EU Now Triples ETIAS Travel Fee to 20 Euros from Late 2026: New Key Updates for Schengen Travelers

Published on July 20, 2025

The European Union has proposed increasing the cost of ETIAS travelling from €7 to €20. The hike in prices will apply to tourists between the ages of 18 and 70 traveling to the Schengen Area and some other members states of the EU. The increase reflects higher operational costs and adjustments for inflation that had increased above the original fee established in 2018, the European Commission said.

EU to Raise ETIAS Fee to €20: What You Need to Know

The European Union has announced plans to raise the ETIAS travel fee from €7 to €20. This increase will affect travelers aged 18–70 visiting the Schengen Area and selected EU states. According to the European Commission, this change addresses rising operational costs and inflation adjustments, which had outpaced the initial fee set in 2018.

Applications for ETIAS open in late 2026 following the system’s planned launch in the final quarter of that year. Before implementation, the proposal undergoes a mandatory two-month review period by the Council and the European Parliament.

Reasons Behind the ETIAS Fee Increase

Several factors contributed to this decision. Firstly, rising inflation significantly diminished the value of the original €7 fee established in 2018. Costs associated with implementing advanced technology at EU borders have also risen, necessitating the higher fee.

Secondly, ETIAS will integrate with the EU’s advanced digital systems, including biometrics, data-sharing networks, and the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES). This integration ensures secure, efficient border crossings, but also requires significant funding.

Lastly, the fee increase aligns with similar travel authorization systems worldwide, such as the U.S. ESTA (€18) and the UK’s ETA (€19), maintaining competitive parity in global travel systems.

Who Must Pay and Who is Exempt

The revised ETIAS fee applies specifically to visa-exempt travelers from countries including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, and the UK. The fee covers short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

However, exemptions apply. Travelers under 18 and over 70 years of age will not pay the fee. Family members of EU citizens and those holding diplomatic passports or valid EU residence permits also remain exempt. Additionally, refugees and stateless persons holding special documentation issued by EU member states do not need to pay.

Timeline of the ETIAS Fee Implementation

The implementation of the increased ETIAS fee coincides closely with the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System. The EES rollout will begin in October 2025 and reach full functionality by April 2026. ETIAS will launch approximately six months later, in late 2026. The proposed €20 fee would come into effect immediately following approval by the Council and the European Parliament, expected by the fourth quarter of 2026.

How the New €20 Fee Will Be Used

Revenue generated from the new ETIAS fee directly supports improved travel and border control measures. Funding will be allocated towards advanced security systems, digital infrastructure upgrades, and integration with databases managed by Europol and Interpol.

Additionally, the fee supports administrative costs involved in processing an estimated 1.4 billion applications from travelers globally. These upgrades ensure more effective security screenings, streamlined border checks, and user-friendly digital services, including mobile apps.

Impact on Travelers and Important Advice

The increased fee represents a significant change, especially for frequent travelers and families. For example, a family of four will now pay €80 for their ETIAS applications, up from the previous €28.

Travelers should note that ETIAS authorizations remain valid for three years, or until passport expiry, whichever is sooner. This extended validity helps reduce long-term costs, despite the higher initial expense.

Travelers are advised to apply early, as while most approvals will be instant, some cases could take up to 30 days to process. Early application helps avoid disruptions to travel plans. Travelers should use only official EU ETIAS portals once live to avoid fraud or unnecessary fees from unofficial third-party websites.

Broader EU Budget and Policy Context

The ETIAS fee adjustment is part of broader financial and policy initiatives within the European Union. The fee hike aligns with the EU’s proposed €2 trillion budget for 2028–34, which emphasizes enhanced defense, border security, agriculture, and taxation reforms targeting large corporations.

This financial strategy reflects the EU’s commitment to strengthened border management and security, responding to evolving global threats and increased travel volumes.

Final Considerations for Travelers

The rise of the €20 ETIAS fee represents a turning point in how Europe views the travel and tourism industry both in terms of security and operations. The rate increase, even after the increase in costs, means that the EU border control tackles other border control systems elsewhere in the world, making it easier and safer to travel. So you may want to take some good advice and ensure you plan ahead, budget for this new fee, and stay up to date with any of your official updates. Early preparation can help reduce travel disruption and allow for smoother passage to the Schengen Area in Europe.