The European Union is set to nearly triple the cost of its digital travel permit, ETIAS, for visa-exempt visitors entering the Schengen Area. On July 17, 2025, the European Commission announced plans to raise the ETIAS fee from €7 to €20, with the change expected to take effect in late 2026. This move will impact millions of travelers from countries like the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, Japan, and Brazil, who plan short visits to Europe.
What Is Changing and When?
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a digital entry permit for travelers who do not need a visa to visit the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area covers most European Union countries, except Ireland, and also includes Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. The new €20 fee will apply to all eligible travelers once ETIAS officially launches in the last quarter of 2026.
The proposal is currently under review by the European Council and the European Parliament. They have two months to examine the plan, suggest changes, or extend the review. If approved without delays, the new fee will be in place as planned.
Who Will Pay the Higher ETIAS Fee?
The fee increase affects visa-exempt nationals from over 60 countries. These travelers can visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a traditional visa. Countries whose citizens are affected include:
- United States 🇺🇸
- United Kingdom
- Canada 🇨🇦
- Australia
- Japan
- Brazil
- Ukraine
- Georgia
- Moldova
Exemptions:
Travelers under 18 or over 70 years old will continue to be exempt from paying the ETIAS fee. Those who need a traditional Schengen visa (from countries not on the visa-exempt list) are not affected by the ETIAS fee but must pay separate visa fees, which also increased in 2024.
Why Is the Fee Going Up?
EU officials say the increase is needed for several reasons:
- Rising inflation has made it more expensive to run and upgrade digital systems.
- Higher IT and security costs are necessary to keep borders safe and the system running smoothly.
- The EU wants to align with international standards. For example, the United States 🇺🇸 charges $21 for its ESTA travel permit, and the United Kingdom charges £10 for its ETA.
- The new fee is expected to bring in an extra €300 million per year for the EU budget. This money will help pay for ETIAS operations and support other EU financial needs.
Tourism groups and some advocacy organizations worry that the higher fee could discourage some travelers, especially families or those on a tight budget. However, EU officials argue that the increase is necessary to keep the system secure and up to date. They also point out that the fee is still lower than the cost of a traditional visa.
How Does ETIAS Work?
ETIAS is a digital travel authorization, not a visa. It is designed to make travel to the Schengen Area easier and safer for visitors from visa-exempt countries. Here’s how the process works:
- Online Application: Travelers fill out a form online, providing personal and travel details. No visit to a consulate or embassy is needed.
- Fee Payment: The new €20 fee will be paid online during the application process, starting from the system’s launch in late 2026.
- Authorization: Once approved, the ETIAS is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport.
- Validity: The ETIAS is valid for multiple short stays over three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
For more details and to apply, travelers should visit the official ETIAS portal or the European Commission’s migration and home affairs page.
Integration with the Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EU is also launching a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025. This system will record border crossings and collect biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, for travelers entering and leaving the Schengen Area. ETIAS will work together with EES to improve border security and make sure visitors follow the rules about how long they can stay.
Recent Changes to Other EU Visa Fees
The ETIAS fee increase is not the only change. In June 2024, the EU raised the cost of short-term Schengen visas (Type C) for travelers from countries that require a visa:
- Adults: Fee increased from €80 to €90
- Children (ages 6–12): Fee increased from €40 to €45
Some countries, like France, also raised their long-stay visa fees. These changes reflect the EU’s efforts to keep up with rising costs and to fund improvements in border management.
Background: Why Was ETIAS Created?
The ETIAS system was first proposed in 2016 and officially adopted in 2018. The original fee was set at €7. The main goals of ETIAS are to:
- Streamline border checks for travelers from visa-exempt countries
- Enhance security by screening travelers before they arrive
- Make travel easier for legitimate visitors
ETIAS is modeled after similar systems in the United States 🇺🇸 (ESTA) and United Kingdom (ETA). These systems help authorities spot security risks and manage who enters their countries.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Support and Concerns
EU officials say the fee increase is necessary to keep the system running and secure. They point out that the new fee is still lower than the cost of a traditional visa and is in line with what other countries charge for similar systems.
Tourism groups and some advocacy organizations, however, worry about the impact on travel. They say that higher fees could discourage some visitors, especially those traveling as families or on a budget. This could affect tourism revenue in popular destinations like France, Italy, and Spain.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the debate highlights the balance the EU must strike between security, revenue, and keeping Europe attractive to visitors.
What Happens Next?
The proposal to raise the ETIAS fee is now being reviewed by the European Council and the European Parliament. They have two months to approve, amend, or delay the plan. If there are no major objections, the new €20 fee will take effect with the launch of ETIAS in late 2026.
The EU is expected to keep reviewing visa and entry permit fees in the future. Changes will likely depend on operational costs, inflation, and what other countries are charging for similar systems.
What Should Travelers Do?
If you plan to visit the Schengen Area after late 2026 and are from a visa-exempt country, you will need to:
- Apply for ETIAS online before your trip
- Pay the €20 fee (unless you are under 18 or over 70)
- Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay
It’s important to check the official ETIAS website and the European Commission’s migration and home affairs portal for the latest updates and instructions.
Implications for Travelers and the Tourism Industry
The fee increase will affect millions of travelers each year. For most, the extra cost will be a small part of their travel budget. However, for families or frequent visitors, the costs can add up. Some may reconsider their travel plans or look for alternative destinations.
Tourism-dependent countries in the Schengen Area could see a slight drop in visitor numbers, especially from countries where travelers are more price-sensitive. However, EU officials believe the benefits of improved security and a modern travel system outweigh the risks.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for ETIAS. Processing times are usually quick, but delays can happen.
- Check your passport: ETIAS is linked to your passport. If your passport expires, you’ll need to apply for a new ETIAS with your new passport.
- Know the rules: ETIAS allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Overstaying can lead to fines or future travel bans.
- Keep your information up to date: If your travel plans or personal details change, update your ETIAS application as needed.
Looking Ahead: Will Fees Keep Rising?
The ETIAS fee increase is part of a broader trend. As the EU invests more in digital border systems and security, costs are likely to keep rising. The EU will probably review fees every few years to keep up with inflation and international standards.
Travelers should expect that digital travel permits like ETIAS, ESTA, and ETA will become a normal part of international travel. These systems help governments manage borders, spot risks, and make travel smoother for most people.
Summary Table: Key Facts About the ETIAS Fee Increase
| Aspect | Current Situation (2025) | After Change (Late 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| ETIAS Fee | €7 | €20 |
| Who Pays | Visa-exempt travelers | Visa-exempt travelers |
| Exemptions | Under 18, over 70 | Under 18, over 70 |
| Validity | 3 years or passport expiry | 3 years or passport expiry |
| Application Process | Online | Online |
| Linked to Passport | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen Visa Fee (Adults) | €90 (since June 2024) | No change |
Official Resources for More Information
For the most up-to-date information on ETIAS and Schengen Area travel requirements, visit the European Commission’s migration and home affairs portal. This site provides official guidance, application forms, and news about upcoming changes.
Conclusion: What This Means for You
The European Union’s decision to raise the ETIAS fee is a major change for travelers from visa-exempt countries. While the higher cost may be a concern for some, the EU says it is necessary to keep Europe’s borders secure and its travel systems modern. Most travelers will find the process straightforward, but it’s important to plan ahead and stay informed.
If you’re planning a trip to the Schengen Area after late 2026, make sure to budget for the new €20 ETIAS fee and check official sources for the latest updates. By understanding these changes now, you can avoid surprises and enjoy your travels across Europe.
Learn Today
ETIAS → European Travel Information and Authorisation System, a digital permit for visa-exempt travelers entering the Schengen Area.
Schengen Area → A zone of European countries with abolished border controls allowing free movement for short stays.
Visa-exempt traveler → A visitor allowed to enter the Schengen Area without a traditional visa for up to 90 days.
Entry/Exit System (EES) → An EU digital system recording travelers’ border crossings and biometric data to improve security.
European Commission → The executive branch of the EU that proposes legislation and manages EU policies.
This Article in a Nutshell
The EU plans to raise ETIAS fees from €7 to €20 by late 2026 for visa-exempt travelers. This aims to fund security upgrades and align with global standards, impacting millions visiting the Schengen Area. Travelers under 18 or over 70 remain exempt, continuing a simplified border system.
— By VisaVerge.com
