ETIAS Official Website: How to Identify the Official EU Platform
Hundreds of third-party websites claim to be official ETIAS platforms—some charge extra fees, while others are fraudulent. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has publicly warned about the proliferation of these unofficial sites. There is only one official platform for submitting an ETIAS application, developed by the European Union. This page explains how to identify it, who manages it, and which official links to use.
The official URL for the ETIAS website
| Official resource | URL | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Official ETIAS Portal (Application) | travel-europe.europa.eu/etias ↗ | Official application form, general information, FAQ |
| European Commission — ETIAS | home-affairs.ec.europa.eu ↗ | Institutional page on ETIAS policy, regulations, and history |
| eu-LISA — ETIAS | eulisa.europa.eu ↗ | Agency responsible for the technical development of the system |
| Frontex — About ETIAS | frontex.europa.eu ↗ | Frontex’s role in managing the ETIAS Central Unit |
| EUR-Lex — ETIAS Regulation | eur-lex.europa.eu ↗ | Text of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 and its amendments |
How to identify the official ETIAS website
The official ETIAS website uses the europa.eu domain—the institutional domain for all European Union institutions and agencies. Any website offering ETIAS applications on a different domain is not the official website. Here are the things to check before entering your personal information or making a payment:
| Criteria | Official website | Unofficial websites |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | travel-europe.europa.eu | etias.com, etias.org, etias-application.com, etias-eu.org, etc. |
| Price | Exactly €20 (free for those under 18 and over 70) | Additional fees (“service fees,” “processing fees,” etc.) |
| Security Certificate | HTTPS padlock + verified europa.eu domain | HTTPS sometimes present but domain is unofficial |
| Who issues the authorization | The European Union directly | No one — these websites have no connection to the ETIAS system |
| Estimated time | A few minutes (automatic) or up to 30 days | Sometimes advertised as “faster” — impossible, as processing is automated by the EU |
Who manages the ETIAS system?
The ETIAS system is a European Union initiative involving several institutions and agencies:
| Institution / Agency | Role in ETIAS |
|---|---|
| European Commission | Project initiator (proposal adopted on November 16, 2016), responsible for ETIAS policy and regulation |
| eu-LISA (European Agency for the Operational Management of Information Systems) | Responsible for the technical development and maintenance of the system — headquarters in Tallinn (Estonia) |
| Frontex (European Border and Coast Guard Agency) | Hosts and manages the ETIAS Central Unit, available 24/7, responsible for processing complex applications |
| ETIAS National Units | 30 units in Schengen countries, responsible for reviewing cases that require manual processing |
| Europol and Interpol | Databases automatically consulted during each ETIAS application for security checks |
The danger of unofficial ETIAS websites
IATA has issued an official warning about the growing number of unofficial websites posing as ETIAS platforms. These websites can cause travelers a variety of problems:
Charging excessive fees
Third-party websites often charge additional fees—such as “service fees,” “administrative fees,” or “priority processing fees”—on top of the official €20 fee. These fees can sometimes far exceed the amount of the official tax. No expedited service is available: processing is fully automated by EU systems.
Fraudulent collection of personal data
Some fraudulent websites collect personal information—such as passport numbers, dates of birth, and bank details—without any security guarantees and with no connection to the official ETIAS system. This data may be resold or used for fraudulent purposes.
Fake authorizations
Unofficial websites may issue documents that look like ETIAS authorizations but have no legal validity. Upon arrival in Europe, the traveler will be denied entry at the border because their passport will not be linked to any valid authorization in the European system—and the airline may refuse to board them at the outset.
The European regulation establishing ETIAS
ETIAS is based on Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council, adopted on September 12, 2018, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1356. This legal framework defines the conditions for access, the data collected, the rights of applicants, the appeal procedures in the event of a refusal, and the obligations of air and sea carriers. It is available in its entirety on EUR-Lex ↗.
Is there an official ETIAS mobile app?
Yes. According to eu-LISA, travelers will be able to submit their applications via the official website and through a dedicated mobile app, which will be available before the system launches in the fourth quarter of 2026. This app will be developed and distributed by the European Union—it should only be downloaded from official app stores (Apple’s App Store and Google Play) by searching for the app published by the EU. Any other ETIAS app available on these stores before the official launch is unofficial.
What should you do if you used an unofficial website?
If you paid a fee on an unofficial third-party website before the launch of ETIAS, please be aware that, since the system is not yet operational, no valid applications have been processed. No refunds are guaranteed by these websites. Report the website to your country’s consumer protection authorities and submit your application via the official website travel-europe.europa.eu/etias ↗ once it opens.
For all practical information about ETIAS—costs, processing times, validity, and requirements—visit our page on ETIAS eligibility requirements and our comprehensive guide to the formalities for traveling in Europe.
The official ETIAS website enables eligible travelers to request authorization before entering the Schengen area.
How do I access the official website?
To start your ETIAS application, follow these simple steps:
- Visit travel-europe.europa.eu.
- Go to the “Authorization request” section.
- Fill in the ETIAS form with your personal details.
- Finalize payment by credit card (secure system) .
All your personal data is protected by European Union security measures.
How can I check the official website?
Here’s how to make sure you’re on the legitimate ETIAS site:
- Secure URL: The site begins with “https://” and a padlock appears in the address bar.
- Trusted domain: The URL must be europa.eu, the domain of the European institutions.
- No hidden costs: The ETIAS price is fixed and transparent, with no extra charges.
Always check the address via reliable sources, such as embassies or consulates, to avoid scams.
How much does ETIAS cost?
The ETIAS costs 20 euros. The amount is paid online by credit card on the official website. Payment is secure to guarantee confidentiality. Be careful: if a site asks for additional fees, it may be a fraudulent site.
