Millions of travelers from outside the European Union will soon face a much higher entrance fee when visiting Europe. On July 17, 2025, the European Commission announced a proposal to nearly triple the cost of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) fee, raising it from €7 to €20. This change, expected to take effect with the full launch of ETIAS in late 2026, marks the most significant update to EU entry requirements in years.
The European Commission’s move comes as part of a broader push to modernize border controls, improve security, and keep pace with rising costs. If approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, the new entrance fee will apply to millions of travelers from more than 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Australia 🇦🇺, Ukraine 🇺🇦, Georgia 🇬🇪, and Moldova 🇲🇩. The Commission says the increase is necessary to cover inflation, higher IT infrastructure costs, and the need for advanced security technology.
What Is ETIAS and Who Needs It?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is an electronic travel authorization, similar to the US ESTA or the UK ETA, designed for people from countries that do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area covers most EU countries and allows people to travel freely between them once they enter.
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Europe for short stays, such as tourism, business, or family visits. ETIAS approval will be required for entry, and border officials will check your authorization along with your passport.
Key Facts About ETIAS:
– Who needs ETIAS? Citizens of over 60 non-EU countries who currently enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
– Purpose: To improve border security, screen travelers for security, migration, and health risks, and make entry procedures smoother.
– Validity: ETIAS approval is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
– When does it start? The system is expected to become mandatory in late 2026.
Why Is the Entrance Fee Increasing?
The European Commission says several factors led to the proposed fee hike:
– Inflation: Costs for running large IT systems and border management have risen.
– Security: The EU wants to invest in better technology to spot risks before travelers arrive.
– International Standards: The new €20 fee is similar to what other countries charge for similar systems. For example, the US ESTA costs $21, and the UK ETA is £10.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the European Commission believes the higher fee will help cover the real costs of running ETIAS and keep the system up to date with the latest security needs.
How Will the New ETIAS Process Work?
Travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to follow these steps before visiting Europe:
- Online Application:
Go to the official ETIAS website and fill out the application form. You will need your passport and some basic personal information. - Pay the Entrance Fee:
Once the new rule takes effect, the fee will be €20 per person. Payment is made online during the application process. -
Security Checks:
The system automatically checks your information against EU security databases to look for any risks. -
Processing Time:
Most applications are approved within minutes. However, if there are any issues or extra checks needed, it could take up to 30 days. -
Receive Authorization:
If approved, you will get a digital ETIAS authorization. You must show this, along with your passport, when you arrive at the border. -
Entry/Exit System (EES):
At the border, the new Entry/Exit System will record your fingerprints, facial scan, and details of your crossing. This replaces the old system of stamping passports and is expected to launch in 2025.
For more details and to access the official ETIAS application form, travelers can visit the European Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs portal.
Who Is Affected by the Fee Increase?
The new entrance fee will affect millions of people who travel to Europe each year from countries that do not require a visa. This includes tourists, business travelers, students, and people visiting family. The change will not affect travelers who already need a Schengen visa, as their process and fees remain the same.
Groups Most Impacted:
– Families: The cost of visiting Europe will rise, especially for families traveling together.
– Frequent Travelers: People who visit Europe often will pay more over time, though ETIAS is valid for three years.
– Travel Industry: Airlines, travel agencies, and tour operators will need to update their information and help customers understand the new rules.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Not everyone will have to pay the new ETIAS fee. The following groups are exempt:
– Children under 18
– Adults over 70
– Family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely in the EU
Travelers who need a Schengen visa are not affected by ETIAS or its fee.
Why Is ETIAS Being Introduced?
The European Commission says ETIAS will help make Europe safer and travel smoother. By checking travelers before they arrive, the EU can spot people who might pose a security, migration, or health risk. This system is part of a global trend, as many countries now use electronic travel authorizations to manage who enters their borders.
Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said the goal is to balance security, sustainability, and a good experience for travelers. The Commission also wants to support sustainable tourism and make sure Europe remains a top destination.
How Does ETIAS Compare to Other Systems?
The new €20 entrance fee brings ETIAS in line with similar systems in other countries:
– US ESTA: $21 for a two-year travel authorization.
– UK ETA: £10 for a two-year travel authorization.
| Feature | ETIAS | US ESTA | UK ETA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | €20 | N/A | N/A |
| Validity | 3 years or until passport expires | N/A | N/A |
| Application Process | Online application required | N/A | N/A |
| Security Check | Checks against EU security databases | N/A | N/A |
The European Commission says this makes the EU’s system fair and competitive, while also covering the real costs of running a modern, secure border.
What Are the Next Steps for the Fee Increase?
The proposal to raise the ETIAS fee must still be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. However, official statements suggest there is strong support for the change, and it is likely to pass.
Once approved, the new fee will take effect when ETIAS becomes mandatory, which is now expected in late 2026. The European Commission is also holding public consultations on tourism policy until September 12, 2025, and may adjust some details based on feedback from travelers, the travel industry, and other stakeholders.
What Should Travelers Do Now?
If you plan to visit Europe in 2026 or later and are from a visa-exempt country, you should:
– Stay informed: Check official EU and national government websites for updates on ETIAS and the entrance fee.
– Plan ahead: Factor the new €20 fee into your travel budget.
– Apply early: Complete your ETIAS application online before your trip to avoid delays.
– Check your passport: Make sure your passport will be valid for the entire period of your ETIAS authorization.
Travel agencies and legal advisors can help answer questions about ETIAS and guide you through the application process.
Travel Industry and Advocacy Group Reactions
The travel industry has raised concerns about the impact of the higher entrance fee, especially for families and frequent travelers. Some advocacy groups worry that the cost could discourage people from visiting Europe, which could affect tourism and local economies.
However, EU officials say the fee is necessary to keep the system running and to invest in better security and technology. They also point out that the fee is still lower than the cost of a visa for most countries, and that ETIAS makes travel easier for most people.
Sustainable Tourism and Broader EU Goals
The fee increase is just one part of the EU’s larger strategy to modernize border management and support sustainable tourism. The European Commission is seeking feedback from the public and industry on how to make tourism in Europe more sustainable, accessible, and secure.
Public consultations are open until September 12, 2025, and anyone can share their views by email or through the EU Survey Portal.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
- ETIAS Launch: The system is expected to go live in late 2026, with the €20 fee in place from the start.
- Entry/Exit System: The EES will launch earlier, in 2025, and will work alongside ETIAS to record traveler data and improve border checks.
- Possible Adjustments: The European Commission may make further changes to the fee or the system based on feedback and ongoing discussions with the European Parliament and Council.
Official Resources for Travelers
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, travelers should use these official resources:
– European Commission – Migration and Home Affairs
– ETIAS Official Portal
– EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy Consultation
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for ETIAS. Most approvals are quick, but some may take longer.
- Check exemptions: If you are under 18, over 70, or a family member of an EU citizen, you may not need to pay the fee.
- Keep your documents safe: You will need your ETIAS authorization and passport when you travel.
- Watch for scams: Only use official EU websites to apply for ETIAS and pay the entrance fee.
Conclusion: What This Means for Travelers
The European Commission’s proposal to raise the ETIAS entrance fee from €7 to €20 is a major change for non-EU travelers planning to visit Europe. The new fee, expected to take effect with the full launch of ETIAS in late 2026, reflects the EU’s commitment to stronger security, better technology, and sustainable tourism. While the higher cost may affect some travelers, especially families and those who visit often, the system aims to make travel safer and more efficient for everyone.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the fee increase is part of a global trend toward electronic travel authorizations and pre-travel screening. By staying informed and planning ahead, travelers can continue to enjoy all that Europe has to offer while meeting the new requirements.
For more information and to apply for ETIAS, visit the European Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs portal. Travelers are encouraged to check for updates as the launch date approaches and to take part in public consultations if they wish to share their views on the future of tourism in Europe.
Learn Today
ETIAS → European Travel Information and Authorisation System, an electronic pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors to the Schengen Area.
Schengen Area → Zone of 27 European countries allowing border-free travel after entry for authorized visitors.
Entry/Exit System (EES) → Biometric data system replacing passport stamps to control borders, launching in 2025.
Visa-exempt countries → Nations whose citizens do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area for short stays.
European Commission → EU executive body proposing policies and managing EU initiatives including border controls and travel systems.
This Article in a Nutshell
The European Commission plans to triple the ETIAS fee to €20 by late 2026, enhancing border security and modernizing entry. This affects millions of visa-exempt travelers from over 60 countries. ETIAS will require an online application, payment, and pre-travel screening, aligning the EU with global electronic travel systems.
— By VisaVerge.com
