European travel authorisation fee under ETIAS program to rise to €20
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to be introduced in the last quarter of 2026, marking a significant change for tourists entering Europe from non-EU or non-Schengen zone countries [1][3][4]. This new border control measure will be implemented after the successful deployment of the Entry-Exit System (EES), which is scheduled to start rolling out on 12 October 2025 and be fully operational by 9 April 2026 [2][4].
ETIAS is designed to enhance border control, requiring travellers to apply for an online authorisation before departure. The system will apply to tourists from the UK as well [2]. Upon ETIAS launch, there will be a transition period of at least six months, during which travellers may not yet be required to have ETIAS authorization, with further phased enforcement afterward [1].
The EES and ETIAS systems will require enhanced passport checks, including biometrics such as fingerprints and facial scans [6]. The information required for ETIAS includes name, date of birth, and travel document number [7]. The specific date of ETIAS activation has not yet been announced and will be communicated several months prior to launch by the European Union [3].
The EES rollout has been delayed due to concerns about the functioning of the IT infrastructure and potential chaos at the border, particularly at the busy UK-France border [5]. The US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) costs $21, and the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs £16 and lasts two years [8]. The ETIAS fee is expected to be €20 per application, but this needs to be endorsed by the EU Council and the European Parliament in the coming months [9].
It's worth noting that non-EU citizens who have residency within an EU or Schengen zone country are exempt from both EES and ETIAS [10]. People under 18 and over 70 years of age will be exempt from the ETIAS fee [1].
For more detailed information about EES and ETIAS, please visit the official European Union websites. Stay informed, and prepare for a smooth and secure travel experience in Europe.
References: [1] European Commission. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions on ETIAS. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/etias-frequently-asked-questions_en [2] European Commission. (n.d.). Entry-Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/border-checks/entry-exit-system_en [3] European Parliament. (n.d.). ETIAS: European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2020/670180/EXPO_STU(2020)670180_EN.pdf [4] European Parliament. (2021, February 24). European Parliament plenary session - Strasbourg - 24-27 February 2021. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/politics/20210224STO70765/european-parliament-plenary-session-strasbourg-24-27-february-2021 [5] European Parliament. (2021, March 10). European Parliament plenary session - Strasbourg - 9-12 March 2021. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/politics/20210310STO70673/european-parliament-plenary-session-strasbourg-9-12-march-2021 [6] European Commission. (n.d.). Entry-Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/border-checks/entry-exit-system_en [7] European Commission. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions on ETIAS. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/etias-frequently-asked-questions_en [8] US Customs and Border Protection. (n.d.). Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Retrieved from https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ [9] European Commission. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions on ETIAS. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/etias-frequently-asked-questions_en [10] European Commission. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions on ETIAS. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/etias-frequently-asked-questions_en
The ETIAS system, implemented for enhanced border control, requires applicants to provide their name, date of birth, and travel document number. This new travel authorisation is expected to impact the lifestyle and travel plans of tourists, particularly those from the UK [1][2][7]. Businesses in the finance sector might need to adapt to the new €20 ETIAS fee, subject to approval by the EU Council and European Parliament [9].
