The European Commission has announced an increase in the fee for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will now cost €20 per application. This applies to non-EU nationals who do not require a visa to enter 30 European countries. The new tariff replaces the previously set €7 fee.
According to the Commission, the revision has been made to ensure that the operational costs of ETIAS are adequately covered. The new pricing structure reflects the full scope of the system’s functionalities, as well as inflation and comparative costs of similar systems in other countries. The ETIAS model is closely aligned with schemes such as the United States ESTA and Canada’s eTA.
ETIAS is expected to become fully operational in the last quarter of 2026, and the updated fee will take effect from the system’s launch. The measure is now subject to a two-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the Council, which may be extended once if deemed necessary.
First proposed in 2016 and adopted in 2018, ETIAS is designed to improve border management and internal security while maintaining visa-free travel for eligible non-EU nationals. Travellers will be required to complete an online application prior to departure. The form will request basic personal information, travel documentation, and responses to security-related questions.
The authorisation process is automated and, in most cases, applicants will receive a decision within minutes. In instances where additional checks are required, the process may take longer but is expected to remain fully digital. Once granted, an ETIAS authorisation will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
While the €20 fee will apply to most adult travellers, certain categories will be exempt. Individuals under the age of 18 or over 70 will not be required to pay. Other exemptions include family members of EU citizens or third-country nationals who have the right to move freely within the Union, as well as holders of diplomatic passports under specific conditions.
ETIAS will apply to travellers from more than 60 countries that currently benefit from visa-free access to the Schengen Area. This includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, among others. Although these nationals will not require a visa, the ETIAS authorisation will become a mandatory entry requirement once the system is active.
The authorisation will be checked by carriers and border authorities prior to and upon entry into participating countries. The ETIAS area includes all EU member states except Ireland, along with the four Schengen-associated countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus are also expected to participate once the system is in place.
In addition to improving external border security, ETIAS is expected to support Member States in tracking irregular migration and cross-border crime. The system will work in conjunction with existing EU databases such as the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Entry/Exit System (EES), and the Visa Information System (VIS).
The European Commission has stated that ETIAS will reinforce the EU’s approach to risk-based border management by allowing pre-arrival screening of travellers who are currently not subject to visa requirements. In practice, this means that individuals who may pose a security or health threat can be identified before reaching European territory.
The move to raise the fee comes at a time when the EU is seeking to modernise its travel and migration management infrastructure. The updated ETIAS cost brings the EU in line with global standards. For instance, the United States ESTA currently charges USD 21, while Canada’s eTA costs CAD 7. The Commission argues that the €20 fee reflects the system’s actual operational needs and ensures financial sustainability.
Implementation of the system has been delayed on several occasions. Initially projected to launch in 2022, the timeline has since been extended to late 2026. Once operational, ETIAS will constitute a key component of the EU’s broader digital border strategy.
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