From late 2026, travellers seeking to visit multiple European countries without the need for a visa will face a significantly higher fee for obtaining prior online authorisation, as confirmed by the European Commission.
The cost tied to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to increase nearly threefold, reflecting updated financial and operational factors.
ETIAS was initially introduced in 2018 as a security and border-management measure to screen visa-exempt visitors before their arrival in the Schengen Area and other participating European nations. Although its launch has been delayed several times, the Commission now plans for the electronic permit to be operational in the final quarter of 2026.
The latest proposal outlines raising the application fee from €7 to €20, thus aligning ETIAS with comparable online travel authorisation systems worldwide.
The European Commission has cited inflation and increased administrative costs as the primary reasons for this revision. For comparison, the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) currently charges £16, while the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) costs $21.
The ETIAS requirement will apply to travellers from 59 visa-exempt nations intending to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across 30 European countries. Eligible visitors must secure approval in advance, which aims to streamline border controls while enhancing security.
However, certain groups remain exempt from the fee, including minors under 18, seniors above 70, and close family members of European Union citizens.
Nations such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom fall within the list of countries whose citizens must obtain ETIAS authorisation before travelling. This system functions as a pre-travel screening tool rather than a visa and is intended to detect potential security or public health risks before entry.
The European Commission’s proposal to increase the fee will undergo a two-month review by the European Parliament and Council before receiving formal approval. Only after this scrutiny will the new fee structure be adopted and implemented.
ETIAS forms part of the EU’s wider objectives to strengthen border management amid growing international travel and evolving security concerns. The EU’s strategy parallels other regions that have adopted electronic travel authorisation systems designed to facilitate legitimate travel while bolstering safety.
Insiders within the Commission acknowledge that although the higher fee may provoke criticism among frequent travellers, it is deemed necessary to preserve the system’s effectiveness considering rising costs since the original fee was established.
As the 2026 introduction date draws near, prospective visitors to Europe are encouraged to keep abreast of updates via official EU channels and prepare for the ETIAS authorisation process. This new step is expected to become as routine as the ESTA is for those travelling to the United States.
Official information and guidance for travellers will be available on dedicated EU portals and government advisory websites worldwide.