Planning a trip to Europe? Hold off before you hit that “Apply” button for ETIAS — because the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is still not live.
Yes, despite countless online claims and flashy ads, ETIAS has not officially started. And if you’ve come across websites offering to “pre-register” you or sell you a “travel authorization” for Europe — stop immediately. They’re fake.
This isn’t a technical delay or quiet rollout. The European Commission has confirmed that ETIAS — the electronic travel authorization system for visitors from visa-exempt countries — has not yet launched, and no legitimate applications are being accepted anywhere in the world.
Fake ETIAS Websites Are Exploiting Travelers
The internet is now flooded with fraudulent ETIAS websites pretending to be official EU portals. They promise quick approvals or lifetime authorizations — for an inflated price. These platforms are scams, designed to steal your money or harvest your personal data.
The European Union has explicitly warned travelers:
“ETIAS is not yet in operation. Be cautious of fraudulent websites claiming to sell ETIAS authorizations at inflated prices. Only apply through the official EU website once the system is launched.”
Until that happens, there is no valid ETIAS.
What ETIAS Actually Is — And What It Isn’t
ETIAS, once launched, will be a mandatory travel authorization for short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in Schengen Area countries. It’s designed for travelers from visa-free nations such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and Singapore.
It’s not a visa — it’s a digital pre-travel clearance system, similar to the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA. It helps the EU screen travelers for security risks before they board their flights.
But let’s make it clear: ETIAS is not operational yet. The launch date remains unconfirmed by the European Commission.
The Real ETIAS Fee — Just €7
When ETIAS eventually opens, it will cost only €7 and will be valid for three years. Travellers under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from payment.
Anyone charging €20, €30, or more — or offering “priority processing” — is operating an unofficial and fraudulent service.
Bookmark the only authentic source: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias
The Countries Covered Under ETIAS
ETIAS will apply to travel in the 29 Schengen Area countries, where internal border checks are abolished for smooth movement. These include:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Travelers entering any of these countries will soon need ETIAS authorization before departure — but not yet.
What’s Active Right Now: The EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
Don’t confuse ETIAS with the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES began its gradual rollout on October 12, 2025, introducing digital passport control and biometric registration for all non-EU visitors to the Schengen Area.
During the first six months of EES deployment (until April 2026), border officers may still stamp passports manually while testing the system. ETIAS, however, is a separate pre-travel system that hasn’t started.
Protect Yourself: How to Avoid ETIAS Scams
- Ignore all ads and emails offering ETIAS “pre-registration.”
- Do not enter personal data or credit card information on any site that isn’t hosted on a
.europa.eudomain. - Check your own government’s travel advisory before applying for any European travel document.
- Report suspicious websites to your national cybercrime authority or consumer protection agency.
What About Non-Schengen Countries?
Some European nations are not part of the Schengen Area — including Ireland, the United Kingdom, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
Each has its own entry and visa requirements, and ETIAS will not apply to travel in these countries.
For example, the United Kingdom now requires most foreign nationals to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival — separate from ETIAS.
Key Takeaway for Global Travellers
As of October 2025, here’s the bottom line:
- ETIAS is not yet active.
- EES is being gradually implemented.
- Any website asking you to pay for ETIAS now is fake.
Travelers worldwide should wait for the official EU announcement before submitting any application. The real ETIAS website will be part of the European Union’s official domain, ending in .europa.eu.
Official and Trusted Sources
- European Union ETIAS Portal — https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias
- Government of Canada Travel Advisory — https://travel.gc.ca
- European Commission: Migration and Home Affairs — https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu.