Aussie travellers warned of Europe visa scams

Australians will soon need to apply for a visa to visit some of Europe's most popular destinations and are being warned of dodgy websites as the visa rolls out.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new visa waiver program Europe is introducing to find out more about incoming travellers for security reasons.

Australians will need to obtain the travel authorisation from mid-2025.

It will be issued online or via an app and will cost $12.

But travellers should be careful not to fall for fake ETIAS websites.

Those websites could ask for users' personal data, including their passport number, birth date and credit card details. They could also charge an additional fee for their services.

The advice is to use the one and only official ETIAS website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

However, if you use an intermediary to apply for the visa waiver for you, use one you trust, like a trusted travel agent.

Navigating different countries' visa systems could be complex and overwhelming for travellers and was "bound to catch some people out", Flight Centre global managing director Andrew Stark said.

"Not understanding the requirements of your destination can have unintended consequences and, worst case, result in your entry being denied," Mr Stark said.

"It has the potential to be an expensive mistake and even if you have travel insurance it's unlikely it would cover you."

He said applying for visas was "a common trap for travellers so it's important to always understand and double check any visa requirements for countries you're travelling to".

With ETIAS starting in mid-2025, travellers need to keep the new requirements front-of-mind.

"We understand ETIAS applications must be made in advance of arrival and most will be processed within minutes," Mr Stark said.

"That being said, if you are asked to provide additional information or documentation, the process could take much longer so we recommend being prepared and applying early."

ETIAS is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller's passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

The application form will become available on the official ETIAS website once the system is launched which is expected to be in mid-2025.

ETIAS could be processed in a few minutes or take longer if more documentation was required.

ETIAS is for short-term stays, up to 90 days within any 180-day period.