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Non-EU citizens planning travel to Europe are being warned by an industry body not to fall for scams amid confusion over entry and exit rules.
The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is due to launch on 12 October with a six-month rollout period.
When travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries arrive at an external border where the infrastructure is in place, they will need to scan their passports or other travel documents at a self-service kiosk, and register biometric data.
However, another new measure known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is not due to launch until the last quarter of 2026.
As such, there is presently no requirement for visa-exempt non-EU nationals to obtain any additional documentation to travel.
What authorisations are currently required for travel between the UK and the EU?
The ETIAS is part of the EU’s efforts to improve border security, alongside the EES.
This new electronic travel authorisation system is due to be introduced in last quarter of 2026 with a transitional grace period, meaning it won’t be mandatory until 2027.
Under the new ETIAS rules, travellers who don’t need a visa from non-EU countries, including the UK, Australia, the US and Canada, will have to obtain authorisation before short stays in the Schengen Area.
This will require you to complete an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions ad pay a €20 fee. This authorisation will be linked to the traveller’s passport and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
Travellers from 60 non-EU countries will need to comply with the ETIAS, but there are some exceptions. The fee will be waived for children under 18 and adults over 70, although they will still need to apply for authorisation.
It will apply to 30 European countries - all EU states except Ireland plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
Industry body warns travellers of ETIAS scams
Given the forthcoming launch of the EES, some travellers are worried they also need to apply for the ETIAS.
The association of travel agents and tour operators ABTA and the European Union are warning travellers that scammers are taking advantage of this confusion.
ABTA cautions that "people who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud, with a loss of money and possibly personal data too."
The association has alterted travellers that there are already more than 60 fake websites claiming to sell the yet-to-be-introduced visa waiver.
When the time does come, the only place to apply for an ETIAS will be on the official website. Any apps, websites, or social media posts suggesting there is an alternative route are impostors.
“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,” ABTA Director of Public Affairs Luke Petherbridge said at a recent travel convention.