Latest news with #SchengenArea
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Business
- The 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 ETIAS is not yet available. 2 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 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. 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. 2
The Independent
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
British tourists barred from Denmark because border police get passport rules wrong
As the main summer season for Scandinavia gets under way, British travellers holding passports valid for travel to Denmark may be turned away – because the nation insists on rules that are tougher than the Schengen area, to which it belongs. The millions of British travellers who have passports valid for longer than 10 years run the risk of being refused entry to Denmark even if their documents comply with EU rules. The Boris Johnson government negotiated for UK citizens to become 'third-country nationals' following the Brexit vote. As a result, British passports must pass two tests for travel to the European Union and wider Schengen area: Under 10 years old on the day of arrival to the Schengen area At least three months remaining on the intended day of departure As the European Commission has repeatedly confirmed to The Independent, these rules are independent of each other. For example, a British traveller with a passport issued on 1 July 2015 and valid to 1 April 2016 could travel to a Schengen area nation up to 30 June 2025 for a stay of up to 90 days (the maximum allowed for third-country nationals). But after The Independent investigated the case of a passenger who was turned away from the Norwegian airline from London Gatwick to Copenhagen even though her papers were in order, it has emerged that Denmark is applying its own set of rules. The authorities are combining the two validity rules, even though that is incorrect. Copenhagen police insist that a British passport must 'be no older than nine years and nine months from the date of issuance'. They say: 'Schengen also does not recognise extensions of 10-year passports. Once the document is nine years and nine months old from the date of issuance, it is invalid.' As The Independent has repeatedly pointed out to the Danish authorities, such a policy contravenes the Schengen area rules. A spokesperson for the European Commission in Brussels confirmed: 'Denmark is bound by the relevant Schengen rules and the interpretation given in the Practical Handbook for Border Guards like any other Schengen State.' The handbook says a passport 'must have been issued within the previous 10 years'. It stresses: "The requirement that the travel document must have been issued within the previous ten years must be fulfilled at the day of entry (but not necessarily during the stay), provided that its validity extends until the end of the stay plus three months.' Norwegian, the airline, continues to turn away British passengers from flights to Denmark whose passports are valid but which contravene the rules confected by the Danish authorities. The carrier links London Gatwick and Edinburgh with Copenhagen. Last month, police in Norway confirmed that they had wrongly deported a British tourist because border officials misunderstood the rules. The visitor was detained for three hours and put on a flight back to Edinburgh the following morning. A spokesperson for Norwegian said: 'We regret the disruption to our passengers due to inconsistent interpretation of Schengen passport rules by the Nordic countries. 'As an airline, we must comply with local border control directives, which are currently unclear. We have urged the authorities to provide clear, unified guidance to airlines, in order to prevent further passenger issues and avoid penalties for our company.' Any British traveller whose passport is valid but over nine years and nine months can simply cross to Denmark from Germany or Sweden to avoid the usual border checks.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
Indians can enter Philippines visa-free for 14 days: All you need to know
The Philippines has now made it easier than ever for Indian travellers to visit. Under a new travel rule from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, Indian passport holders with certain foreign visas or residency permits can now enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days. And if you're having too much fun? You can even extend your stay by another 7 days. Who can travel visa-free? If you're an Indian citizen who already holds a valid visa or permanent residency from any of these countries: United States Japan Also Read Australia Canada Schengen Area countries Singapore United Kingdom …then you don't need to apply for a visa to enjoy a short trip to the Philippines! What you need to qualify? Before you pack your bags, make sure you have the following: Your Indian passport (valid for at least 6 more months after you arrive) A valid AJACSSUK visa or PR card A return or onward ticket No history of immigration violations or issues with the Philippines Bureau of Immigration You'll be allowed to stay for 14 days, with the option to extend for 7 more days, making it a total of 21 days max. Pro Tip: This visa-free entry applies at international airports, major ports, and even for cruise passengers — so whether you're flying or sailing, you're covered. Don't Forget Health & Travel Requirements Although the visa requirement is waived, you'll still need to follow the Philippines' current COVID-related protocols — including vaccination rules, health declarations, and any quarantine requirements if applicable. Be sure to check: Department of Health Philippine Bureau of Immigration "The Philippines' decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian travellers is a really positive move, which recognizes India as a key market for tourism. The move also reflects Indian travellers' growing interest in Southeast Asia as a whole. Time and again we have seen how removing friction at the border can play an important role in encouraging more visitors. This is set to further boost demand for the Philippines as a top travel choice," said Gaurav Malik, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda. Digital Nomad Visa: The Philippines plans to introduce a digital nomad visa, allowing remote professionals to live and work in the country. This initiative aims to attract long-term visitors and remote workers. Since 28 October 2024, the Philippine electronic visa (e-Visa) has been made fully available in India and can be applied for online at the 24/7 portal
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Much-loved European holiday island to join Schengen Area next year and why it's bad news for Brits
Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter Published: Invalid Date, CYPRUS has revealed plans to join the Schengen Area - but it won't be good news for British holidaymakers. The popular island that sees around 1.3 million Brits visiting each year has announced it hopes to join the zone in 2026 meaning that holiday rules will change. 4 4 The Schengen Area consists of 29 European countries that have abolished border controls for other EU countries. These include 25 EU member states, as well as four non-EU countries; Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Essentially, the Schengen Area is a passport-free travel zone, which allows people to move between participating countries without border checks. But there are strict rules that Cyprus will have to adhere to when they join. And for Brits, that means a limited time to stay there. The rules state that a total stay in the Schengen Area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit as the 180 day period keeps rolling. Currently, a visit Cyprus does not count towards your 90 day limit. So any time you spend in the Schengen Area does not affect the number of days you can spend in Cyprus - but this will change when they join. President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus recently announced that the island will "enter the Schengen Zone in 2026.' He added: 'A huge effort is being made, we will complete all the technicalities we need." All the free activities Cyprus has to offer 4 Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 but unlike other countries, did not join the Schengen Area at the same time. This means that Cypriots face border checks and visa issues when travelling to surrounding EU countries. For Cyprus, joining the Schengen Area will mean locals can access the country with more ease and without extra border checks. For Cypriots, the move will be beneficial for trade as it allows goods to flow more easily between countries without custom checks at internal borders. The timing will coincide with the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The new system is being introduced as part of enhanced security measures for travellers. The new system that will require non-EU travellers to get approval beforehand. For Brits, you will need one of these to go into any of the Schengen Area nations. Currently, the only EU states that aren't members of the Schengen Area are Ireland and Cyprus. And the European destination that is warmest in May with 26C highs and 'wine villages'. 4
Euronews
29-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Bulgaria could play key role in European defence efforts, says Antonio Costa
ADVERTISEMENT Bulgaria could play a key role in European defence efforts, EU Council President António Costa has said. Costa, who is on currently on a three-day visit to the country, toured Arsenal JSCo, a leading firearms and ammunition manufacturer and said Bulgaria could be a leading supplier to Europe's defence capabilities. "The security of Europe starts in Ukraine. The security of Europe and Ukraine can not be separated. We took the decision to significantly increase our investments in defence. To invest more in defence means to invest more in our economy and capacity for research and innovation," Costa said. "If we want to succeed in this defence programme we need to mobilise all the capacity in different member states. Bulgaria has good conditions to have a key role in this process. Not only to provide Bulgarian necessities but also to provide and to be a great supplier of defence capabilities of other European countries." Costa also said that greater investment in defence among European countries could also drive competitiveness. Trucks wait in line at the Bulgarian-Greek border checkpoint of Kulata in Bulgaria, 12 December, 2024 AP Photo He also said that his visit to Bulgaria comes at a significant time for the country, following its entry into the Schengen Area and its preparations to join the eurozone. Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov said Sofia aims to increase defence spending as a percentage of GDP. "This year, defence spending exceeds 2% of GDP. The government's intention is to further increase this spending by making use of the option to activate the clause that allows rearmament projects, implemented under EU joint procurement initiatives, to be excluded from the budget deficit," he said. Bulgaria has been a member of NATO since 2004 and many countries in the alliance are nervous since the Trump administration indicated that the US' defence priorities no longer lie with Europe. That's sparked calls across the continent for Europe to spend more on its own defence and not rely on Washington, particularly with several countries nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putin's territorial ambitions lying beyond the borders of Ukraine. Damaged private houses burn following Russia's air raid in the Donetsk region, 28 April, 2025 AP/Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP "Bulgaria will continue to be a constructive, predictable and reliable partner as the EU faces geopolitical and economic challenges," Jeliazkov said. Meanwhile, President Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., also arrived in Bulgaria during his European tour. Trump Jr. Denied media access to his meetings with Bulgarian business leaders, telling journalists to leave before he disembarked from his plane and again at the venue, saying he was "not in the mood for photos." Despite the closed-door nature of the event, it emerged that Trump Jr. met with Boyko Borissov, leader of the GERB party, the largest political force in the Bulgarian parliament, but the nature of their talks has not been made public.
