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A fraud warning has been issued to UK tourists - as 30 countries enforce a major change. UK tourists are being warned over the European Union' s new Entry/Exit System (EES). The new system, from October 12, will require passengers from non-EU countries to scan their passports or other travel documents at a self-service kiosk and register biometric data. Another new measure known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is not due to launch until the last quarter of 2026. The ETIAS means travellers from visa-exempt non-EU countries will be required to obtain travel authorisation before making short visits to the Schengen Area. READ MORE Free bus passes could be extended to one group of under 66s But because of the two new systems, fraudsters and scammers are taking advantage of this confusion, the association of travel agents and tour operators ABTA and the European Union are warning. The association has said that there are already more than 60 fake websites claiming to sell the yet-to-be-introduced visa waiver. ABTA warns that "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." "The European Union is very keen to stress the fact that there is only one official site for purchasing an ETIAS visa-waiver, and people should not use other channels," ABTA Director of Public Affairs Luke Petherbridge said at a recent travel convention. The much-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) will see British passengers having their photo and fingerprints taken to enter the bloc in an effort to improve security. Managers at the port have insisted there will not be delays due to the system, which is being phased in from Sunday, as traffic levels will be "manageable". A government spokesperson said: "We are supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for anyone travelling to the Schengen area."
