More than 150 websites already offer ETIAS, the EU’s upcoming travel permit for non-EU visitors… even though nobody can officially apply for one yet.
Travellers to the EU should hold off on applying for their ETIAS until the system officially rolls out, the UK travel association ABTA told The Guardian this week.
Using one of these fake ETIAS sites could involve being significantly overcharged or having your personal data misused, warns Frontex (the European Border and Coast Guard Agency).
What actually is ETIAS?
ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is a digital travel permit for visa-exempt non-EU travellers to visit the region.
Once rolled out, ETIAS will cover 30 European countries, including the Netherlands. Tourists with a valid ETIAS travel authorisation will be able to enter the region for “up to 90 days in any 180-day period”.
Good to know: You won’t need an ETIAS if you live in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit. Tourists who already need a visa won’t need one either, according to the Koninklijke Marechaussee (the Dutch border police), as the ETIAS only applies to visa-exempt travellers.
Let op: you can’t apply for ETIAS yet
The system isn’t up and running yet, which means that no ETIAS applications are currently being processed, says the EU’s official ETIAS website.
No launch date has been announced, but the European Union stresses that it will inform all interested parties “about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch”.
In other words, be sceptical of all websites offering to process your ETIAS application, especially for a fee.
Here’s how to spot unofficial ETIAS websites
While some unofficial sites belong to legitimate travel agencies, these will only be allowed to apply on your behalf once ETIAS actually launches.
Others, however, pose as the official ETIAS site to charge you exorbitant fees and/or collect your personal data. Keep an eye out for:
- Dodgy web addresses: Every official EU website ends in europa.eu, according to the European External Action Service.
- Whether the website allows you to apply for an ETIAS right now: Nobody can submit official ETIAS applications yet, so be wary of sites asking for your passport details or payment today.
- Abnormal prices: An official ETIAS will cost €20 and is free for travellers under 18 or over 70, according to the European Commission.
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