ETIAS scam sites: how to spot a fake ETIAS website
Status as of 2026-10-25: ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU says it will announce the start date "several months prior to its launch."
Because ETIAS is not open, any website taking money for an "ETIAS application" today is not the official system. At best it is an agency charging a markup for a form it cannot submit yet; at worst it is a scam harvesting passport and card details.
Red flags
- It takes payment now. The official site says no applications are being collected (travel-europe.europa.eu (official ETIAS site)).
- The domain does not end in europa.eu. The official ETIAS website is travel-europe.europa.eu. Look-alikes use .com, .org, .eu.com, or words like "apply", "official", "visa".
- The price is not EUR 20. The official fee once live is EUR 20, and free for under-18s and over-70s (Official: What you need to apply). Sites charging $50 to $120 are adding service fees.
- It calls ETIAS a "visa". ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa.
- Urgency and countdown timers, "guaranteed approval", or "fast-track" options. No one can guarantee or speed up an official decision.
- Paid ads at the top of search results. Scroll past ads and check the domain.
Safe checklist
- Type travel-europe.europa.eu yourself or use the official app once the EU announces it.
- Never send passport scans by email to an ETIAS "agent".
- Bookmark the official page now so you are not tempted by ads later.
Already paid a third-party site?
- Contact your card issuer and ask about a dispute or chargeback; mention the service could not be provided because ETIAS is not operating.
- Change any reused passwords and watch for phishing that uses your passport details.
- US travellers can report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov; UK travellers to Action Fraud.
Note: Whether a given third-party site is illegal depends on national law. We describe risk, not legal status.
Sources
More guides
- ETIAS fee: why it is EUR 20 and who does not pay
- Do UK citizens need ETIAS after Brexit?
- Do Americans need ETIAS? ETIAS for US citizens
- Is ETIAS live yet? ETIAS launch date tracker
- ETIAS requirements: documents and information checklist
- How long does ETIAS take and how long is it valid?
- ETIAS vs EES: what is the difference?
- Official ETIAS website vs third-party agencies
- Who needs ETIAS? Countries, travellers and exemptions