LONDON — Confusion around two forthcoming European Union border-control programs is creating a fertile hunting ground for scammers, and consumer advocates say United Kingdom holidaymakers should double-check every online form before they hand over money or personal data. The warning is especially pertinent to London travelers eyeing half-term getaways this autumn, because the first of the new systems, known as the Entry/Exit System, is scheduled to begin enrolling non-EU visitors on Oct. 12.
What Is the Entry/Exit System?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace the manual passport stamping routine that Brits have grown used to since the United Kingdom left the European Union. Beginning Oct. 12, travelers from the U.K. and other non-EU nations must:
- Scan their passport or other travel document at a self-service kiosk on arrival.
- Provide biometric information—both a facial image and fingerprints.
Although airports will handle much of the workload, ferry ports and Channel Tunnel terminals in Dover, Folkestone and other British hubs will also be required to collect the data. Managers at several English ports insist they can process the new requirements without major queues, arguing that mid-October traffic is “manageable” compared with peak summer flows. Still, the physical act of enrolling four fingerprints and a photo means each passenger will spend longer at the border than under today’s stamp-and-go system, so arriving early remains a smart move.
The Second Change: ETIAS Arrives in 2026
An even bigger shift sits on the horizon. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)—often likened to the U.S. ESTA—will require visa-exempt travelers to receive an electronic travel clearance before flying, sailing or driving into the Schengen Area. According to EU officials, the launch window has slipped several times; the current target is the final quarter of 2026. Once live, ETIAS will cost a yet-to-be-finalized fee (earlier drafts suggested €7) and, in most cases, approvals are expected within minutes. The authorization is slated to remain valid for multiple entries over three years, provided travelers keep the same passport.
Scammers Exploit the Alphabet Soup
For fraudsters, the coexistence of EES and ETIAS—two similar-sounding acronyms with different start dates—has opened the door to phishing websites. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) says it has already identified more than 60 fake pages that claim to sell the still-nonexistent ETIAS waiver. “people who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud, with a loss of money and possibly personal data too,” ABTA Director of Public Affairs Luke Petherbridge said at a recent travel convention. Scam pages often mimic the blue and yellow color palette of official EU sites, sprinkle legitimate jargon, and then collect card payments for a service that does not yet exist. Others lure victims by promising to “pre-register” biometric data, something impossible until travelers are physically present at a certified kiosk after Oct. 12.
Red Flags to Watch
- Any website that claims ETIAS is already mandatory.
- Requests for biometric data uploads such as selfies or scanned fingerprints.
- Non-EU domain names that redirect to a payment portal without detailed FAQs.
- Social-media ads using urgent language—“Apply now or be banned from Europe!”
How to Stay Safe When Booking Europe Trips
Use the Official Channel
The European Commission has confirmed it will operate a single web address for ETIAS once the system goes live. Bookmarking that URL—currently still in development—will be the simplest way to avoid middlemen.
Lean on Reputable Intermediaries
Major airlines, ferry companies and tour operators will fold ETIAS reminders into their own booking journeys as the deadline approaches. If you bought a package or flight directly from a household-name brand, its app or confirmation email is likely to prompt you at the correct time.
Double-Check Fees
Any site charging more than the published ETIAS fee is either adding a service surcharge or operating a scam. For comparison, the U.S. ESTA costs $21; EU drafts suggest a price under €10.
Timeline at a Glance
- Oct. 12: EES enrollment begins for all non-EU travelers, including U.K. passport holders.
- TBD Sunday this autumn: First soft-launch weekend at selected land and sea borders to test the system.
- Late 2025: EU expects full technical readiness for ETIAS.
- Q4 2026: ETIAS becomes mandatory for short visits to the Schengen Area.
Impact on Typical Trips
Short Breaks
A two-night city break in Paris or Barcelona will require you to build enough buffer time for the initial EES enrollment. Once registered, subsequent crossings should be quicker because your data will already sit in the system.
Self-Drive Holidays
Motorists using Dover, Folkestone or northern ferry ports must leave additional time for lane closures or redirected traffic while kiosks are installed. Some ports are planning staggered arrival slots to smooth flows.
Package Tours
Tour operators are lobbying for group-handling solutions so a coachload of tourists can enroll together rather than one by one. Details remain under negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my personal data be safe?
The EU says biometric data will be encrypted and stored for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Do children need to register?
Yes, minors must enroll under EES, though fingerprinting may be waived for children under 12.
Can I enroll for EES before I travel?
No. Enrollment takes place only at an approved kiosk once you reach the external border.
How long will the kiosk process take?
Estimates range from one to two minutes per traveler on the first visit, then a few seconds thereafter.
What happens if the system crashes?
Border guards can revert to manual checks, but delays are likely until the outage is resolved.
Government Support
“We are supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple,” a government spokesperson said in a prepared statement. The Home Office has earmarked funds for additional staffing and infrastructure upgrades at major departure points, though specific budget figures have not yet been published.
Tips for Travelers
- Arrive at the airport or port at least 30 minutes earlier than you did pre-Brexit until the new systems settle.
- Use credit cards for any online visa-waiver payments so you can trigger chargeback protections if needed.
- Print or download confirmations and keep them with your passport—border guards may request proof until automated lookups stabilize.
- Check that your passport has at least six months’ validity, a still-mandatory rule alongside the new digital checks.
Bottom Line
EES in October and ETIAS in 2026 will change how U.K. citizens enter Europe, but neither program should derail your Mediterranean beach escape or Alpine ski weekend—provided you ignore unofficial websites and follow the official instructions when they finally go live. Think of this as the European equivalent of the U.S. ESTA: a bit of paperwork, a small fee, and a more data-driven border. Stay skeptical of early sign-up offers, add a cushion to your travel timeline, and you will navigate the new alphabet soup with minimal fuss. — as Petherbridge told a recent travel convention.
