Abta Warns Travelers Against Fake ETIAS Websites Before EU Launch

Travelers planning trips to Europe have been warned against paying for the European Union's delayed ETIAS travel authorization after more than 150 websites began offering the service before applications officially opened. On October 13, 2026, UK travel association Abta reiterated that the system remains unavailable and urged holidaymakers to protect their money and personal information from potentially fraudulent operators.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is intended to screen eligible visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Canada, before they travel to participating European destinations. According to Abta and reports published by The Guardian, Travel Weekly and The Times, no official launch date has been confirmed, with implementation delayed until at least 2027 according to The Times.

When introduced, the authorization is expected to cost €20, equivalent to approximately £17, and will be linked to a traveler's passport. Applicants aged under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from the fee but will still need authorization. The system is intended to cover 30 European countries, including the 29 Schengen countries and Cyprus, but will not apply to travel to Ireland.

Luke Petherbridge, Abta's director of public affairs, said the association opposed launching the system before the EU's separate Entry/Exit System (EES) operates reliably.

"While Etias was due to come into force this year, it is now back on hold. Abta believes it shouldn't be brought in until EES is fully operational and working properly." Petherbridge said.

He highlighted the scale of the unofficial application market and the risks facing travelers who use third-party websites before the official service becomes available.

"This is particularly important when you consider that European authorities believe over 150 websites offering Etias already exist, but there is only one official site people should apply through when live." Petherbridge said.

Abta's research found that public awareness of the forthcoming border requirements had increased from 41% in 2024 to 56% in 2026. However, the association warned that greater awareness had not eliminated the risk of travelers encountering misleading application services.

Petherbridge also issued a direct warning about attempting to secure authorization before the system opens.

"If you use one of these sites, not only will you lose money, you are also putting your personal data at risk as well." Petherbridge said.

He emphasized that the current status makes advance applications impossible through the legitimate system.

"What I can't stress is enough that you can't — and shouldn't — apply for an Etias now." Petherbridge said.

The EU's border agency, Frontex, has separately warned that unofficial websites can imitate the appearance of official services, use convincing domain names and display European Union materials to appear legitimate. Some commercial intermediaries may eventually be able to submit applications on behalf of customers, but others may misuse personal and financial information or charge excessive fees.

Frontex has warned travelers against websites claiming to accept applications before the system becomes operational.

"We are aware of several sites that claim to already accept ETIAS applications. Travellers should be very cautious about those websites, as it is not currently possible to apply for an official ETIAS travel authorisation since the system is not operational yet." Francois Laruelle, director of the ETIAS Central Unit Division at Frontex, said.

The delay is linked to the rollout of the EU's Entry/Exit System, which introduces biometric checks for non-EU travelers entering and leaving participating countries. Although EES is operating, implementation problems and queues have prompted border authorities to retain contingency measures, including suspending checks when delays become significant.

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said the remaining time before the next summer travel season should be used to improve the consistency of border procedures across European destinations.

"You absolutely have to use the time between now and next year to get these systems in place." Tanzer said.

Tanzer also described the current implementation as inconsistent, with some travelers directed through electronic gates after biometric screening while others are sent back to manual passport controls. Abta has called for contingency measures to remain available into 2027 if necessary to prevent severe delays.

When ETIAS launches, travelers will need to apply through the official European Union application service. Authorizations are expected to remain valid for up to three years, although travelers obtaining a new passport will need to apply again. Approval will not guarantee admission to Europe, as final entry decisions will remain with border officials.