Britons travelling to EU countries told not to apply for delayed Etias visa waiver
Abta advice comes as more than more than 150 websites offer service of securing entry to Schengen zone Britons travelling to EU countries have told not to apply for an Etias visa w
By The Guardian
Britons planning to travel to EU countries have been warned not to apply for an Etias travel authorisation, after the system’s planned launch was delayed.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System was due to begin in the final quarter of 2026. However, Abta said it had been told by EU border agency Frontex that the timetable would no longer go ahead.
No official launch date has been confirmed. Abta said a further update was expected in the coming months.
The association also warned that more than 150 websites are already offering to arrange Etias authorisations, even though applications are not currently available.
Travel agents have been urged to tell customers that they cannot yet buy an Etias authorisation and to remain alert to websites that may be fraudulent.
When introduced, the system will apply to visa-exempt travellers from countries including the UK, the United States, Australia and Canada who are visiting participating European countries in the Schengen area.
The authorisation is expected to cost €20, equivalent to about £17. Travellers aged under 18 or over 70 will not have to pay the fee, although they will still need to apply.
Abta warned that people who attempt to apply before the system opens could risk losing money or sharing personal information with an unauthorised website.
There is currently no official Etias launch date.