If the web address doesn't end in europa.eu, it isn't the EU. And since ETIAS isn't taking applications yet, nobody can sell you a real ETIAS today, at any price.
How big the problem is
UK travel association ABTA has said European authorities believe more than 150 websites are already offering ETIAS, even though the system isn't open. Many copy the look of EU pages, use official-sounding web addresses, or pay to appear above the official page in search results.
Five signs a site isn't official
- The address ends in .com, .org, or anything other than europa.eu, even if the page shows EU stars.
- It takes payment now, before the EU has opened applications.
- It charges more than the €20 official fee, often as a processing or service fee.
- It promises fast or guaranteed approval.
- It asks for a passport scan or card details for something that doesn't exist yet.
What the official site says today
The official ETIAS page says ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. Check there, not in a search ad, before you pay anyone. See Is ETIAS delayed to 2027? for the current timeline.
If you've already paid
Contact your card issuer and ask about disputing the charge. Keep the receipt and any emails. If you shared passport details, watch for phishing that uses them. When ETIAS opens, plan to apply on the official site yourself, since a payment made today doesn't give you a valid authorization.
Questions travelers ask
Is etias.com official?
No. It's a privately run website. The EU's official ETIAS information is on travel-europe.europa.eu, and official EU addresses end in europa.eu.
I already paid an ETIAS site, what now?
Contact your card issuer about a chargeback, keep your receipts, and expect to apply again on the official site once ETIAS opens.
What does the official site's address look like?
It's travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. The part right before the first single slash should end in europa.eu.
How much will the real ETIAS cost?
€20 when it opens, with exemptions for some age groups. Nothing is payable today because applications aren't open.
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Last reviewed: . Published by Europe Trip Today, an independent travel-information service. Not a government website, application intermediary, or guarantee of admission.