Latest news with #EuropeanTravelInformationandAuthorisationSystem
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Brits to face even pricier new visas when travelling to Europe – despite not even launching yet
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLIDAYS to Europe could get more expensive as the European Commission looks to ramp up fees for a new travel document that has not even been introduced yet. The EU is gearing up to introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme next year, following the introduction of the Entry/Exit system. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The EU is gearing up to introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme next year Credit: Alamy Essentially, ETIAS will be a requirement for any non-EU national from a visa-exempt countries which includes the UK, for short-term stays in the Schengen Area. But the online fee to enter the ETIAS scheme could be more than initially planned. Current plans for travellers heading from outside the bloc include them paying €7 (£5.98) as part of an online application. However, now the European Union is looking to raise that price, despite the scheme not even having launched yet. The reason for this is because they want to use the fee to help with repayments on a €350billion (£299 billion) debt, which was used to fund the post-Covid recovery, reports Politico. Currently it is estimated that only €215million would enter the EU's budget from the ETIAS fee after operational fees are deducted. For Brits, this would be another blow as they already face longer queues since Brexit. The publication added how ETIAS is one of the more popular tax choices ahead of budget plans which are due to be discussed next month. The documents revealed by Politico state: "Given that the EU fee for ETIAS is one of the lowest among comparable systems in the world, it seems there is a possibility of a gradual increase of the fee, strengthening the long-term revenue potential." The fee is currently lower than the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is required from non-Brits to enter the UK and costs £16. All Brits aged 18-70 will have to pay to visit Europe from next year – here is everything you need to know about ETIAS It is also less than the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Brits need to visit America which is $21 (£15.60). Sun Travel has contacted the European Commission for comment. At the moment the price for ETIAS remains at €7. It will be free for those under the age of 18 and over the age of 70. Once the system is live, some travellers may also be exempt. However, the system is not live yet and currently is not taking applications and people have been warned of fake websites attempting to catch out travellers. ETIAS will apply to short stays, which refers to holidays or business trips that have a duration of up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Although, if you are travelling on a visa, you will not need an ETIAS. Irish passport holders are also exempt from ETIAS. Brits could also face travel chaos ahead of the new scheme. There have also been warnings of a scam which is catching tourists out, ahead of the European visa rule change. Plus, these are all the new travel rules Brits face in 2025 from biometric checks to visa-waivers.
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Brits to face even pricier new visas when travelling to Europe – despite not even launching yet
HOLIDAYS to Europe could get more expensive as the European Commission looks to ramp up fees for a new travel document that has not even been introduced yet. The EU is gearing up to introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme next year, following the introduction of the Advertisement 2 The EU is gearing up to introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme next year Credit: Alamy Essentially, ETIAS will be a requirement for any non-EU national from a visa-exempt countries which includes the UK, for short-term stays in the But the online fee to enter the ETIAS scheme could be more than initially planned. Current plans for travellers heading from outside the bloc include them paying €7 (£5.98) as part of an online application. However, now the European Union is looking to raise that price, despite the scheme not even having launched yet. Advertisement Read more on Europe The reason for this is because they want to use the fee to help with repayments on a €350billion (£299 billion) debt, which was used to fund the post-Covid recovery, reports Currently it is estimated that only €215million would enter the EU's budget from the ETIAS fee after operational fees are deducted. For Brits, this would be another blow as they already face longer queues since Brexit. The publication added how ETIAS is one of the more popular tax choices ahead of budget plans which are due to be discussed next month. Advertisement Most read in News Travel The documents revealed by Politico state: "Given that the EU fee for ETIAS is one of the lowest among comparable systems in the world, it seems there is a possibility of a gradual increase of the fee, strengthening the long-term revenue potential." The fee is currently lower than the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is required from non-Brits to enter the UK and costs £16. All Brits aged 18-70 will have to pay to visit Europe from next year – here is everything you need to know about ETIAS It is also less than the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Brits need to visit America which is $21 (£15.60). Sun Travel has contacted the European Commission for comment. Advertisement At the moment the price for ETIAS remains at €7. It will be free for those under the age of 18 and over the age of 70. Once the system is live, some travellers may also be exempt. However, the system is not live yet and currently is not taking applications and people have been warned of fake websites attempting to catch out travellers. Advertisement ETIAS will apply to short stays, which refers to holidays or business trips that have a duration of up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Although, if you are travelling on a visa, you will not need an ETIAS. Irish passport holders are also exempt from ETIAS. Advertisement There have also been Plus, these are 2 This is because the EU is looking to pay back it's debt following the pandemic Credit: Alamy
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change
Plus, travel expert warns of scary holiday scam which could see you out of pocket and out on the street VISA TRAP Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW travel scam is catching tourists out ahead of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) introduction. Scammers are targeting travellers with fake websites mimicking official application portals and attempting to steal personal data and money, while ETIAS is not yet available. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A number of fake ETIAS websites are catching out travellers Credit: Alamy The scammers are creating fake websites that look like official ETIAS application portals with the aim of getting individuals' passport details, personal information and even payment information. Many of the sites charge extra fees for a service that actually doesn't exist yet or for services that are already available on the official ETIAS platform. Some sites guarantee instant approval - which actually is not the case with ETIAS, as applications have to go through security checks. They are also spreading misinformation about ETIAS, creating further confusion and causing travellers to panic and apply through different unofficial channels. In addition, scammers can manipulate search engine rankings, which means their websites often appear higher up when travellers search, compared to official channels. According to ABTA warns: "People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud. "There's a risk of losing money and possibly personal data too." How ETIAS will work when it arrives When ETIAS is active, it will cost about €7 (£5.89) and remain valid for up to three years - or until and individuals' passport nears expiration. Travellers will need to share personal details, travel history and reasons for visiting Europe. It will allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across Schengen countries. [bc_video account_id="5067014667001" application_id="" aspect_ratio="16:9" autoplay="" caption="Insider tips to avoid tourist traps and scams on your next holiday " embed="in-page" experience_id="" height="100%" language_detection="" max_height="360px" max_width="640px" min_width="0px" mute="" padding_top="56%" picture_in_picture="" player_id="default" playlist_id="" playsinline="" sizing="responsive" video_id="6350521755112" video_ids="" width="640px"] Only people aged between 18 and 70 will need to pay the fee. Anyone younger or older must still apply, but will not be charged. Applications MUST be done through the EU's official website - ' However, there is no rush to apply year. Travellers from the UK can still enter EU countries without an ETIAS. How to avoid scams, according to warns to avoid scams, travellers should: Ignore unsolicited emails or ads promoting ETIAS. Avoid unofficial travel websites that charge high fees or request unusual personal details. Bookmark and use the official EU site once ETIAS becomes active. Report suspicious activity to travel authorities or consumer protection agencies. The website adds: "As new travel authorisation systems like the UK's ETA and the EU's upcoming ETIAS reshape border entry rules, clarity and caution are more important than ever. "While only European visitors to the UK currently need to act, travelers to Europe should remain alert — not to red tape, but to rising scams exploiting the confusion. "The ETIAS system won't go live until late 2026, yet fraudulent websites already prey on unaware travellers. "As change looms, one constant remains: informed travel is safer travel. Bookmark official sources, ignore unofficial shortcuts, and keep your passport — and your data protected." No new paperwork is required for this summer or autumn and officials have stressed that no action is currently needed. The official ETIAS system won't actually be live until late 2026. One in five Brits also book holiday based on 'fake' reviews – but can you spot hidden imposter in the pictures? Plus, travel expert warns of scary holiday scam which could see you out of pocket and out on the street.
The Irish Sun
30-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change
A NEW travel scam is catching tourists out ahead of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) introduction. Scammers are targeting travellers with fake websites mimicking official application portals and attempting to steal personal data and money , while 2 A number of fake ETIAS websites are catching out travellers Credit: Alamy The scammers are creating fake websites that look like official ETIAS application portals with the aim of getting individuals' Many of the sites charge extra fees for a service that actually doesn't exist yet or for services that are already available on the official ETIAS platform. Some sites guarantee instant approval - which actually is not the case with ETIAS, as applications have to go through They are also spreading misinformation about ETIAS, creating further confusion and causing travellers to panic and apply through different unofficial channels. Read more on ETIAS In addition, scammers can manipulate search engine rankings, which means their websites often appear higher up when travellers search, compared to official channels. According to ABTA warns: "People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud. "There's a risk of losing money and possibly personal data too." How ETIAS will work when it arrives When ETIAS is active, it will cost about €7 (£5.89) and remain valid for up to three years - or until and individuals' passport nears expiration. Most read in News Travel Travellers will need to share personal details, travel history and reasons for visiting Europe. It will allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across [bc_video account_id="5067014667001" application_id="" aspect_ratio="16:9" autoplay="" caption="Insider tips to avoid tourist traps and scams on your next holiday " embed="in-page" experience_id="" height="100%" language_detection="" max_height="360px" max_width="640px" min_width="0px" mute="" padding_top="56%" picture_in_picture="" player_id="default" playlist_id="" playsinline="" sizing="responsive" video_id="6350521755112" video_ids="" width="640px"] Only people aged between 18 and 70 will need to pay the fee. Anyone younger or older must still apply, but will not be charged. Applications MUST be done through the EU's official website - ' However, there is no rush to apply year. Travellers from the UK can still enter EU countries without an ETIAS. How to avoid scams, according to warns to avoid scams, travellers should: Ignore unsolicited emails or ads promoting ETIAS. Avoid unofficial travel websites that charge high fees or request unusual personal details. Bookmark and use the official EU site once ETIAS becomes active. Report suspicious activity to travel authorities or consumer protection agencies. The website adds: "As new travel authorisation systems like the UK's ETA and the EU's upcoming ETIAS reshape border entry rules, clarity and caution are more important than ever. "While only European visitors to the UK currently need to act, travelers to Europe should remain alert — not to red tape, but to rising scams exploiting the confusion. "The ETIAS system won't go live until late 2026, yet fraudulent websites already prey on unaware travellers. "As change looms, one constant remains: informed travel is safer travel. Bookmark official sources, ignore unofficial shortcuts, and keep your passport — and your data protected." No new paperwork is required for this summer or autumn and officials have stressed that no action is currently needed. The official ETIAS system won't actually be live until late 2026. One in five Plus, 2 ETIAS won't actually be live until late 2026 Credit: Alamy
RTÉ News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Ireland may lack 'robust' asylum seeker checks over EU database exclusion
Immigration officials in Ireland may not be able to perform robust identity checks and security screening on asylum seekers due to the country's lack of access to key EU security databases, a Government report has warned. A new implementation plan for the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum - which is due to come into force next year - states that Ireland "may not be able to carry out the most robust identity validation" due to the country's exclusion from the Schengen Area and the related IT border security systems. The plan prepared for the Government warns of a "concern" that Ireland "may not be able to adequately conduct screening" because it will not have access to the EU's Entry/Exit system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, and the EU Visa Information System. The EU's Entry/Exit system is a new IT system to help member states to manage the EU's external borders. It will be operational in October of this year, and will record the date and place of each entry and exit, facial images and fingerprints of travellers to the EU, and whether an individual has been refused entry to a country. According to the European Commission, the database is designed to prevent irregular immigration, and identify travellers who have no right to enter, or have exceeded their permitted stay. The system can also identify travellers who are using fake identities or passports, and the information will be used to detect and investigate terrorist offences and other serious crimes. Access to the system is restricted to countries in the Schengen area, which share information in order to allow the free movement of people between their borders. The Schengen area includes most EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Ireland is not a member due to being part of the common travel area with the UK. Ireland will also be excluded from the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) which will be a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries due to come into effect at the end of next year. Immigration officials here are also not permitted to access the EU's Visa Information System which records the fingerprints and photographs of people applying for an EU visa. This system allows officials in the participating member states to compare a visitor's finger scans, and photographs to those held on the database. A mismatch would result in further checks on the travellers identity. The Government's National Implementation Plan for the Pact on Migration and Asylum warns that without access to these systems, "Ireland may not be able to carry out the most robust identity validation in line with the EU Pact requirements, as it is limited in its access to the full European search portal and Interoperability Framework". Government officials are now attempting to establish if, and how, Ireland's inability to opt into these three systems will impact on the state's ability to complete all areas of security screening and to receive and share relevant data with other member states. The Department of Justice told RTÉ's This Week programme that while Ireland will not have access to the entry/exit system, ETIAS and the Visa Information System - the Government has opted into the EuroDac system, which is a fingerprint database for asylum seekers that will be upgraded by June of next year. It will store official documents and photographs of asylum seekers as well as their first place of application to help decrease secondary movement. The Department said that while Ireland cannot opt in to the Schengen IT systems - the State intends to legislate nationally to align with its provisions. It said the State will carry out screening on anybody who enters Ireland irregularly - this will consist of identity checks, health checks, security and criminal screening and gathering fingerprint data for the EuroDac database.
