Latest news with #EuropeanTravelInformationandAuthorisationSystem
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change
Plus, travel expert warns of scary holiday scam which could see you out of pocket and out on the street VISA TRAP Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW travel scam is catching tourists out ahead of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) introduction. Scammers are targeting travellers with fake websites mimicking official application portals and attempting to steal personal data and money, while ETIAS is not yet available. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A number of fake ETIAS websites are catching out travellers Credit: Alamy The scammers are creating fake websites that look like official ETIAS application portals with the aim of getting individuals' passport details, personal information and even payment information. Many of the sites charge extra fees for a service that actually doesn't exist yet or for services that are already available on the official ETIAS platform. Some sites guarantee instant approval - which actually is not the case with ETIAS, as applications have to go through security checks. They are also spreading misinformation about ETIAS, creating further confusion and causing travellers to panic and apply through different unofficial channels. In addition, scammers can manipulate search engine rankings, which means their websites often appear higher up when travellers search, compared to official channels. According to ABTA warns: "People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud. "There's a risk of losing money and possibly personal data too." How ETIAS will work when it arrives When ETIAS is active, it will cost about €7 (£5.89) and remain valid for up to three years - or until and individuals' passport nears expiration. Travellers will need to share personal details, travel history and reasons for visiting Europe. It will allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across Schengen countries. [bc_video account_id="5067014667001" application_id="" aspect_ratio="16:9" autoplay="" caption="Insider tips to avoid tourist traps and scams on your next holiday " embed="in-page" experience_id="" height="100%" language_detection="" max_height="360px" max_width="640px" min_width="0px" mute="" padding_top="56%" picture_in_picture="" player_id="default" playlist_id="" playsinline="" sizing="responsive" video_id="6350521755112" video_ids="" width="640px"] Only people aged between 18 and 70 will need to pay the fee. Anyone younger or older must still apply, but will not be charged. Applications MUST be done through the EU's official website - ' However, there is no rush to apply year. Travellers from the UK can still enter EU countries without an ETIAS. How to avoid scams, according to warns to avoid scams, travellers should: Ignore unsolicited emails or ads promoting ETIAS. Avoid unofficial travel websites that charge high fees or request unusual personal details. Bookmark and use the official EU site once ETIAS becomes active. Report suspicious activity to travel authorities or consumer protection agencies. The website adds: "As new travel authorisation systems like the UK's ETA and the EU's upcoming ETIAS reshape border entry rules, clarity and caution are more important than ever. "While only European visitors to the UK currently need to act, travelers to Europe should remain alert — not to red tape, but to rising scams exploiting the confusion. "The ETIAS system won't go live until late 2026, yet fraudulent websites already prey on unaware travellers. "As change looms, one constant remains: informed travel is safer travel. Bookmark official sources, ignore unofficial shortcuts, and keep your passport — and your data protected." No new paperwork is required for this summer or autumn and officials have stressed that no action is currently needed. The official ETIAS system won't actually be live until late 2026. One in five Brits also book holiday based on 'fake' reviews – but can you spot hidden imposter in the pictures? Plus, travel expert warns of scary holiday scam which could see you out of pocket and out on the street.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change
A NEW travel scam is catching tourists out ahead of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) introduction. Scammers are targeting travellers with fake websites mimicking official application portals and attempting to steal personal data and money , while 2 A number of fake ETIAS websites are catching out travellers Credit: Alamy The scammers are creating fake websites that look like official ETIAS application portals with the aim of getting individuals' Many of the sites charge extra fees for a service that actually doesn't exist yet or for services that are already available on the official ETIAS platform. Some sites guarantee instant approval - which actually is not the case with ETIAS, as applications have to go through They are also spreading misinformation about ETIAS, creating further confusion and causing travellers to panic and apply through different unofficial channels. Read more on ETIAS In addition, scammers can manipulate search engine rankings, which means their websites often appear higher up when travellers search, compared to official channels. According to ABTA warns: "People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud. "There's a risk of losing money and possibly personal data too." How ETIAS will work when it arrives When ETIAS is active, it will cost about €7 (£5.89) and remain valid for up to three years - or until and individuals' passport nears expiration. Most read in News Travel Travellers will need to share personal details, travel history and reasons for visiting Europe. It will allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across [bc_video account_id="5067014667001" application_id="" aspect_ratio="16:9" autoplay="" caption="Insider tips to avoid tourist traps and scams on your next holiday " embed="in-page" experience_id="" height="100%" language_detection="" max_height="360px" max_width="640px" min_width="0px" mute="" padding_top="56%" picture_in_picture="" player_id="default" playlist_id="" playsinline="" sizing="responsive" video_id="6350521755112" video_ids="" width="640px"] Only people aged between 18 and 70 will need to pay the fee. Anyone younger or older must still apply, but will not be charged. Applications MUST be done through the EU's official website - ' However, there is no rush to apply year. Travellers from the UK can still enter EU countries without an ETIAS. How to avoid scams, according to warns to avoid scams, travellers should: Ignore unsolicited emails or ads promoting ETIAS. Avoid unofficial travel websites that charge high fees or request unusual personal details. Bookmark and use the official EU site once ETIAS becomes active. Report suspicious activity to travel authorities or consumer protection agencies. The website adds: "As new travel authorisation systems like the UK's ETA and the EU's upcoming ETIAS reshape border entry rules, clarity and caution are more important than ever. "While only European visitors to the UK currently need to act, travelers to Europe should remain alert — not to red tape, but to rising scams exploiting the confusion. "The ETIAS system won't go live until late 2026, yet fraudulent websites already prey on unaware travellers. "As change looms, one constant remains: informed travel is safer travel. Bookmark official sources, ignore unofficial shortcuts, and keep your passport — and your data protected." No new paperwork is required for this summer or autumn and officials have stressed that no action is currently needed. The official ETIAS system won't actually be live until late 2026. One in five Plus, 2 ETIAS won't actually be live until late 2026 Credit: Alamy
RTÉ News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Ireland may lack 'robust' asylum seeker checks over EU database exclusion
Immigration officials in Ireland may not be able to perform robust identity checks and security screening on asylum seekers due to the country's lack of access to key EU security databases, a Government report has warned. A new implementation plan for the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum - which is due to come into force next year - states that Ireland "may not be able to carry out the most robust identity validation" due to the country's exclusion from the Schengen Area and the related IT border security systems. The plan prepared for the Government warns of a "concern" that Ireland "may not be able to adequately conduct screening" because it will not have access to the EU's Entry/Exit system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, and the EU Visa Information System. The EU's Entry/Exit system is a new IT system to help member states to manage the EU's external borders. It will be operational in October of this year, and will record the date and place of each entry and exit, facial images and fingerprints of travellers to the EU, and whether an individual has been refused entry to a country. According to the European Commission, the database is designed to prevent irregular immigration, and identify travellers who have no right to enter, or have exceeded their permitted stay. The system can also identify travellers who are using fake identities or passports, and the information will be used to detect and investigate terrorist offences and other serious crimes. Access to the system is restricted to countries in the Schengen area, which share information in order to allow the free movement of people between their borders. The Schengen area includes most EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Ireland is not a member due to being part of the common travel area with the UK. Ireland will also be excluded from the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) which will be a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries due to come into effect at the end of next year. Immigration officials here are also not permitted to access the EU's Visa Information System which records the fingerprints and photographs of people applying for an EU visa. This system allows officials in the participating member states to compare a visitor's finger scans, and photographs to those held on the database. A mismatch would result in further checks on the travellers identity. The Government's National Implementation Plan for the Pact on Migration and Asylum warns that without access to these systems, "Ireland may not be able to carry out the most robust identity validation in line with the EU Pact requirements, as it is limited in its access to the full European search portal and Interoperability Framework". Government officials are now attempting to establish if, and how, Ireland's inability to opt into these three systems will impact on the state's ability to complete all areas of security screening and to receive and share relevant data with other member states. The Department of Justice told RTÉ's This Week programme that while Ireland will not have access to the entry/exit system, ETIAS and the Visa Information System - the Government has opted into the EuroDac system, which is a fingerprint database for asylum seekers that will be upgraded by June of next year. It will store official documents and photographs of asylum seekers as well as their first place of application to help decrease secondary movement. The Department said that while Ireland cannot opt in to the Schengen IT systems - the State intends to legislate nationally to align with its provisions. It said the State will carry out screening on anybody who enters Ireland irregularly - this will consist of identity checks, health checks, security and criminal screening and gathering fingerprint data for the EuroDac database.
Daily Record
25-04-2025
- Daily Record
New EU travel rules by October as UK tourists face long delays
The European Union has decided to implement new travel regulations that are set to cause significant delays for UK holidaymakers visiting popular destinations such as France, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Portugal. Under the new system, UK nationals will be required to submit biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints, in addition to scanning their passports. Airlines have been instructed to potentially keep passengers on board aircraft to prevent airport congestion as travellers line up to provide the additional details. Motorists planning to use the Channel Tunnel have been alerted to anticipate extended waiting times, and substantial processing facilities are being established at Dover and London St Pancras to manage the flow of people. The forthcoming Entry-Exit System (EES) aims to bolster security across Europe by meticulously monitoring who enters and exits the EU. Although its introduction has faced several postponements, the EU has recently voted to commence its deployment from October, with a six-month window for all member states to adopt the system, reports Bristol Live . Assita Kanko, the Belgian MEP overseeing the EES initiative, said: "The safety of Europeans can no longer be postponed. Reliance on paper stamps at borders, while criminals operate digitally, is unacceptable. The EES is not just a security measure but also aids legal travellers more efficiently, with fewer queues and increased certainty." UK passport holders will be required to scan their passports and provide fingerprints and a photograph the first time they travel to Europe. This process will need to be repeated every three years or when your passport expires. For those travelling via the tunnel or ferry, these checks will be conducted in the UK. If you're flying, the checks will take place upon landing. Motorists heading to the continent will need to step out of their vehicles to provide the necessary information. Once fully implemented, another system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), will be enforced from 2026. To enter Europe, you'll need to purchase a visa waiver, costing approximately £6 every three years.
Wales Online
25-04-2025
- Wales Online
Expect delays as new EU travel rules come into force within months
Expect delays as new EU travel rules come into force within months The EU has voted to start rolling out the new scheme for everyone heading from the UK to countries including France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal Queues at the airport The European Union has voted to roll out new travel rules that will see long delays for UK holidaymakers heading to countries including France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal. The rules will mean UK citizens heading to the Continent need to provide biometric data - pictures and fingerprints - as well as scanning their passport. Airlines have been told they may need to hold passengers on planes in a bid to avoid overcrowding at airports as people queue to hand over the new information. Drivers heading for the Channel Tunnel have been warned to expect much longer delays and huge new processing areas are being created at Dover and at London St Pancras to process travellers. The new Entry-Exit System (EES) is designed to make Europe more secure by tracking exactly who is entering and leaving the bloc. The implementation of the scheme has been delayed a number of times, but the EU this week voted to start rolling it out from October. It will be introduced for all EU countries within six months after the roll-out begins. Article continues below Assita Kanko, the Belgian MEP responsible for the EES system, said: "The safety of Europeans can no longer be postponed. Reliance on paper stamps at borders, while criminals operate digitally, is unacceptable. "The EES is not just a security measure but also aids legal travellers more efficiently, with fewer queues and increased certainty." Article continues below Everyone with a UK passport will have to scan the passport and have fingerprints and a photograph taken the first time they head to Europe. You will then need to renew that every three years or when your passport expires. If you're travelling through the tunnel or by ferry the checks will be done in the UK. If you're flying they will be done after you land. Those driving to the Continent will have to exit their cars to provide the information. Once the system is fully in place another system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), will come into force in 2026. You will need to buy a visa waiver to get into Europe - paying around £6 every three years for the document.
