E-visa scams
May 1st, 2017, 11:55 AM
#1
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E-visa scams
Obtaining an Australian electronic visa is very easy and straightforward for the nationals of most developed nations, and involves filling out a fairly simple on-line form. But, as with some other nation's electronic systems, there are people with websites that are slyly misleading, and who attempt to insert themselves between you and the nation issuing the visa, offering entirely unnecessary 'services', and speed. With Australia it's straightforward and electronic confirmation is often received within an hour or so. You have no need for third parties such as this one:
https://etaaustralia.eu/evisa/
But click that friendly green application button without scrolling right down to discover that you're dealing with what might only very generously be described as an agency, and you'll be out about six times what you need to pay. And there'll be nothing you can do about it after you click the pay button. The small print makes sure of that.
This is the page you need:
https://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ETAS3/et...=&submit=apply
Visit no other, and pay no one else.
https://etaaustralia.eu/evisa/
But click that friendly green application button without scrolling right down to discover that you're dealing with what might only very generously be described as an agency, and you'll be out about six times what you need to pay. And there'll be nothing you can do about it after you click the pay button. The small print makes sure of that.
This is the page you need:
https://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ETAS3/et...=&submit=apply
Visit no other, and pay no one else.
May 2nd, 2017, 06:57 AM
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Pleased to see this posted here, temppeternh. I have a Canadian friend who left on a multi destination trip and did not apply for her Australian ETA until in New Zealand. Without realizing what she was doing she used an online third party and her ETA had not come though by her day of departure. Very fortunately the airline agent at check in (I think it was Air NewZealand) had a contact at immigration in Oz and was able to make a phone call to resolve it on the spot.
The eta is good for multiple entries for a year from date of issue, so no reason not to apply as soon as you have your flights booked.
The eta is good for multiple entries for a year from date of issue, so no reason not to apply as soon as you have your flights booked.
May 2nd, 2017, 11:21 AM
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While there are some fake or incompetent agencies that may not even supply a visa an appeal may at least be made for a refund from your credit card company.
The company mentioned above does supply the ETA, presumably merely by forwarding your information to Australia (and, we hope, not doing anything else with it), so the visa does indeed arrive.
But it neglects to mention on the home screen when you start the application that it is in fact only an agency, and while it does eventually supply that information it keeps it well tucked away. It sets out to mislead while probably just about keeping away from prosecution for misrepresentation. It supplies the visa, but at immense and entirely unnecessary expense.
The company mentioned above does supply the ETA, presumably merely by forwarding your information to Australia (and, we hope, not doing anything else with it), so the visa does indeed arrive.
But it neglects to mention on the home screen when you start the application that it is in fact only an agency, and while it does eventually supply that information it keeps it well tucked away. It sets out to mislead while probably just about keeping away from prosecution for misrepresentation. It supplies the visa, but at immense and entirely unnecessary expense.
