Brits planning travel to Europe are being warned by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) to beware of scams related to the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. The UK’s ETA came into force on April 2, requiring EU passport holders to obtain this pass before visiting the UK. Scammers are taking advantage of this confusion by offering fake websites that claim to provide the necessary ETA for Europeans traveling to mainland Europe. On the other hand, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will eventually affect UK travelers heading to Europe but is not set to launch for another 18 months.
The UK’s ETA for Europeans has caused confusion and hiccups since its rollout, with many struggling to understand the new requirements for travel between the UK and the EU. ABTA advises that while there are upcoming changes to travel regulations, Brits do not currently need any additional documentation to travel to Europe. The ETIAS system will be introduced when the EU Entry/Exit system goes live in 2025, with the ETIAS expected to be implemented in 2026. However, ABTA notes that ETIAS is likely to be optional for at least six months and there is no need for Brits to take any action now for summer travel to Europe.
When the ETIAS system is eventually introduced, British travelers will need to apply for the authorization online through the official website. The cost is expected to be around €7 and will be valid for up to three years, allowing visitors to stay in any EU country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Applicants will need to provide personal information, passport data, disclose any previous serious convictions, and state their reason for travel and accommodation details. ABTA warns against applying for ETIAS through any other channels to avoid falling victim to scams. Those under 18 or over 70 will also need to apply for ETIAS but will not be charged the fee.
The EU has announced a grace period for third-country nationals who forget to apply for an ETIAS, allowing them to enter Europe without the authorization if they fulfill all other entry conditions. ABTA emphasizes that the only current requirement for European visitors to the UK is to apply for an ETA and that no changes will affect UK travelers visiting Europe this summer. While the evolving travel regulations may seem complex, ABTA reassures travelers that they will provide support and guidance as the new rules come into effect towards the end of the year.
In conclusion, Brits planning to travel to Europe should be aware of the upcoming changes in travel regulations, particularly the introduction of the ETIAS system for UK travelers. While the UK’s ETA system is currently in place for European visitors, there is no need for Brits to take any action at present. ABTA advises travelers to be cautious of scams related to ETIAS applications and to only apply through the official website once the system is implemented. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, ABTA will be available to support and assist travelers in understanding and complying with the new requirements.
