Britons travelling to Europe have been told not to apply for an Etias visa waiver, with more than 150 websites touting the service despite its introduction being delayed. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
What Etias is and who needs it
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).
The system was scheduled to come into effect soon after the rollout of the EU's parallel border scheme, the entry-exit system (EES). Both, however, have been repeatedly postponed, and the persistent problems after the introduction of EES, including the software at French entry points, have meant Etias remains suspended.
Abta's position
The director of public affairs at the travel association Abta, Luke Petherbridge, said: "While Etias was due to come into force this year, it is now back on hold. Abta believes it shouldn't be brought in until EES is fully operational and working properly."
"This is particularly important when you consider that European authorities believe over 150 websites offering Etias already exist, but there is only one official site people should apply through when live."
Awareness is growing
Abta research found awareness was growing of the impending border requirements – up from 41% in 2024 to 56% now. The price to apply has risen from €7 to €20 – over-70s and under-18s do not need to pay – but no date has been set for launch.
Warning over scam websites
The pan-European border agency, Frontex, warned about the existence of scam websites long before Etias was to have been introduced. Commercial sites can legitimately apply for the waivers on behalf of clients, but the agency said the risk posed by third parties ranged from data protection and identity theft to extortionate fees.
It found that some unofficial websites were also providing inaccurate information over who needed an Etias while mimicking the layout of the official website and using convincing domain names.
"If you use one of these sites, not only will you lose money, you are also putting your personal data at risk as well," Petherbridge said. "What I can't stress is enough that you can't – and shouldn't – apply for an Etias now."
How EES is operating
EES is in full operation, but border authorities have been told the EU will not enforce penalties if they continue to suspend the system at entry points when queues escalate.
That flexibility has meant the worst fears of the travel industry have largely been avoided this summer. Abta surveys found only 46% of visitors to Europe reporting having full checks, with half of those people waiting less than 30 minutes, and only 13% queuing for an hour.