Switzerland Joins Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, and Others in Implementing New Schengen Entry Fees for US, UK, Canada from Last Quarter Of 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 9, 2025

Switzerland, along with Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, and other Schengen countries, will implement new entry fees for US, UK, and Canadian travelers starting in the last quarter of 2026 to enhance security. This fee increase, from €7 to €20, is part of a broader effort to improve border control processes across Europe. As part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), the new fee will affect travelers from visa-exempt countries such as the US, UK, and Canada. While the fee may seem inconvenient, it is aimed at strengthening security and streamlining travel within the Schengen Area. The increase will not apply to children under 18 and seniors over 70, easing the financial burden for families and older visitors. This article explores the reasons behind the fee change and what it means for those planning to travel to Europe.

ETIAS Fee Increase: What You Need to Know

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to increase its fee from the original €7 to €20 per person. This digital authorization will be mandatory for travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, planning to visit the Schengen Area. The new fee is expected to take effect when ETIAS becomes operational in the last quarter of 2026. However, there are some exemptions: children under 18 and seniors over 70 will not be required to pay the fee. This change is part of the EU’s efforts to improve security and streamline border control processes.

Switzerland: A Step Toward Stronger Security

Switzerland, a major player in the Schengen Area, is set to raise the ETIAS fee from €7 to €20 by 2026. While this fee increase may seem like a hassle for travelers, it’s part of a broader push to improve security across Europe. Visitors from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia—who make up a large part of Switzerland’s tourism market—will need to comply with the new digital authorization. The fee hike will particularly impact tourists heading to Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva. Thankfully, children under 18 and seniors over 70 are exempt, easing the financial burden for families and older visitors.

Spain: More Than Just the Cost of Entry

Spain, known for its sun, sand, and cultural richness, will also be impacted by the ETIAS fee increase, which will rise from €7 to €20 in 2026. As one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, Spain attracts millions of visitors annually, with a large number coming from the US. The fee hike will apply to tourists from visa-exempt countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Despite the cost increase, it’s essential to view this as part of a larger effort to streamline European border controls and enhance security. Children under 18 and seniors over 70 will remain exempt, keeping travel affordable for younger travelers and older adults.

Italy: A Small Fee for a Big Adventure

Italy, a country steeped in history, art, and gastronomy, is another major destination affected by the ETIAS fee increase. Starting in 2026, visitors from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia will face a €20 fee to travel to Italy, up from the original €7. For American tourists flocking to places like Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast, this change may seem like an inconvenience. However, the increased fee is part of a broader European initiative aimed at enhancing security while simplifying entry procedures for visitors. Fortunately, the fee will not apply to children under 18 and seniors over 70, making travel a little easier for families and older tourists.

France: Keeping the Charm, Adding Security

France, famous for its cultural landmarks and world-class cuisine, will soon require travelers to pay the increased ETIAS fee of €20 starting in 2026, up from the previous €7. With millions of American tourists visiting each year to see sights like the Eiffel Tower and the French Riviera, the fee increase will apply to travelers from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. While the fee hike might be seen as a drawback, it’s part of the EU’s plan to boost security and streamline travel within the Schengen Area. As with other countries, children under 18 and seniors over 70 are exempt from the fee, providing relief for families and older visitors.

Germany: A Gateway to Europe’s Future

Germany, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities, will implement the new €20 ETIAS fee in 2026. While the €7 fee was manageable, the increase will apply to all visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Germany’s position as a key economic hub and cultural center in Europe means that this change will have a noticeable effect on American tourists planning to explore cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. However, the fee increase is part of the EU’s broader efforts to enhance border security and ensure safe, efficient travel across the continent. Children under 18 and seniors over 70 will be exempt, reducing the impact on younger and older travelers.

Greece: The Price of Paradise

Greece, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, ancient ruins, and stunning islands, will also see an increase in the ETIAS fee. Starting in 2026, visitors from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia will need to pay €20 instead of the original €7 to enter Greece and other Schengen countries. While this change may seem like an added cost, it’s part of Europe’s initiative to improve border control processes and security. Greece remains a top destination for American tourists, from the bustling streets of Athens to the tranquil beauty of the Greek Isles. To ease the burden on families and older travelers, children under 18 and seniors over 70 will be exempt from the fee.

Impact on US, UK, and Canada: Understanding the ETIAS Fee Changes

The upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) fee increase will have a notable impact on travelers from the US, UK, and Canada, all of which are visa-exempt countries. Starting in 2026, the fee for ETIAS will rise from the original €7 to €20 per person. This change will affect tourists, business travelers, and anyone transiting through the Schengen Area. While the fee applies to most travelers, children under 18 and seniors over 70 will be exempt, easing the burden on families and older adults. The introduction of ETIAS is part of a broader EU strategy to strengthen security and manage migration while making the entry process more efficient. For US, UK, and Canadian travelers, this increase means that international travel to Europe will come with an additional cost. Below is a summary of the existing fees and the upcoming increase:

Switzerland, along with Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, and other Schengen countries, will implement new entry fees for US, UK, and Canadian travelers starting in the last quarter of 2026 to enhance security.

Conclusion

Switzerland, along with Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, and other Schengen countries, will introduce new entry fees for travelers from the US, UK, and Canada starting in the last quarter of 2026. This change is part of a broader initiative to strengthen security and streamline border controls across Europe. While the fee increase may add a cost for travelers, it is intended to improve safety and efficiency within the Schengen Area. Exemptions for children under 18 and seniors over 70 will help ease the financial impact on these groups. This fee adjustment reflects Europe’s ongoing efforts to manage migration and enhance security measures, making travel more regulated and secure for all.