The European Commission has confirmed a proposed increase in the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) fee from €7 to €20 for visa-exempt travelers seeking entry into the Schengen Area.
The adjustment, scheduled to take effect in late 2026, represents a nearly 186% rise and marks the first major revision to the ETIAS fee since its approval in 2018.
The ETIAS, which applies to travelers from over 60 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria, was designed to enhance border security and streamline travel authorizations.
Under the current framework, visitors must complete an online application before arrival, with approvals generally processed within minutes.
According to the Commission, the fee increase is intended to cover administrative costs associated with operating the system and to reflect inflationary changes and rising security infrastructure needs.
“The new fee aligns with the evolving technological and operational requirements to maintain a secure and efficient border management system,” a Commission spokesperson stated.
When launched, the ETIAS fee was originally set at €7 for travelers aged 18 to 70. The planned increase will maintain the same age exemptions but significantly alters the cost structure for millions of short-term visitors entering any of the 30 Schengen countries.
The proposal comes as part of a broader overhaul of EU’s digital travel authorization frameworks, which include the Entry/Exit System (EES) and expanded biometric data collection initiatives.
The changes are viewed as part of Europe’s broader strategy to modernize its borders without compromising security standards.
Travel and tourism bodies have raised concerns about the timing and magnitude of the increase. “While we support secure borders, increasing the ETIAS fee nearly threefold may discourage spontaneous and short-term travel,” said a spokesperson from the European Travel Commission.
The ETIAS is often compared to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which currently costs $21. More details on the ETIAS program can be found on Wikipedia’s ETIAS page and through the official EU ETIAS portal.
The new €20 charge will take effect following a formal review and adoption by the European Parliament and Council. The updated fee will be applicable to all new ETIAS applications filed once the regulation is enacted.
As of July 2025, the ETIAS launch remains scheduled for mid-2025, with enforcement expected shortly after. Travelers are advised to monitor official updates and prepare for additional administrative and financial requirements when visiting Europe under the visa-free regime.