Britons warned over fake Etias visa waiver websites

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 22:44 · Archive

More than 150 fraudulent websites are offering the delayed Etias travel permit to Britons heading to Europe.

More than 150 websites are fraudulently offering the Etias travel permit to Britons, despite the system not yet being operational. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System requires non-EU citizens, including UK travellers, US, Australian and Canadian passport holders, to obtain electronic authorisation before entering the Schengen zone.

The permit will cost €20 (£17) once launched, though those over 70 and under 18 will not need to pay. The system was originally scheduled to come into effect this year but has been repeatedly postponed. Both Etias and the parallel EU entry-exit system (EES) remain suspended, with persistent technical problems including software issues at French entry points delaying implementation.

Abta, the travel association, has warned that scam websites are designed to look official, risking holidaymakers handing over money and personal details. Luke Petherbridge, Abta's director of public affairs, said there will be only one official site for applications when Etias eventually launches. Abta believes Etias should not be introduced until EES is fully operational. Awareness of the impending border requirements has grown from 41 per cent in 2024 to 56 per cent now, according to Abta research.

How it is being reported

• Urgent warning for UK holidaymakers heading to Europe — ‘it is 100% a scam’Brits heading to Europe are being warned about fake websites offering travel permits before the new ETIAS system launches.Daily Express · 14 Oct, 22:26
• Britons travelling to Europe told not to apply for delayed Etias visa waiverAbta advice comes as more than more than 150 websites offer service of securing entry to Schengen zone Britons travelling to Europe have told not to apply for an Etias visa waiver, with more than 150 websites touting the service despite its introduction being delayed. Non-EU citizens, including UK travellers and those from other visa-exempt countries including the US, Australia and Canada, will soon need to pay €20 (£17) for an electronic waiver to enter the Schengen zone under the European travel information and authorisation system (Etias). Continue reading...The Guardian · 13 Oct, 16:21

In this story: Britons · UK · European Union · Schengen zone · Abta · Frontex · France

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