Flying to Europe? Don't pay for this unnecessary "visa"

The ETIAS system has been postponed again, but scam websites are charging money for an entry approval that is not required. Experts warn of identity theft and financial loss. The guidance: do not pay any website.

The European Union's electronic entry authorization system (ETIAS) has been postponed again and is not in effect, yet more than 150 scam websites are already charging money for issuing a "visa" that is not required. Tourism experts warn that paying on these sites could lead to financial loss and endanger travelers' passport and credit card details, which could be used for identity theft. The guidance for travelers is unequivocal: do not pay any website. When the system is officially launched, there will be only one official website, and the cost is expected to be about 20 euros, with children under 18 and adults over 70 exempt from payment.