What Is the New £17 Fee to Visit Europe and When Will the New Travel Authorisation Rule Finally Launch for Travellers – All You Need to Know

Written By: Namrata Sinha

Namrata Sinha

Experienced travel journalist and editor creating authoritative content on global tourism, aviation, hospitality, destinations, and travel trends. Passionate about delivering well-researched, informative, and engaging stories for a worldwide audience.

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July 16, 2026 00:35 GMT+5:30

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The latest Europe travel update 2026 brings important news for British visitors planning trips across the continent. The European Union has delayed the introduction of its new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), meaning UK travellers will not immediately need to complete the new application process or pay the €20 (around £17) fee. The system was previously expected to launch in the final quarter of 2026, but no confirmed start date has been announced.

The delay is linked to ongoing challenges with the EU’s new border management technology, particularly the Entry/Exit System (EES). Until the necessary systems are fully prepared, ETIAS applications will remain unavailable.

What Is ETIAS And Why Does It Matter?

ETIAS is a digital travel authorisation designed for visitors from countries that do not currently require a visa to enter Europe. Although often described as a visa waiver, it is not a visa. Instead, it will act as a pre-travel security check for eligible visitors.

The upcoming ETIAS visa waiver system will apply to travellers visiting the 29 Schengen countries and Cyprus for short stays. These visits can include tourism, business travel or transit purposes.

The purpose of ETIAS is to help European authorities strengthen border security by checking traveller information before arrival. The system will allow officials to identify potential security risks while making entry procedures more efficient for approved visitors.

Why Has The ETIAS Launch Been Postponed?

The European Union has confirmed that ETIAS is currently not active and that no applications are being collected. Officials will announce the final launch date several months before the system officially begins.

The main reason behind the delay is the slower-than-planned rollout of the EU Entry Exit System. This system will introduce digital checks for non-EU nationals entering and leaving the Schengen Area and will replace traditional passport stamping procedures.

Because ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System are closely connected, delays with one system have affected the timeline of the other.

How Will The New System Affect UK Travellers?

For UK travellers to Europe, the biggest change will be the introduction of an additional step before travelling. British citizens will still be able to visit Europe without a traditional visa for short stays, but they will need to obtain ETIAS approval once the system becomes mandatory.

Travellers will need to complete an online application before departure and provide information such as:

• Personal details, including name, date of birth and nationality
• Passport information
• Contact details
• Employment and education details
• Planned travel information
• Responses related to security and previous travel history

Once approved, ETIAS will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport. Anyone who renews or changes their passport will need to apply for a new authorisation.

Who Will Need An ETIAS?

ETIAS will be required for citizens of visa-exempt countries travelling to participating European destinations. The United Kingdom is included among these countries, along with nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico and the UAE.

However, not every traveller will need ETIAS approval.

People who will generally be exempt include:

• Travellers with a valid Schengen visa
• Individuals holding residence permits from relevant European countries
• Citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City and Ireland
• Passengers only passing through a European airport without entering the Schengen Area

The requirement will mainly affect visitors travelling for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

How Will The Application Process Work?

The European travel authorisation application will be completed online through an official EU platform after the system launches.

Applicants will need to submit their details, after which their information will be checked against European and international security databases.

Most applications are expected to be processed quickly. However, some cases may require additional review, which could involve longer waiting periods or further checks.

Travellers should remember that receiving ETIAS approval does not automatically guarantee entry. Border officials will still check passports and other travel documents when visitors arrive.

What Will The ETIAS Fee Be?

The ETIAS application fee will be €20, which is around £17.

The charge will apply to applicants aged between 18 and 70. Younger travellers and those aged over 70 will still need to complete the authorisation process but will not have to pay the fee.

Some family members of EU citizens may also qualify for exemptions.

The ETIAS authorisation will remain valid for up to three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

What Travellers Should Know About Europe’s Changing Entry Rules

The introduction of ETIAS will change how many visitors prepare for European holidays. While the process is expected to be simple, travellers will need to include the application step when planning future trips.

The updated Schengen travel rules will continue to allow eligible visitors to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period across participating countries. However, travellers will need ETIAS approval once the system becomes fully operational.

Visitors should keep in mind:

• ETIAS is not a replacement for a passport or visa where one is required.
• A separate application will not be needed for every Schengen country.
• The authorisation will allow travel across participating destinations while it remains valid.
• Transport providers may check ETIAS status before allowing passengers to board.

How The Delay Affects Travellers Planning Trips

For now, travellers do not need to take any action because ETIAS applications have not opened. The postponement gives visitors more time to understand the new process before it becomes compulsory.

Those planning European holidays in the future should:

• Check for official updates before travelling.
• Avoid unofficial websites claiming to offer ETIAS applications before launch.
• Ensure passports meet European entry requirements.
• Allow enough time to complete the application once the system becomes active.

The delay may also benefit frequent travellers by providing additional time to adjust to the new digital border system.

Key Takeaways About The Upcoming ETIAS Changes

The new travel authorisation system will become an important part of Europe’s future border procedures. While the launch date remains uncertain, travellers should be prepared for the upcoming changes.

Key points include:

• ETIAS will apply to visa-exempt visitors travelling to Schengen countries and Cyprus.
• British citizens will need ETIAS approval once the system launches.
• The application fee will be €20 for eligible adults.
• The delay is connected to issues with the EU Entry Exit System.
• Travellers should rely on official announcements to avoid misinformation and scams.

Conclusion

The latest Europe travel update 2026 highlights that the ETIAS rollout has been pushed back, giving travellers more time before the new requirement comes into effect. Although the exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, the system will eventually introduce a new digital step for visitors entering Europe. Staying informed and understanding the process in advance will help travellers enjoy smoother journeys once ETIAS becomes mandatory.