Egypt Joins Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, Senegal and Others in Africa in Facing Major Travel Changes in Europe As EU Rising ETIAS fee From Next Year: Everything You Need To Know

Published on November 25, 2025

Starting next year, Egypt joins Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, and other African countries in facing major travel changes to Europe. The EU’s ETIAS fee will rise from €7 to €20, aimed at improving border security and digital systems. This fee increase will apply to visa-exempt travelers from these nations wishing to enter the Schengen Area, marking a significant adjustment in the cost of travel to Europe. While the hike aligns ETIAS with other similar travel authorization systems, such as the UK ETA and US ESTA, it is expected to impact many, particularly families. Exemptions will apply for children under 18, seniors over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens, offering some relief. However, for the majority of travelers, this fee increase will add a notable expense to their plans to visit Europe.

EU to Raise ETIAS Travel Fee to €20 by 2026

The European Commission has announced a significant increase in the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) fee, set to rise from €7 to €20 by the end of 2026. This fee will apply to visa-exempt non-EU travelers from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, who wish to enter the Schengen Area. While the fee hike aligns ETIAS with similar systems like the UK ETA and US ESTA, it has sparked concern among frequent travelers and tour operators. The fee increase aims to fund improvements in the system’s digital infrastructure, including enhanced security features and better integration with other EU systems. Exemptions will apply for children under 18, seniors over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens. Despite these exemptions, the new fee will significantly increase travel costs for families, with a U.S. family of four facing a €60 charge, up from €21 under current rules.

This fee adjustment is part of the EU’s broader efforts to enhance border security, with improved automation, encryption, and coordination with other systems like the Entry/Exit System (EES). The system remains in its testing phase, with full implementation expected by the last of 2026. Travelers will need to apply online ahead of their trip, as ETIAS will eventually affect over 1.4 billion travelers worldwide.

Egypt: Egyptian Travelers to Pay Increased ETIAS Fee

Egyptian travelers to the EU will experience the ETIAS fee increase, from €7 to €20 by 2026. This new fee applies to Egyptian citizens traveling visa-free to the Schengen Area. The fee increase is part of the EU’s broader efforts to enhance security and improve digital systems. Exemptions will be available for children under 18, seniors over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens.

Morocco: Moroccan Travelers to Face ETIAS Fee Increase

Moroccan travelers to the EU will experience an increase in the ETIAS fee, rising from €7 to €20 by 2026. This new fee applies to Moroccan citizens traveling visa-free to the Schengen Area. The fee hike is part of the EU’s broader efforts to enhance border security and digital infrastructure. Exemptions will be available for children under 18, seniors over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens, which will help mitigate the impact for families traveling together.

Nigeria: Nigerian Travelers to Face ETIAS Fee Hike

Nigerian travelers to the EU will also face an increase in the ETIAS fee, from €7 to €20 by 2026. This new fee applies to Nigerian citizens traveling visa-free to the Schengen Area. The fee hike is part of the EU’s strategy to improve border security and modernize digital systems. Exemptions will be available for children under 18, seniors over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens, providing some relief for families.

Algeria: Algerian Nationals Facing ETIAS Fee Increase

Algerian travelers to the EU will be impacted by the increase in the ETIAS fee, which will rise from €7 to €20 by 2026. This change will apply to Algerian citizens traveling visa-free to the Schengen Area. The fee adjustment is part of the EU’s efforts to bolster border security and improve digital systems. Exemptions will apply to children under 18, seniors over 70, and family members of EU citizens.

Ghana: Ghanaian Travelers to Face ETIAS Fee Increase

Ghanaian travelers to the EU will see the ETIAS fee rise from €7 to €20 by 2026. This change will apply to all Ghanaian citizens traveling visa-free to the Schengen Area. The fee hike is part of the EU’s broader strategy to improve border security and modernize its systems. While the higher fee may increase travel costs, exemptions will apply for children under 18, seniors over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens, offering some relief for families.

Senegal: Senegalese Nationals Facing ETIAS Fee Hike

Senegalese travelers to the EU will also see an increase in the ETIAS fee, from €7 to €20 by 2026. This fee will apply to Senegalese citizens traveling visa-free to the Schengen Area. The fee increase is part of the EU’s initiative to improve digital infrastructure and border security. Exemptions will apply for children under 18, seniors over 70, and family members of EU citizens.

Starting next year, Egypt joins Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, and other African countries in facing major travel changes to Europe. The EU’s ETIAS fee will rise from €7 to €20, aimed at improving border security and digital systems.

Conclusion

Starting next year, Egypt joins Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, and other African countries in facing major travel changes to Europe as the EU raises the ETIAS fee from €7 to €20. This fee increase, aimed at enhancing border security and improving digital systems, will significantly affect travelers from these nations wishing to enter the Schengen Area. While certain exemptions apply, the higher cost is expected to impact families and frequent travelers the most. As the EU continues to strengthen its travel infrastructure, travelers from these African countries will need to adjust their budgets accordingly, ensuring they are prepared for the additional travel expenses. The change reflects broader efforts to modernize Europe’s border security while maintaining a smooth and secure travel experience.