EU ETIAS visa waiver delay sparks warnings over fraudulent websites

Travelers heading to the European Union, including citizens from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, are being warned against applying for the ETIAS visa waiver due to widespread fraudulent websites. Although the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is intended to require a €20 fee for visa-exempt travelers, its implementation has been repeatedly postponed.

The delay is linked to technical difficulties with the EU’s parallel Entry-Exit System (EES). Because the official system is not yet active, more than 150 unofficial websites are currently mimicking official interfaces to solicit applications. These sites pose significant risks, including identity theft, data protection breaches, and extortionate fees.

Luke Petherbridge of the travel association Abta advised that the system should not be introduced until the EES is fully operational. While the fee for the waiver is set at €20—with exemptions for those under 18 and over 70—no official launch date has been established, and travelers are urged to wait for the single official government portal.