Brits have been warned that they could risk falling victim to scams when holidaying in the EU as new travel rules come into force next year.
Scammers already appear to be plotting how to target holidaymakers over the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) which is scheduled to begin in November 2023. The new scheme means that tourists from 60 countries, including the UK, who are visiting an EU country will need to apply for visa exemption before they travel.
Even though the scheme is not yet live, the EU has already warned that there is a likelihood of fake websites being set up in a bid to scam travellers into parting with cash and personal information. There has long been a similar issue with the equivalent Esta scheme for Brits travelling to the US.
The EU has issued guidance warning that there could be "attempts to mislead applicants into believing that their site is the official channel for submitting an Etias application", as reported by The Times. The guidance adds: "This may give the false impression that the additional fee charged by the commercial intermediary is a mandatory part of the application process."
The European Commission website confirms that Etias is currently not in operation and that no applications for travel authorisations are being collected. When the scheme does open, travellers will be able to apply on the official website, as well as an app for mobile devices, at a cost of €7.
The Etias travel authorisation is liked to a traveller's passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. When the scheme goes live next year, holidaymakers are encouraged to apply for their Etias well in advance - before they book their travel or accommodation - while remaining vigilant of possible scams.
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