The cost of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been officially increased from €7 to €20, according to an announcement by the European Commission. The new fee is expected to apply when ETIAS becomes operational, currently planned for the final quarter of 2026.
The decision, confirmed on 17 July 2025, aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system and align ETIAS with similar electronic travel authorisation schemes already in place internationally. While the increase had been anticipated for some time, it has now been formally published on the EU’s official ETIAS portal.
What Is ETIAS and Who Will Be Affected?
ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorization System — will apply to nationals of visa-exempt countries travelling to the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Once approved, an ETIAS authorisation will generally be valid for:
- Three years, or
- Until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
The system is designed to strengthen border security, improve pre-travel screening, and facilitate smoother entry procedures for eligible travellers entering most European countries.
ETIAS Fee Increase: From €7 to €20
When ETIAS was first announced, the application fee was set at €7, a figure that appeared in early communications and planning documents. However, the European Commission has now confirmed that the final fee will be €20 at launch.
According to EU officials, the revised price reflects changes in economic conditions and the expanded scope of the system since its initial conception.
The updated fee is already referenced on the official EU travel website dedicated to ETIAS applications.
Why Is the ETIAS Fee Increasing?
In its official statement, the European Commission explained that the increase is intended to cover the operational and technical costs of running ETIAS in a sustainable way.
Authorities cited several key factors behind the decision:
- Rising inflation since the original €7 fee was set
- Additional technical features added to the system
- The need to ensure efficient and secure long-term operation
EU institutions emphasised that ETIAS is a large-scale digital system requiring ongoing maintenance, cybersecurity protections, and coordination between multiple national authorities.
Who Will Still Be Exempt From the ETIAS Fee?
Despite the price increase, the Commission confirmed that certain categories of travellers will remain exempt from paying the ETIAS fee, including:
- Minors
- Travellers aged over 70
- Specific family members of EU citizens
These exemptions are intended to preserve proportionality while ensuring the system remains accessible.
Aligning ETIAS With International Travel Authorisation Systems
The European Commission has also stated that the new €20 fee brings ETIAS closer to the pricing of comparable systems worldwide.
According to the EU’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, the increase will help align ETIAS with international standards, particularly:
- The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- The US ESTA programme
These systems, which apply to visa-exempt travellers, already charge similar fees and have been operating for several years.
From the EU’s perspective, harmonisation helps avoid distortions and ensures that ETIAS is perceived as a normal and proportionate pre-travel requirement rather than an outlier.
Concerns From the European Travel Industry
Despite the Commission’s justification, the decision has prompted concerns among several European tourism stakeholders. Some industry representatives worry that higher costs — combined with other new entry requirements — could discourage certain travellers, particularly those making short or spontaneous trips.
Industry groups have also highlighted the importance of:
- Clear communication with travellers
- Avoiding confusion between ETIAS and visa requirements
- Ensuring that application processes remain simple and user-friendly
EU authorities have responded by stressing that ETIAS applications will be completed fully online, typically in minutes, and that most approvals are expected to be issued automatically.
What Travellers Should Expect Next
ETIAS is closely linked to the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), another EU-wide border management initiative. While the two systems are separate, they are designed to work together as part of Europe’s broader move toward digital border controls.
Once ETIAS becomes operational:
- Eligible travellers will need an approved ETIAS authorisation before travelling
- Applications will be submitted online prior to departure
- Border checks will still take place upon arrival in Europe
EU officials continue to stress that ETIAS is not a visa, but a travel authorisation aimed at improving security and efficiency.
What This Means for Travellers Planning Trips to Europe
For travellers from visa-exempt countries, the key takeaway is clear: ETIAS will cost €20 when it launches, likely in late 2026. While this represents a significant increase from earlier expectations, EU authorities argue that the fee remains in line with international norms.
Travellers planning future trips to Europe are advised to:
- Stay informed about ETIAS developments
- Apply in advance once the system is live
- Ensure their passport remains valid throughout the authorisation period
As implementation approaches, further guidance is expected from EU institutions on timelines, application procedures, and traveller obligations.
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