There is an increase in unofficial ETIAS websites, be wary of potential abuse, warns Frontex.
Frontex, is the European Border and Coast Guard Agency that was set up to serve the EU Member States and the Met Schengen assist associated countries to protect the external borders of the EU's area of free movement.
Frontex is working with other EU institutions and 30 European countries to prepare for the launch of ETIAS, the European travel information and authorization system, which is expected to be introduced in 2024.
Travel authorization for Europe
With ETIAS shall visa-free travelers prior to their trip to Europe apply for a travel authorization. The system will screen to determine whether these travelers pose a security, illegal immigration or public health risk, further strengthening the EU's internal security.
Frontex is responsible for the ETIAS Central Unit, which will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to process ETIAS applications and support travelers and carriers.
As the implementation of ETIAS affects citizens from around 60 visa-free countries (potentially 1,4 billion people) it is very important to ensure that they are well informed about the upcoming changes in travel rules to Europe.
Frontex is supporting the European Commission in setting up a public information campaign on ETIAS, which is expected to be launched six months before the system's commissioning.
Official ETIAS website
The official ETIAS website, europa.eu/etias, which was launched last year, provides travelers with information about the new requirements, the application process, appeals and other relevant topics. Travelers can only submit their ETIAS applications through this official website once the system is operational.
“We have noticed that the number of non-official ETIAS websites in multiple languages has recently increased to over 50. While some of these websites are run by legitimate companies, others may not be as reliable,” said Francois Laruelle, Director of the ETIAS Central Unit at Frontex.
The ETIAS regulations allow commercial intermediaries to apply for the travel authorization on behalf of others. However, since the application process requires travelers to provide their passport details, credit card number and other personal information, it is important to ensure that such sensitive information is not misused.
As soon ETIAS is introduced, commercial intermediaries will have to use the official ETIAS website, the only official channel, to apply for the travel authorization on behalf of their customers. Applying on the official website costs EUR 7. Any additional costs will be borne by the intermediaries.
“When applying for an ETIAS authorization, it is important for travelers to consider who they are providing their personal information to and how much they are willing to pay in addition to the application fee. It is important that travelers take their time and carefully consider these factors.” added Laruelle.
Source: Frontex.eu
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