Antwerp police have issued a warning about a scam linked to the new UK entry requirements. Since 2 April, Belgian travellers must have both an international passport and an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK – something that fraudsters are now taking advantage of.

According to the police, fake websites are deceiving travellers who search online for terms such as “UK ETA application”. These fraudulent platforms ask for personal information and charge fees far in excess of the official cost of £16. Victims are often lured in via search engines.

Follow-up emails

In some cases, the scam continues with follow-up emails asking for more personal information. Many travellers don’t realise they’ve been scammed until it’s too late, often losing around €200.

Police are urging travellers to only apply via the official UK ETA app, available from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or the official UK government website. This includes submitting an ETA application on someone else’s behalf.

The UK ETA is a pre-entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers. It allows multiple visits over two years – or until the passport expires – and covers short stays for tourism, business, study, some work or transit. An ETA does not guarantee entry.