UK nationals will soon need a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver to enter 30 European countries
Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert.com team has warned holidaymakers not to fall for fake Europe visa waiver websites.
UK nationals will soon need a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver to enter 30 European countries.
It will cost €20 per person and will last for three years, allowing people to travel up to 90 days within an 180-day period. But ETIAS is not live yet – and is not expected to launch until the end of this year.
However, MSE has warned that online firms are wrongly charging some holidaymakers for ETIAS despite the fact that you cannot buy an ETIAS at present.
MSE said: “Beware online shyster firms saying get a European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver – you don’t need it yet. The ETIAS was due to launch last year, but now isn’t expected till at least Oct 2026.
“You will need it to enter any of 30 European countries. The application system isn’t even up and running yet, but some shyster firms are already setting up to try and charge you for it.
“Any firm offering to sell or fast-track an ETIAS for you is a fake. Don’t be taken in!”
It comes after the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) went live last year. The EES is the new digital border control system designed to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, entering the Schengen Area.
Following Brexit, the UK is no longer a member of the EU, so UK passport holders will have to undergo extra checks when travelling to the bloc, including having their fingerprints scanned.
On first entry, travellers need to provide fingerprints and a facial photo at a border kiosk or booth, which could mean the border control process takes slightly longer. After that, entry and exit dates, location, and biometric data is stored for three years.
The countries in the Schengen area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not within the Schengen area, and therefore, EES is not applicable when travelling to either of these countries.
