This New 'Visa Waiver' Scam Targets Travelers Planning Trips to Europe

Scammers are advertising a “visa waiver” for Europe that doesn’t exist yet, targeting travelers amid delays to the EU’s authorization requirement. Although the EU’s ETIAS travel authorization has been pushed back to at least 2027, The Guardian reports that more than 150 fraudulent websites were found selling advance “applications.” Americans could lose money and share personal data by applying through these sites. ETIAS—once launched—will require electronic authorization for visa-exempt travelers, including U.S. citizens, before entering 30 participating European countries such as France, Italy, Spain and Germany. The authorization will cover short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period and last three years or until passport expiry. Official fees are set at €20, with exemptions for travelers under 18 and over 70. No company can legitimately obtain ETIAS yet.