Visa or e-visa: how to tell if a site is official or an intermediary

You search for your visa online and several sites show up charging much more than expected. Some are legal intermediaries; others can be misleading.

How to tell them apart

Signs of an intermediary

Processing fees on top, a design that imitates the official body and promises of guaranteed urgent approval.

How to reach the official site

Go through the ministry or embassy website of the country, not from an ad. Check the domain and that the price matches the published one.

What to do

What to check before paying

Confirm the official cost, the domain, the refund terms and what data it asks for. Be wary if it requests unnecessary information.

If you already paid

Keep receipts and screenshots, request a refund in writing and ask your bank about a dispute if the site isn't legitimate.

A simpler way to check your trip

To check that your visa or authorisation matches your bookings, upload your confirmations to AuditorTravel: it flags what doesn't add up with a traffic light (🟢 🟡 🔴) before you travel.

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AuditorTravel is an automated information tool; use it as a guide. The final decision is always yours.