EU border blunders create 'confusion scammers thrive on' as 150 websites sell fake travel permits despite scheme's delay until 2027

More than 150 websites are offering to sell EU travel authorisations to holidaymakers, despite the scheme not yet being officially open for applications.

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout delays have pushed back the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) until at least 2027, leaving travellers facing uncertainty over when the new rules will come into force.

There is currently no confirmed launch date, according to travel association ABTA, which has warned holidaymakers not to fall for websites claiming they can issue the permits now.

Luke Petherbridge, ABTA's director of public affairs, said: 'The date has been removed from all EU websites. There is now no official launch date.

'There are over 150 websites that will sell you an Etias right now if you so choose - and there is only one official site.

'The critical message for the industry at the moment is to tell customers that it isn't live and to ensure they're not falling for these scams.'

For many international travellers, entering a list of 30 European countries – including the likes of France and Spain – already requires a visa. 

For visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, until now it has been relatively simple to enter the Schengen Zone. 

However, the implementation of the Etias means travellers from visa-exempt countries will have to get new electronic travel authorisation, costing around €20 (£17), to enter the zone.

Its eventual introduction will see nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries and territories, including the US, Canada and Japan, require the additional digital documentation.

Once Etias goes live, airlines, cruise lines and other carriers will have to check passengers have a valid travel authorisation before boarding.

There have been warnings of the possibility of scam sites selling fraudulent Etias waivers previously.

Anton Radchenko, aviation expert and founder of AirAdvisor, said previously: 'The biggest problem with Etias at this point is not the principle of having a travel authorisation system. It is the uncertainty around it.

'Travellers have been hearing for years that Etias is coming, dates have repeatedly moved, and now we are back in a position where there is no confirmed start date.

'That creates exactly the kind of confusion scammers thrive on.

'For British travellers, the most important thing to understand today is very simple: Etias is not live, and you cannot currently apply for one.

'So if a website, email or social media advert tells you that you need to buy an Etias now for an upcoming European holiday, that should immediately set alarm bells ringing.

'Nobody can issue you a genuine Etias authorisation while the official system is not accepting applications.'