UK Holidaymakers have been issued a fresh warning over new post-Brexit travel scams.
The guidance from the EU warns that some sites may make “fraudulent use of the personal or financial data provided by the applicant”. In less than 12 months time millions of tourists from 60 countries, including the United Kingdom, will have to apply for a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) visa to travel to one of 27 members countries four days before departure.
Despite the scheme not being introduced until November 2023, online criminals are already mapping out how to capitalise on those unsure of the new rules. Fresh guidance has been issued from EU officials warning that some companies may “engage in abusive practices” to target those applying for the paper work.
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There could be “attempts to mislead applicants into believing that their site is the official channel for submitting an Etias application”, according to the guidance seen by The Times. It adds: “This may give the false impression that the additional fee charged by the commercial intermediary is a mandatory part of the application process.”
At the moment many companies offer help to Brits heading to the US who need an Etsa as part of the country’s equivalent scheme. They charge for processes like document checks, which is legal but is not technically required.
It is feared that similar practices could start up with the EU visa, as the bloc has announced that third-party companies will be able to sell them. The guidance warns that some sites may make “fraudulent use of the personal or financial data provided by the applicant”.
Ahead of the scheme being launched next year, many websites have already been set up with ‘Etias’ in their domain name, suggesting companies believe their is money to be made from their sale.
Guy Hobbs, editor of Which? Travel, said: “The European Commission has promised that the vast majority of travellers will receive their Etias visa waiver within minutes, so travellers should be very wary of third-party sites promising to fast-track applications for a fee. People should also ignore unsolicited calls or messages inviting them to apply.”
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