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FlashGermanyOctober 17, 2026

ETIAS Launch Delayed, Scammers Active: British Travelers Warned to Avoid Fake Websites

PublishedEditorial policy

The launch of ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) has been postponed, but fake websites are already charging for the non-existent service. British travelers and other non-EU citizens are warned to avoid these scams. Official information will only come from EU sources.

ETIASEU TravelBritish TravelersTravel ScamsVisa Waiver

Key takeaways

  • ETIAS is delayed and not yet operational; any current payment request for ETIAS is a scam.
  • British citizens currently enter the EU with just a passport. When ETIAS launches, an online application and small fee will be required, but this will happen later.
  • Official ETIAS information will only be found on eu.europa.eu. Any site demanding payment now is not an official channel.

ETIAS Launch Postponed Amidst Scam Warnings

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), intended for British and other non-EU citizens, has seen its launch date postponed from 2024. ETIAS is designed to pre-screen travelers from countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area, including the United Kingdom. Once operational, it will require an online application and a small fee, but this system is not yet active.

Despite the delay, fraudulent websites have emerged, offering to process ETIAS applications and charging money for a service that does not yet exist. British travelers, seeking information on future EU entry requirements, are particularly vulnerable to these scams. The Local warns that any website currently demanding payment for ETIAS is operating fraudulently.

Official information regarding the ETIAS launch will be published exclusively on European Union websites. Until ETIAS is officially launched, British citizens only require a valid passport for entry into the EU and Germany. Always verify the source before making any payments. If in doubt, seek information directly from eu.europa.eu, rather than relying on unofficial or unfamiliar websites.

Sources

Based on Emigro corridor reporting. Primary links below.

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