ETIAS scams and fake websites: how to protect yourself

Why ETIAS scams exist now

Whenever a new travel rule is announced, copycat websites appear before the official system is ready. ETIAS is a prime target: millions of people search for it, the rules are unfamiliar, and the system is not open, so it is hard for travellers to check what is real. Frontex, the EU border agency, has warned that unofficial ETIAS websites can lead to higher fees, data-protection problems, identity theft and misinformation.

No legitimate site can issue ETIAS today

The official ETIAS application is not open. That means no website, including this one, can take a real ETIAS application or charge the official fee right now. Any site claiming to issue or guarantee ETIAS today is either pre-collecting your money and data to try later, or it is an outright scam. The safe assumption before launch is simple: nobody can give you an ETIAS yet.

What the authorities say

This is not just our view. Official bodies and travel organisations have warned about ETIAS scams well before the system is open:

• Frontex, the EU border agency, has identified more than 100 unofficial ETIAS websites and warns they can charge inflated fees, mishandle personal data and spread misinformation. See its warning on unofficial ETIAS websites.
• ABTA, the UK travel association, has warned that dozens of fake ETIAS sites already exist (it counted more than 60) and that anyone trying to “apply” now risks losing money and personal data. See abta.com.
• National travel advice, such as GOV.UK foreign travel advice, points travellers to official EU channels rather than third-party “application” sites.

The figures differ by source because no one can audit every site, but the message is consistent: before launch, no one can issue an ETIAS, so any site that takes an “application” or payment now should be treated with suspicion.

How legitimate private services can operate after launch

Once ETIAS is live, EU rules are expected to allow a third party, such as a family member or a commercial intermediary, to help complete and submit an application on a traveller’s behalf. A legitimate service is transparent about being private, charges a separate and clearly disclosed fee on top of the official €20 EU fee, and never claims to be the EU or guarantees approval. The difference between a legitimate service and a scam is honesty about who they are and what you are paying for.

How ETIAS Pro works

Today, ETIAS Pro is an information and launch-alert service only. We do not take ETIAS applications, we do not charge anything, and we do not ask for passport details. We will email you once when the official system opens. After launch we plan to offer an optional assisted application with clearly disclosed fees, always on top of the official EU fee and never instead of it. See is ETIAS Pro official? for the full picture.

How to apply safely when ETIAS opens

When the system launches, the safest route is to apply directly through the official EU ETIAS website at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias for €20. Most decisions are expected within minutes. See official ETIAS website for how to recognise the genuine site.

How to report a fake ETIAS site

Reporting a copycat site helps get it taken down and warns other travellers. If you find one, or think you have been caught out:

• In the UK, report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
• Anywhere, the reference point is the official EU ETIAS website; anything that does not end in europa.eu is not the EU system.
• If you paid, contact your bank or card provider straight away to ask about a chargeback, and change any password you reused on the site.
• Keep evidence: the web address, screenshots and any emails or receipts.