EU To Hit Non EU Travelers With Higher Permit Fees : What You Need To Know

Published on July 19, 2025

In a major shift, the European Union said it would triple the price of its digital travel permit for foreign visitors. At €20 (US$23), the new charge will be almost three times the initial €7 amount that had been floated when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was established in 2018. This tweak in the write-up is a part of the European Commission’s overall financial game plan to finance important policies like defense and agriculture, and to cover inflation and the cost of operations.

The proposal, which was published on July 18, comes while the European Commission is looking to increase its funds to act. Here are the top five deadlines that the ETIAS, intended for travel to the EU by visa-free nationals, has missed so far:

Why the Fee Increase?
The decision to increase the travel permit fee comes at a time when inflation and operational costs have surged, impacting governments and international organizations worldwide. The European Commission acknowledged that the new fee would help align the EU’s travel authorization system with similar programs, such as the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and Britain’s ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). These systems, which are also designed to pre-screen travelers before they enter the country, charge fees in similar ranges—$21 for the U.S. ESTA and £16 (US$21) for the UK ETA.

The ETIAS, which will apply to travelers from visa-exempt countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, was originally expected to cost €7. But with the increase to €20, the EU’s travel permit will now reflect the rising operational and security demands necessary to manage millions of travelers annually.

What the Fee Covers and Who Will Be Affected
The travel permit will be valid for three years, allowing travelers to visit any of the EU’s 27 member countries, except for Ireland, as well as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. However, it is important to note that travelers under the age of 18 or over 70 years old will be exempt from the fee, ensuring that the system doesn’t place an undue burden on younger or older travelers.

The travel authorization will be necessary for all non-EU nationals coming from countries whose citizens do not require a visa for short stays in Europe. This includes tourists, business travelers, and others entering for stays of 90 days or less. The ETIAS system aims to enhance border security, reduce irregular migration, and streamline the entry process for legitimate travelers, making it easier for them to cross the EU’s borders.

Security Concerns and the Delays
One of the primary reasons for implementing the ETIAS system is to address security risks posed by unauthorized travel into the EU. The system will allow authorities to vet travelers in advance of their arrival, providing a layer of protection against security threats, illegal migration, and other potential risks. However, despite the importance of this system, the implementation has faced multiple delays.

Originally, the system was expected to roll out alongside an automated border check system that would expedite the travel process. However, due to technical and logistical challenges, the ETIAS scheme has faced setbacks, pushing its expected launch date to the last quarter of 2026. The European Commission has emphasized that these delays are necessary to ensure that the system is both secure and effective, given the growing number of travelers expected in the coming years.

The Bigger Picture: The EU’s Long-Term Budget and Financial Plans
The ETIAS fee increase is part of a broader push by the European Commission to increase funding for its long-term priorities. This week, the commission unveiled a proposal for a €2 trillion budget covering the years 2028 to 2034. Part of this budget plan includes measures to raise funds through initiatives like a carbon border tax and a levy on electronic waste.

The increased revenue generated by the ETIAS fees is expected to contribute to the EU’s overall financial objectives. Brussels has stated that this boost in funds will be used to support a variety of critical areas, including defense, research, and agriculture. However, the proposal has already sparked concerns in several EU member states, which will be required to contribute more to the budget under the new plan.

What’s Next for the ETIAS System?
As the proposal moves through the legislative process, the European Parliament and EU member states will have two months to review and approve the new €20 fee. Once the fee is finalized, it will become a permanent part of the ETIAS system, set to take effect once the system is operational in 2026.

For travelers from countries like the United States and Canada, this increase will represent a significant cost when traveling to the EU. However, EU officials argue that the fee is necessary to help cover the costs associated with securing the EU’s borders and facilitating smoother travel for legitimate visitors.

As the EU progresses through these shifts, the travel world will change for those coming to Europe from abroad. The higher travel permit fee may be an annoyance to some, but it also reflects the E.U.’s pledge to improve security and juggle the increasing demands of global migration and transnational travel. With the new fees, passengers will see stronger border security when entering the E.U., but can also expect a more efficient border crossing.

Ultimately, these measures are about striking a balance between security and convenience for those who visit Europe, so we can facilitate strong and vital international trade and tourism.

(Source: European Commission, European Parliament, EU Officials, Government Reports)