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Americans who are planning trips to Europe are being warned about scam websites charging travelers for ETIAS travel authorizations that are not yet available.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is currently not operating and applications are not being accepted, according to guidance from the European Union.
The EU said it will announce the specific launch date several months before the program begins.
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Even so, more than 150 third-party websites have reportedly appeared offering ETIAS-related information or services, as reported by The Guardian.
Bobby Laurie, a Pennsylvania-based travel expert and former flight attendant, told Digital that some sites are designed to appear legitimate when travelers search online for information about European entry requirements.
The European Union has warned travelers about potentially fraudulent websites claiming to offer services related to the upcoming travel authorization system. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
“These scam websites are set up to look like official government websites,” Laurie said.
The biggest warning sign for travelers right now is the request that they pay for an ETIAS authorization, Laurie said.
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“The most important thing to remember right now is the program has not started,” he said. “So there’s no reason to pay a fee, period.”
The EU has also warned travelers about possible abuse by commercial intermediaries, including websites that may make themselves appear to be the official application channel.
Scammers count on people checking alerts on their phones and computers. (iStock)
Other concerns include excessive fees and the possible misuse of personal or financial information, according to the EU.
Once ETIAS launches, legitimate third parties will be allowed to submit applications on behalf of travelers.
Laurie noted that travelers will also be able to apply themselves through the official EU website.
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For Americans traveling before the ETIAS program takes effect, Laurie recommended checking the official entry requirements for each country on their itinerary, particularly when connecting through countries with separate rules.
Travelers who have already provided payment information to a suspicious website should contact their credit card company, Laurie said.
Americans preparing for European vacations are being reminded that ETIAS applications are not yet available. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images)
He also recommended monitoring for fraudulent charges and considering identity monitoring if passport or other sensitive personal information was provided.
“You don’t know where that information is going to end up,” Laurie said.
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Laurie said travelers should avoid rushing through online searches for entry requirements and instead make sure they are using official government sources.
“They’re just banking on you not reading and trying to do something in a hurry,” he said.
ETIAS will eventually be required for certain visa-exempt travelers visiting participating European countries, but the EU says it is not currently accepting applications.
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Digital reached out to the European Union for additional information and comment.
