Warning to Brits who travel abroad: A new rule could expose you to fraudsters. Do not fall for it

NEW visa rules for Brits who travel to top tourist destinations warn them that they might be susceptible to scams.

The EU admitted that its European Travel Information and Authorisation System, (Etias), scheme could be misused by fraudsters.

Brits have been warned that the EU's new visa rules could leave them vulnerable to fraudsters

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The EU’s new visa rules have been warned to Brits that they could be vulnerable to fraudstersCredit: Getty

These rules will apply to tourists from 60 countries including the UK and require them to apply online at least96 hours before their departure.

To enter any one of the 27 EU member states, including popular tourist destinations such as France, Spain, and the Czech Republic, you will need to be approved.

But, the EU has released new guidance that suggests that companies may be able to “engage in abusive practices”Customers may be conned or defrauded.

The Esta scheme in the USA, which is the USA’s equivalent, has been a breeding ground to many scams.

Many third-party websites offer legal assistance to holidaymakers, but charge high premiums for ‘document checks’.

This is legal. However, scam websites offering similar services take customers’ money and offer nothing in return.

This could also happen to the Etias system, since the EU has announced that they will allow third-party websites to sell it. However, it admits that the process is vulnerable to exploitation.

The new passenger guide, seen by The Times, warns of the possibility “attempts to mislead applicants into believing that their site is the official channel for submitting an Etias application”.

It also includes: “This may give the false impression that the additional fee charged by the commercial intermediary is a mandatory part of the application process.”

This guidance also mentions that some sites might make “fraudulent use of the personal or financial data provided by the applicant”.

The application process for the scheme is expected to open in the next summer. Numerous websites will also be available. “Etias”Already set up in their domain names.

Guy Hobbs, editor at Which? Travel editor Guy Hobbs said that “The European Commission has guaranteed that the vast majority (of travellers) will receive their Etias Visa waiver within minutes. So travellers should be wary of any third-party websites promising to speed up applications for a fee.

“People should also ignore unsolicited calls or messages inviting them to apply.”

EU stated that passengers who are victims of scams can report it to them on their website. However, they wouldn’t provide any further details. “remedies in individual cases”.

The Etias Application will be available on EU’s official website. Customers will be charged for the application only, and there will be no premiums.

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