared to the government websites, many people choose to seek assistance from an experienced visa agency, such as e-Visa.ie.
These are some of the advantages of applying on e-Visa.ie:

• You can fill in an English-language application form.
• There is clear explanation for each field.
• A friendly customer service team is always available to answer any questions you may have.
• The information you provide will be checked and compared with your passport details.
• Your passport scan and identity photo will be checked. If the photos you have submitted do not meet the requirements, you will be given the opportunity to submit new documents.
• Transparent prices with no unclear additional costs.
• Extensive experience and collaborations with travel agencies.
• Wider variety of payment methods than on government websites, such as iDEAL and Bancontact.

Tips for choosing a reliable service provider

• Check independent reviews about the page or service provider.
• Choose a provider that clearly states its prices.
• Don't just rely on a high position in search results.
• Please review the page with particular attention to the privacy policy and contact details.

In general, applying for an online visa is easy, and approval is quick. There is no need to go to the embassy or consulate. Unfortunately, this has led to an increase in unreliable service providers and scammers. Fortunately, travellers with the right knowledge can quickly recognise the difference between a reliable and an unreliable service provider.