Scammers Target Israelis with Fake EU Entry Permit Website Scheme
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Israeli travelers heading to Europe are at risk from a new scam involving fake websites charging for the yet-to-be-launched EU ETIAS entry permit. Over 150 fraudulent sites have appeared, exploiting confusion with the EES system and collecting unnecessary fees and sensitive personal data. Travelers are urged to use only official EU websites for information and avoid any payments until ETIAS is officially active.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Scammers are targeting Israelis with fake websites for the EU's upcoming ETIAS entry permit.
- Over 150 fraudulent websites have emerged, charging for a service that is not yet active.
- The scam exploits confusion between the ETIAS system and the operational EES border control system.
- The fake sites collect unnecessary fees and sensitive personal data, posing an identity theft risk.
- Travelers should only use official EU websites and avoid payments until ETIAS is officially launched.
Israeli travelers planning trips to Europe are being warned about a new online scam. Sophisticated fake websites are posing as official portals to charge fees for the European Union's upcoming electronic entry and exit system, ETIAS. However, the ETIAS system is not yet active and is not accepting applications. Reports indicate that over 150 such fraudulent websites have already emerged, attempting to exploit traveler uncertainty and collect money for a service that is not available.
The scam appears to capitalize on confusion between two new EU border control systems. The first, EES, which became operational in October 2025, replaces manual passport stamping at Schengen Area external borders with biometric data collection, including facial scans and fingerprints, directly at border points. This process does not require pre-registration or a fee.
In contrast, ETIAS is intended for visa-exempt travelers, including Israelis, who will need prior authorization to visit 30 European countries. Once launched, ETIAS is expected to cost around 20 euros and be valid for three years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. The launch date has been postponed multiple times, and no firm date has been set.
Criminals are exploiting the anticipation for ETIAS by creating websites that mimic official EU government portals, often replicating their design, colors, and branding. Some of these sites even rank high in search engine results. Beyond unnecessary charges, the primary danger lies in the submission of sensitive personal information, such as passport numbers, home addresses, and credit card details, which can be used for identity theft and further fraud.
Travelers are advised to avoid submitting applications or making payments for ETIAS until an official announcement is made regarding its launch. It is recommended to verify European entry procedures solely through official EU websites and to disregard intermediary sites found through web searches. Individuals who have already provided credit card details or paid a suspicious website should contact their credit card company immediately to dispute the charge and consider replacing their card. If passport details were also compromised, further steps may be necessary to protect personal information.
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