UK holidaymakers planning trips to Europe are being urged not to pay for an ETIAS travel permit before the system has officially launched, amid concerns about fraudulent websites.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will eventually require British travellers to apply for permission before visiting many European countries. However, the system is not currently running, meaning any website claiming to sell an approved ETIAS permit now should be treated with suspicion.
Over 150 fake websites identified
According to travel association ABTA, European authorities have identified more than 150 websites already offering the travel authorisation. Some of these sites are designed to look official, putting holidaymakers at risk of losing money and personal details.
The warning comes as the launch of ETIAS has been delayed, with no confirmed date for when applications will open.
Official advice from ABTA
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, told The Times: "You can't - and shouldn't - apply for an Etias now." He explained that there will only be one official website through which travellers can apply when the system eventually launches.
ETIAS is expected to cost €20, around £17, and will apply to travellers from countries outside the EU, including the UK. Once introduced, the authorisation will cover short visits to 30 European countries, including popular destinations such as Spain, France, Italy and Greece. It will normally remain valid for three years, or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first.
Frontex warning on unofficial sites
The EU's border agency Frontex has warned that unofficial websites can copy the appearance of genuine EU pages or use official-looking website addresses. Some may charge much more than the actual application fee, while others could misuse the personal or financial information entered by travellers.
The new authorisation is separate from the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), which involves recording travellers' details when they cross participating European borders. Anyone planning a trip is being advised to check the official EU website for updates rather than paying through third-party websites. The official ETIAS website is travel-europe.europa.eu/etias, where travellers can find information about the scheme and its launch.
