The cost of visiting Europe without a visa is about to rise.
The European Commission announced a sharp increase in the application fee for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), aligning it more closely with global counterparts and responding to inflation-driven operational needs.
Fee hike brings big shift for non-EU travelers
Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries will pay €20 to apply for ETIAS approval, nearly triple the €7 originally set when the system was first introduced in 2018.
This authorization, required for entry into European Union (EU) countries, lasts three years and allows multiple entries during its validity period.
ETIAS aims to boost security while streamlining travel for non-EU visitors. It forms part of a broader technological upgrade across the EU’s border management systems.
EU cites inflation and tech demands
The European Commission defended the new fee by pointing to rising inflation and added expenses tied to modernizing ETIAS. These include enhanced technical features designed to automate identity checks and bolster security screenings.
This update brings ETIAS in line with similar systems like the UK’s ETA and the US ESTA, which charge £10 and $21, respectively.
The update follows a financial review of ETIAS’s operating model and reflects new realities in managing digital border systems.
Since the original €7 fee was set before global inflation spikes, the adjustment now seeks to close the funding gap created by rising costs over the past seven years.
Who still gets free access
Despite the fee hike, some travelers will remain exempt. Children under 18 and adults over 70 can apply free of charge.
Family members of EU citizens and relatives of non-EU nationals who hold rights to free movement across the Union are also excluded from the fee.
These exemptions aim to protect vulnerable and legally connected travelers while preserving the EU’s commitment to family unity across borders.
What travelers need to know before traveling
Once ETIAS becomes operational in the final quarter of 2026, eligible non-EU travelers must complete an online form before boarding flights or entering by land or sea.
The process requires basic personal information—full name, date of birth, travel document details—and takes only a few minutes.
Most applications will be processed instantly. Automated systems will screen entries against security and public health databases. If no red flags arise, approval typically arrives within minutes.
The authorization does not replace a visa. Travelers still need separate permits for work, long-term stays, or study. ETIAS is strictly for short-term tourism, business visits, or family travel.
Review period may delay final implementation
Before the fee takes effect, the European Parliament and the Council must review the proposal. This process, expected to last two months, can be renewed once.
Assuming no significant objections arise, the fee adjustment will become law alongside the launch of the full ETIAS platform.
Until then, travelers should prepare for the change and adjust future plans accordingly.
ETIAS vs. global counterparts
Travel authorization programs have grown popular across the world in the last decade. The U.S. ESTA, which launched in 2009, currently charges $21 for a two-year approval.
The United Kingdom’s ETA, implemented more recently, costs £10 and remains valid for two years.
ETIAS stands out with its three-year duration, longer than its global peers. Still, the €20 fee now places it squarely in the middle of the price range—more affordable than ESTA, slightly higher than ETA.
This move not only aligns with international standards but also signals a shift in how the EU views digital travel approvals: not just as a convenience, but as an essential tool in managing complex border flows.
Rising costs, larger security investment
Though some travelers may view the higher fee as an added burden, the Commission frames it as an investment in safer travel. Funds will support automation, real-time data processing, and AI-driven threat detection.
In a world of increasing geopolitical risk, migration pressures, and transnational crime, the EU said that it cannot afford gaps in its external border security systems.
ETIAS plays a key role in tightening those gaps: pre-screening millions of travelers before they ever reach European soil.
Families, budget travelers could feel the pinch
For solo tourists, the €20 charge might seem minor. But for families or frequent visitors, the cost adds up fast. A family of four now faces an €80 fee every three years just to enter the EU.
This change could impact travel decisions, especially among those juggling rising airfare and accommodation costs.
While the fee still falls below the price of a Schengen visa, it creates a new financial hurdle for travelers who once benefited from streamlined, low-cost access.
Security meets accessibility
As the EU modernizes its border management through ETIAS, the updated €20 fee reflects not just inflation but a broader alignment with global security standards.
While the cost rises, so does the promise of smoother, safer travel for millions of non-EU visitors. Ultimately, this shift marks more than a price change; it signals a future-ready Europe balancing safety, innovation, and accessibility.