Key facts
- Britons travelling to Europe are advised not to apply for the Etias visa waiver.
- Over 150 unofficial websites are currently touting Etias applications.
- Etias, a €20 (£17) electronic waiver for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen zone, has been repeatedly delayed.
- The delay is partly due to persistent problems with the EU's parallel Entry/Exit System (EES).
- Abta believes Etias should not be introduced until EES is fully operational.
- Unofficial Etias websites pose risks of data protection, identity theft, and extortionate fees.
Britons planning to travel to Europe have been warned not to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) visa waiver, as numerous unofficial websites are already soliciting applications despite the system's ongoing delays. The Etias, which will require non-EU citizens, including UK travellers, to pay €20 (£17) for an electronic waiver to enter the Schengen zone, has been postponed multiple times. Its introduction is linked to the EU's parallel Entry/Exit System (EES), which has also faced repeated delays and technical issues, particularly at French entry points.
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at the travel association Abta, stated that Etias is currently on hold and should not be implemented until the EES is fully operational. He highlighted concerns that over 150 websites are already offering Etias applications, despite only one official site being designated for use once the system is live. Abta research indicates growing awareness among travellers about the upcoming border requirements, with awareness rising from 41% in 2024 to 56% currently. The application fee has increased from €7 to €20, with exemptions for those over 70 and under 18, but no launch date has been set.
The pan-European border agency Frontex has previously warned about scam websites designed to exploit the Etias system. While commercial entities can legitimately assist clients with applications, Frontex cautioned about risks such as data protection breaches, identity theft, and exorbitant fees associated with third-party sites. Petherbridge emphasized that using unofficial sites not only results in financial loss but also puts personal data at risk, urging travellers not to apply at this time.
The EES is reportedly in full operation, but border authorities have been granted flexibility to suspend penalties for continued system suspension during peak queue times. This flexibility has reportedly helped mitigate the travel industry's worst fears regarding summer travel disruptions. Abta surveys indicate that only 46% of visitors to Europe experienced full EES checks, with half of those waiting less than 30 minutes and only 13% queuing for an hour.