Planning a trip to the UK or the USA from the Netherlands? Be warned: sneaky visa scams are on the rise, and they’re costing travellers big time. 💸
According to De Telegraaf, the spike is particularly due to the new mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for the UK, which has been in effect since April.
READ MORE | Travelling to the UK? You will need new travel authorisation from today
Here’s what you need to know to travel smart and avoid nasty surprises. 👇
Fake visa websites are booming
Criminals are taking full advantage of the new rules. The Fraud Help Desk reports a rise in fake websites where travellers from the Netherlands think they’re applying for an ETA, but end up with no visa and an empty wallet.
Some charge outrageous fees and deliver nothing. Others do send a visa, but at a much higher cost than the official price.
“We also see forms of phishing, where reporters believe they are applying for a visa and enter credit card information, among other things, after which money is debited,” a spokesperson for the national reporting centre told De Telegraaf.
READ MORE | Watch out: Tourists are tricked into paying more €400 in this UK travel permit scam
Last year, there were only 12 reports of visa fraud, totalling around €4,000. So far in 2025? 189 reports and more than €32,000 lost — and it’s only July. 😬
A slick-looking website? Be suspicious
While a sleek and polished site might seem trustworthy, tourism expert Isabel Mosk says it can be a red flag.
Government sites are often clunky and unclear, so if something looks too perfect, stay alert. 🤨
Meanwhile, visa expert Hilde Cevaal warns that many people Google something like “visa for England” and click the first link, often a paid ad or shady provider, while the real government site is further down.
She also flags the price as a clue. An official ETA costs around €16, but some promoted sites charge €178 for the same thing.
How to apply without the stress
The safest option is to use official sources. Government sites end in .gov, and trusted names like ANWB or TUI are reliable. Prefer help in person? You can visit an ANWB store.
For extra certainty, you can check NederlandWereldwijd.nl for official visa information and the right application links. In some countries, you can also apply at the airport, and although it’s not the fastest, it’s a safe option.
To help travellers protect their personal information and reduce the risk of identity theft, HandleVisa has created a practical guide on staying safe and preventing visa fraud, which you can read here.
Have you already submitted sensitive information, or are you unsure about a payment? Contact the Fraud Help Desk for personal advice. 📞
Have you or someone you know nearly fallen for a travel scam? Share your story below and help others stay safe this summer. 💬
