UK leave managers planning trips to 30 European countries, including Spain, Greece, Portugal and France, have been warned of confusion over changes to rules that began to come into effect on April 2. Since last week, European Travel Authorization (ETA) has been in effect, requiring a “pass” for European citizens coming to the UK to enter the country.
Similar rules have come to UK travelers who want to participate in 30 European countries. These rules, known as Etias, are delayed for another 18 months, but the confusion allows scammers to target villas with fake websites that employ your identity and bank details.
The UK Travel Agency Association (ABTA) has issued a warning about fake sites. You do not need any documents other than your passport to enter Europe.
A spokesperson for the ABTA said, “If you have friends, family, or business colleagues visiting from overseas, you will need to check if you need to get an ETA. This is one of three changes to travel between the EU and the UK, but it means it's the only thing that means you're going live.”
Another change that has not yet arrived is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS.
EES is a new electronic border management system being deployed by the European Union to modernize the way travelers from non-EU countries are tracked when entering and leaving the Schengen region. Passport stamping for non-EU travelers will need to be replaced by biometric data such as fingerprints and facial image scans.
EES is scheduled to start in October this year.
Etias stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. Ethias is not a visa, but an electronic travel approval for non-EU travelers who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen region. It is intended to enhance border security by travelers who screen in advance before they arrive.
Travelers from the UK to the EU must apply for ETIAS and make a small payment. However, the system has not yet started.
Etias is expected to be introduced at the end of 2026. Graeme Buck, ABTA's Communications Director, said:
Abta said: “Currently, those trying to apply for Etia are at risk of fraud, they are losing their money and likely have personal data.”
