CLICK BAITING
We’re heading off to New Zealand for a COVID-19 cancelled trip and want to warn your readers about the New Zealand NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). After Googling it, and without really checking, I clicked on the first site offered. I went through the application process for my husband (a German passport holder), as it looked like a genuine NZ government website, and when asked to enter my credit card details, I did so. I thought it was a bit funny that no amount was indicated but knowing the cost was around $20, I went ahead. A day later the eTA was returned by email. So all good? On checking my credit card account (a regular practice) I noticed I had been charged $160. When we return from our trip I plan to ask my bank to refund this charge but, unfortunately, I doubt it will do so as the visa issued was actually valid.
Pat Schafer, Dawes Point, NSW
Editor’s note: Visa processing websites masquerading as official government sites are unfortunately very common. Read more about these scam websites here. The official website for applying for an NZeTA is nzeta.immigration.govt.nz but note that Australian passport holders are not required to obtain an NZeTA to visit New Zealand.
RED CARDED
Following a recent trip to Europe, we returned via Doha, Qatar, to Australia. Our flight involved a 20-hour layover in Doha, so we booked an overnight…
