Switzerland Joins France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Belgium, and Others in Changing EU Tourism Dynamics with a Hike in ETIAS Travel Fee from 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 22, 2025

Switzerland is joining France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Belgium, and other EU countries in raising the ETIAS travel fee to €20 from 2026. This hike aims to strengthen border security, streamline travel, and fund system upgrades, impacting visa–exempt non–EU travelers. As part of a broader European strategy, the increased fee will apply to travelers from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, who are planning to visit Switzerland and other Schengen Area countries. The funds raised will help enhance digital infrastructure, improve security screening, and ensure better integration with EU systems. This adjustment aligns Switzerland with the existing ETIAS models in other countries, contributing to a unified approach to safeguarding Europe’s borders and maintaining a smooth, efficient travel process for millions of tourists and business travelers.

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 quarter of 2026. Travelers will need to apply online ahead of their trip, as ETIAS will eventually affect over 1.4 billion travelers worldwide.

Switzerland: Schengen’s Secure Border Management

Switzerland, as part of the Schengen Area, will implement the ETIAS system for travelers from visa‑exempt countries starting in late 2026. The €20 fee covers system upgrades and operational costs. ETIAS will allow travelers to stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180‑day period. As part of the security enhancements, the system will include advanced screening against EU databases. Exemptions will apply to children under 18, seniors over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens.

France: A New Era for Border Security

Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa‑exempt non‑EU countries will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering France. The €20 fee will fund enhanced security measures, including advanced screening technology. This system will allow stays of up to 90 days within a 180‑day period, aligning with Schengen Area rules. Notably, exemptions apply to children under 18, seniors over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens, ensuring that the system remains inclusive for families and elderly travelers.

Italy: Streamlining Entry with ETIAS

Italy will implement the ETIAS system for travelers from visa‑exempt countries in late 2026. This online application requires a €20 fee, which will help cover the costs of upgrading Italy’s border security infrastructure. Visitors can stay for up to 90 days within a 180‑day period, and the process ensures efficient and safe entry. The system is designed to screen for security and health risks before travelers arrive, promoting both safety and convenience. Exemptions will be available for children, seniors, and certain family members of EU citizens.

Spain: Ensuring Secure Travel to Europe

Spain will adopt the ETIAS system for visa‑exempt travelers starting in late 2026. The €20 fee will cover the operational and technological upgrades necessary to maintain high levels of security across Schengen Area borders. With a simple online application, travelers can continue to enjoy their 90‑day stays within a 180‑day period. Exemptions include children under 18, seniors over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens, ensuring accessibility for families and the elderly.

Greece: New ETIAS Requirement for a Safer Europe

Greece will require all eligible non‑EU nationals from visa‑exempt countries to apply for ETIAS authorization starting late 2026. This authorization, costing €20, will allow travelers to stay in Greece and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period. The system’s online application simplifies entry while ensuring thorough security checks. Exemptions apply to certain groups such as children and elderly travelers, ensuring the system remains accessible to all.

Belgium: Introducing ETIAS for Easier Entry

Belgium will implement the ETIAS system for visitors from visa‑exempt countries in late 2026, with an online application fee of €20. The new system will streamline entry while maintaining high security standards. Travelers will continue to enjoy up to 90 days of stay within a 180‑day period, and the application process ensures that visitors are screened for health, security, and migration risks. Exemptions will apply for certain categories, such as children and seniors, making the system more inclusive.

Other European Countries Following Suit with ETIAS Fee Increase

Several other European countries are also raising the ETIAS travel fee as part of broader efforts to enhance border security and streamline entry processes. In addition to Switzerland, countries like France, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Belgium have announced plans to implement the €20 fee by late 2026. This fee hike applies to visa-exempt non-EU travelers, ensuring consistent security measures across Schengen Area borders. The funds raised will support system upgrades, improve digital infrastructure, and enable more efficient screenings, ultimately promoting safer and more seamless travel across Europe. Exemptions will remain for children, seniors, and certain family members of EU citizens.

Conclusion

Switzerland’s decision to raise the ETIAS travel fee to €20 by 2026, alongside other EU countries like France, Italy, and Spain, reflects a broader strategy to enhance border security and streamline the travel process. This hike ensures improved safety and system upgrades, while maintaining consistency across Schengen nations for visa-exempt travelers.

Switzerland is joining France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Belgium, and other EU countries in raising the ETIAS travel fee to €20 from 2026. This hike aims to strengthen border security, streamline travel, and fund system upgrades, impacting visa-exempt non-EU travelers.

As Switzerland joins the EU’s push for enhanced border security, the ETIAS fee increase will affect millions of travelers, ensuring safer, more efficient travel across Europe’s borders.