Non-EU travelers face increased fees when entering the EU under the new ETIAS regulations, with prices set to triple.
The European Commission has announced an increase in fees for non-EU travellers under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The proposed €20 ETIAS fee for non-EU travelers is intended to cover the operational and maintenance costs of the ETIAS system, which manages pre-travel authorizations for entering the Schengen Area.
To apply for ETIAS, would-be visitors need to complete a digital application form online before their trip, which the EU describes as "quick and easy." The application process is automated, with most travelers receiving a decision within minutes. However, it can take up to a month for some applications.
The primary aim of ETIAS is to enhance security within the European Union while facilitating visa-exempt travel for non-EU nationals. Required personal information for the application includes name(s), date and place of birth, sex, nationalities, home address, email address, and phone number(s), as well as parents' first name(s), education levels, criminal conviction history, any travel to designated war zones, and the country of the visitor's intended first stay.
The new fee for non-EU visitors who do not require a visa will be €20, nearly triple the previously proposed price of €7. Under 18s and over 70-year-olds are exempt from the ETIAS fee. The raised fee is expected to enter into effect once ETIAS is operational, anticipated for the last quarter of 2026.
However, the exact breakdown of these costs compared to other countries' authorization fees remains unpublished, leading to sector calls for clarity and a reassessment to ensure proportionality and fairness. The tripled cost is intended to cover the operational costs of ETIAS and align with fees of other countries with similar travel authorization programs.
Industry groups have expressed concern that the fee could negatively impact Europe's competitiveness as a global destination without clear evidence that the fee is proportional to actual costs. In comparison to similar travel authorization programs such as the US ESTA and UK ETA, the ETIAS fee is currently higher.
The European tourism industry argues that an evidence-based, transparent pricing approach is essential, and revenue surpluses should be reinvested into tourism infrastructure, training, and sustainability initiatives to justify the fee. The increased fee is subject to a standard two-month review by the Council and the European Parliament.
Travellers are advised to allow sufficient time for the application process ahead of their travel date. Applicants must have a valid biometric passport issued within the last decade, with an expiry date more than three months in the future.
[1] European Commission Press Release: "ETIAS Fee Increase Announced" [2] European Tourism Industry Association Statement: "ETIAS Fee Concerns" [3] Travel and Tourism Sector Report: "Impact of ETIAS Fee Increase on Europe's Competitiveness" [4] Independent Analysis: "ETIAS Fee and Operational Cost Breakdown"
- The European Commission has increased the ETIAS fee for non-EU travelers to €20, which is intended to cover the operational and maintenance costs of the ETIAS system, a pre-travel authorization system for entering the Schengen Area.
- The European tourism industry, including industry groups, has expressed concerns that the increased ETIAS fee could negatively impact Europe's competitiveness as a global tourist destination.
- To apply for ETIAS, would-be visitors need to complete a digital application form online, providing personal information such as name, date of birth, address, and travel history before their trip.
- Under 18s and over 70-year-olds are exempt from the ETIAS fee, and the raised fee is expected to enter into effect once ETIAS is operational, anticipated for the last quarter of 2026.
