Key Takeaways:
European Commission proposes raising ETIAS fee from €7 to €20.
New fee may take effect by late 2026.
The hike is attributed to inflation, operational costs, and global comparisons.
Visa-exempt travelers from 59 countries — including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia — will be impacted.
What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a mandatory travel pre-authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting 30 European countries for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). It was originally adopted in 2018 but has faced repeated implementation delays. ETIAS is now scheduled to launch in Q4 2026.
Fee Increase: From €7 to €20
The European Commission announced a proposal to nearly triple the current ETIAS fee from €7 ($8) to €20 ($23).
The proposed hike is being justified by:
Rising inflation
Increased operational costs
Benchmarking with similar systems like:
UK’s ETA: £16 (~$21.70)
US ESTA: $21
The Commission emphasized that the new fee aligns with global practices for electronic travel authorizations.
Who Will Need to Pay?
The ETIAS fee applies to travelers from 59 countries that do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Zone and other participating European countries. This includes:
🇺🇸 United States
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇨🇦 Canada
🇦🇺 Australia
🇯🇵 Japan
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇰🇷 South Korea
❗ Exceptions:
Some travelers will be exempt from paying:
Children under 18
Seniors over 70
Certain family members of EU citizens
The proposal is not final yet. It is subject to a two-month review by the European Parliament and European Council. If approved, the new fee will be enforced with the official launch of the ETIAS program in late 2026.
This price increase marks a significant policy shift that could affect millions of tourists planning European getaways. As travel rebounds, this move might spark debate over affordability and access.
Stay updated with Danchima Media for more EU travel updates and policy insights.
