European travel authorization fee under ETIAS to rise to €20
New European Travel Authorisation System (ETIAS) Set to Launch in Q4 2026
The European Union (EU) is set to introduce a new travel authorisation system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for visa-exempt travellers entering the Schengen Area and associated countries. The system, which was initially scheduled to start operating in 2021, has faced several delays and is now expected to become operational in the last quarter of 2026 [1][2][4][5].
The ETIAS will require travellers from visa-exempt countries to obtain authorisation before entering the EU. The authorisation fee will be €20 per application, valid for a period of three years. Initially, the system will be optional for at least six months following its launch, meaning travellers may not need it until early-to-mid 2027 at the earliest [3].
The rollout of the related EU Entry/Exit System (EES) begins earlier, on 12 October 2025. However, ETIAS permission specifically is scheduled for late 2026 [1][3]. The EES is an enhanced passport check requiring biometrics including fingerprints and a facial scan.
The ETIAS is part of the EU's new border control measures, aimed at strengthening security within the Union while facilitating travel for non-EU nationals. The new fee needs to be endorsed by the EU Council and the European Parliament in the coming months.
To apply for the ETIAS, travellers will need to provide information such as their name, date of birth, and travel document number. The application process will be done online and payment will be required ahead of travel.
It's important to note that both EES and ETIAS apply only to people who are travelling on the passport of a non-EU or Schengen zone country, and both have a number of exemptions, including non-EU citizens who have residency within an EU or Schengen zone country.
For comparison, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs £16, while the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) costs $21.
The busy UK-France border is a particular worry for the implementation of these new systems. Potential delays in the phased roll out of EES and ETIAS could impact their original schedules.
In summary, travellers planning to visit the EU from visa-exempt countries should expect ETIAS to be required starting in Q4 2026, with full enforcement likely from early 2027 onward [1][2][3][4][5]. The ETIAS fee will not be charged for people under 18 or over 70 years of age at the time of application.
- The new travel authorisation system, ETIAS, will introduce changes in the finance sector as it requires a fee of €20 per application for visa-exempt travellers entering the EU.
- The introduction of ETIAS in Q4 2026 by the European Union is expected to impact the lifestyle and business of travel agencies and individuals who frequently travel to the EU, as it will facilitate secure travel for non-EU nationals while requiring authorisation before entering the EU.
