Holidaymakers are being warned not to pay for an ETIAS travel authorisation yet, as unofficial websites are attempting to cash in on confusion surrounding Europe’s incoming entry system. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, known as ETIAS, will eventually require many visa-exempt travellers, including British passport holders, to obtain permission before visiting 30 European countries for a short stay. However, ETIAS is not currently accepting applications, meaning there is nothing British tourists need to buy before their upcoming European holidays.
UK Government and EU Warn of Fraudulent Websites
The UK Government currently states that no action is required from travellers and warns that any website selling ETIAS at this time is doing so fraudulently. The EU says it will announce the official start date before applications begin. Emily Matthews, travel expert at Private Portugal Tours, said: “The biggest mistake travellers can make right now is Googling ‘ETIAS application’, clicking the first professional-looking website and assuming they are getting organised early. There is currently no legitimate reason to pay anybody for an ETIAS. If a website tells you that you need to secure one now for an upcoming trip, close the page.”
How Scammers Exploit Travellers
A fake or unofficial ETIAS website does not necessarily look suspicious. EU authorities have previously warned that imitation sites may use official-looking branding, European imagery and language designed to convince travellers they are dealing directly with the authorities. Frontex has warned that dubious third-party websites can expose travellers to excessive fees, data-protection concerns and identity theft. That is particularly concerning because a genuine ETIAS application will eventually require substantial personal information, including passport details and contact information.
Matthews added: “People often think they will recognise a scam because the spelling will be terrible or the website will look homemade. That is no longer a safe assumption. A convincing page could use European flags, official-looking colours and phrases such as ‘ETIAS application service’ or ‘travel authorisation Europe’. None of those things prove that it is the official site.”
No Applications Being Collected
The EU itself says ETIAS is currently not operational and that no applications are being collected. Travellers should rely only on official EU sources for updates on the launch date, and should avoid sharing personal or financial details with any third-party site claiming to offer ETIAS services.
