Abta warns Britons against applying for delayed EU visa waiver
More than 150 websites sell help securing the Etias entry waiver, even though its rollout is postponed.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
This story is no longer being updated. It reflects reporting up to .
What happened
Britons travelling to EU countries have been advised against applying for the Etias visa waiver, which has not yet been introduced. More than 150 websites are offering to secure entry to the Schengen zone for travellers. Abta has also said the EU entry/exit system should not be fully rolled out until it is stable and efficient, and calls to suspend it are expected to continue into 2027.
Why it matters
Travellers may be targeted by scam services while the waiver is delayed. Once launched, the Etias waiver will be required of many tourists before entering most continental European countries.
Timeline
- Oct 13, 11:21 AM ET: Abta advised Britons travelling to EU countries not to apply for the delayed Etias visa waiver.
- Oct 14, 6:48 AM ET: Abta said the EU cannot fully roll out its entry/exit system until it is stable and efficient, and calls to suspend it were expected to continue into 2027.
- Oct 15, 4:30 PM ET: A travel website warned travellers about a visa scam, noting that the Etias waiver will be required of many tourists before entering most continental European countries.
Coverage
- Traveling to Europe? Don’t fall for this visa scam (thepointsguy.com)
- Calls for EU entry/exit system suspension to continue into 2027 (The Independent)
- Britons travelling to EU countries told not to apply for delayed Etias visa waiver (The Guardian)
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