UK travellers are being urged to ignore unofficial websites claiming to offer early applications for the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The European border agency Frontex has identified over 100 websites that may be attempting to scam holidaymakers.
Frontex Warns of Unofficial ETIAS Websites
Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has discovered more than 100 unofficial websites providing information about ETIAS to non-EU travellers. While some are run by legitimate businesses, others may be fraudulent. Director of the ETIAS Central Unit Division at Frontex, Francois Laruelle, said: "We are aware of several sites that claim to already accept ETIAS applications. Travellers should be very cautious about those websites, as it is not currently possible to apply for an official ETIAS travel authorisation since the system is not operational yet."
ETIAS Launch Delayed to Late 2026
ETIAS is set to launch in the last quarter of 2026, according to the EU. The system will require visa-free travellers, including UK citizens, to obtain a travel authorisation before visiting any of the 29 Schengen area countries or Cyprus. The cost has been confirmed at €20 (around £17) per person, triple the originally proposed €7. However, the authorisation will be valid for three years or until the passport used for application expires, whichever comes first.
Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from ETIAS, as are family members of EU nationals who meet specific conditions.
How to Avoid ETIAS Scams
To protect against scams, travellers should ignore any third-party ads about ETIAS and always check the URL for official government domains, which will include "europa.eu". Never pay for early processing, as the system is not yet operational. The EU has issued a notice on its website: "ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch."
Passport Requirements for ETIAS
When applying, travellers must have a valid passport that meets two conditions: it must be valid for at least three months after the planned departure from Europe, and it must have been issued within the previous ten years. This is particularly relevant for Brits still using burgundy passports, as the new navy documents were issued from 2020.
