ABTA and the European Union are warning of dozens of fake websites selling the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver, which is due to launch next year.
Speaking at the Travel Convention in Calvià, Mallorca, ABTA Director of Public Affairs Luke Petherbridge said more than 60 fake websites are already circulating online claiming to sell the yet-to-be-introduced visa waiver.
Luke said: “There’s quite a lot of fraud going on, despite the fact that it [ETIAS] is not live and you cannot buy it.
“The European Union is very keen to stress the fact that there is only one official site for purchasing an ETIAS visa-waiver, and people should not use other channels.”
He said there are some sites that can legally sell an ETIAS, but people are advised to use the official website.
The ETIAS is set to come into force in the third quarter of 2026, around six months after rollout of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), although no specific timeline has been unveiled.
It will cost €20 and be valid for three years, or until a passport expires, whichever comes first. All UK passport holders will need an ETIAS. It will be free for travellers under the age of 18 and those aged over 70.
Luke added: “The enforcement of ETIAS will gradually be set up over a period of a year, so for the first six months, holidaymakers will be waved through regardless.
“For the second six months, Brits will have one further trip where they will be waved through until the visa waiver is enforced.”
The introduction of ETIAS relies on the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will come into force next week on 12 October for UK and other non-EU nationals.
It will require travellers to register at the border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken.
Biometrics will be taken when entering Schengen area countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, as well as EU countries, but it will not be required when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus.
Luke said ‘travellers should be prepared to wait slightly longer’ when arriving in Schengen areas. He added: “We are advising people to be more aware of their travel plans.”
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its advice on EES before its introduction next week.
When ETIAS does come into force, UK holidaymakers can purchase the visa waiver from the European Union’s official site, here.
