Britons travelling to Spain and the rest of Europe are being warned not to apply for the new ETIAS travel permit yet.
The system is still not open. No official launch date has been confirmed. Anyone claiming to offer an official ETIAS authorisation is misleading travellers.
ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will eventually become compulsory for visa-exempt travellers, including UK passport holders. It will apply to visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The European Union still expects ETIAS to launch in the final quarter of 2026. However, the system is not yet operating. Applications are not being accepted.
Recent media reports have suggested the launch could slip into 2027. The European Commission has not confirmed any further delay.
Watch out for unofficial ETIAS websites
Frontex has warned travellers to avoid websites claiming to sell ETIAS authorisations.
The agency says more than 100 unofficial websites already provide information about the scheme. Some also claim to process applications.
Travellers cannot apply for an official ETIAS authorisation yet. Applications will only open after the EU launches the system.
François Laruelle, Director of the ETIAS Central Unit Division at Frontex, urged travellers to be cautious and to wait for the official launch.
What will change for UK travellers?
Once ETIAS starts, most British travellers will need online travel authorisation before visiting Spain and 29 other participating countries.
The permit will cost €20 for travellers aged between 18 and 70.
Children under 18, adults over 70 and some family members of EU citizens will not pay the fee.
Once approved, the authorisation will normally remain valid for three years. It will expire sooner if the passport expires.
ETIAS is separate from the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES will record the arrival and departure of non-EU travellers at the Schengen border.
Let Bridging the Gap help you navigate through more Costa Blanca Red Tape.
