Europe’s long-planned shift to biometric border controls is finally beginning — and with it comes a wave of confusion, misinformation, and online scams preying on travellers unsure of what to expect. The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces traditional passport stamping with facial and fingerprint recognition, is rolling out this month. The change is part of a broader plan to modernise how Europe manages its external borders. But the transition has been rocky: delays, misleading information, and fake websites pretending to be official registration portals have already caused concern among travellers, tour operators, and data-protection advocates. Though EES is launching in phases, its companion system — the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) — won’t arrive until late 2026. ETIAS will eventually require travellers from visa-free countries, including the UK, US, and Australia, to obtain pre-travel approval online. Yet despite the scheme not being active, hundreds of fraudulent websites have already emerged, charging users inflated fees or harvesting personal information under the guise of helping them “register.” European officials have warned that no legitimate ETIAS application process currently exists. National travel bodies such as the UK’s Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) have urged travellers to rely only on verified government channels and to avoid websites promising “express approval” or “early registration.” The situation has also exposed how poorly many people understand what’s actually changing. Travel industry surveys show that most potential visitors to the EU are either unaware of the new biometric system or unsure of when it takes effect. This uncertainty has already prompted some travellers to postpone trips, while border posts in southern Europe have reported slower processing times as staff adjust to new equipment. Supporters of the reforms argue that modernising Europe’s border controls is essential for improving security and efficiency. They say that once fully operational, the systems will make travel smoother and more predictable while tightening checks on potential risks. Critics, however, question whether the EU has done enough to communicate the rollout clearly. Some worry that digital-only processes could disadvantage less tech-savvy travellers or create new points of failure if systems malfunction. Privacy campaigners also warn that the large-scale collection of biometric data raises serious questions about surveillance and oversight. The EU insists that these changes will ultimately make border crossings faster, safer, and more transparent. But for now, travellers are being urged to take a cautious, well-informed approach — check official EU websites, avoid unofficial portals, and allow extra time at airports and land borders as Europe moves into a new era of digital travel management.