Travelers headed to Europe are being warned of scams related to the new entry requirements.
The European Union has been working to implement two different border management initiatives for non-nationals as a way to bolster security: the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES).
While the EES went into effect last October following delays, the ETIAS continues to be postponed with no set launch date as of late 2026, according to the official website.
The two programs have spurred confusion among travelers who are trying to figure out what they may need to prior to their trips – and this has created an opportunity for scammers.
On its website, the EU states there are businesses attempting "to mislead
applicants into believing that their site is the official channel for submitting an ETIAS application" and charging "an unreasonably high price" or additional fees. The European Commission did not respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.
"The biggest mistake people make is thinking they have to apply for something that isn’t active yet," said Konstantin Lange, chief operating officer for travel-document platform iVisa, in an email to USA TODAY. "The Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) are two separate EU systems, and both have had their timelines change more than once."
According to the Guardian, there are reportedly over 150 third-party websites claiming to help travelers apply for the ETIAS. They often look similar to the official website, and ask for people's passport information and payment. These fraudulent sites can put personal data, such as bank account or credit card numbers, at risk.
"People have been hearing for years that ETIAS is 'coming soon,' so there's a lot of demand to get in ahead of it, or they haven’t heard it has been pushed back. Scam sites are exploiting that," said Lange.
Here's what travelers should know about the EES and ETIAS, plus how to avoid scams.
How is the EES different from ETIAS?
Knowing they'll eventually have to go through both systems, some Americans have been confused over the differences between the two new systems. "The easiest way to tell them apart is that EES confirms who you are at the border during entry and exit," said Lange. "ETIAS, which will cost a fee, will check in advance whether you’re cleared to travel there."
Basically, the EES is the digital entry system replacing manual passport stamps. It happens at the border, so when you arrive in the EU, you'll have your face and fingerprints scanned and stored as entry and exit data. "The goal is to speed up border checks and to improve internal security," said the EU website. No application or payment is required.
The ETIAS is a travel authorization that prescreens visa-exempt nationals, including Americans, to visit 30 European countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it doesn't guarantee entry. The ETIAS will be tied to your passport and valid for three years, unless your passport expires before. It will also cost 20 euros, or around $22.
How to avoid scams
Since it's not operational, any website currently offering the ETIAS is not actually submitting your application. Travelers should stay updated on the actual launch of the ETIAS, especially if they have plans to visit Europe. According to Lange, the EU will announce the official start date months in advance, so there will be no surprises and plenty of lead time to apply for one.
When the ETIAS does become live, the European Union said application is only through the official ETIAS website or ETIAS mobile application.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travelers are getting scammed over the confusing EU entry requirements
