Britons told not to apply for delayed Etias waiver amid scam-site warning

Britons travelling to EU countries have been told not to apply for Etias, the electronic travel authorisation planned for visa-exempt visitors. The system has not been launched and no start date has been set.

The travel association Abta says more than 150 websites are already offering Etias applications. It said travellers should use only the official application site once the system goes live.

Etias remains on hold

Etias will apply to travellers from the UK, US, Australia, Canada and other visa-exempt countries visiting the Schengen area. The fee has increased from €7 to €20; people under 18 and over 70 will not have to pay.

The system was due to follow the rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System, or EES. Both schemes have been repeatedly delayed, while problems after EES began, including software issues at French entry points, have kept Etias on hold.

Warning over unofficial websites

The European border agency Frontex previously warned about unofficial sites that copy the official website, use convincing domain names or provide inaccurate information about who needs Etias. The risks include data-protection problems, identity theft and excessive charges.

Commercial intermediaries may legally submit applications for clients, but Abta’s director of public affairs, Luke Petherbridge, said travellers should not apply for Etias now.

EES checks at EU borders

EES is fully operational, but border authorities have been told not to enforce penalties if they suspend the system at entry points when queues become excessive.

Abta surveys found that 46% of visitors to Europe reported undergoing full checks. Half of those travellers waited less than 30 minutes, while 13% waited about an hour.