ETIAS explained: Why the EU just tripled its travel authorisation fee
The fee, which will now cost €20 per applicant, is almost three times higher than the initial fee. While the increase may appear steep, the EU defends the move as necessary to cover rising operational costs and bring the fee in line with similar systems worldwide.
According to the European Commission, the decision stems from inflation, infrastructure costs, and additional financial pressures on EU programs, including defence, agriculture, and border security.
By raising the ETIAS fee, the EU hopes to maintain the system's long-term sustainability and fund a broader range of priorities that individual member states may not be able to support on their own.
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What
i
s ETIAS?
ETIAS will be a mandatory travel authorisation for citizens of visa-exempt countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia, who plan short-term stays in the EU. Once implemented, it will apply to travel across the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Designed as an online, user-friendly system, ETIAS will allow most applications to be processed in minutes. Approved permits will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and will allow multiple entries within that period.
Who
i
s
e
xempt?
To ease the burden on families and older travelers, children under 18 and adults over 70 will be exempt from the €20 fee. These exemptions aim to encourage personal and family travel without adding significant costs for those on tighter budgets or fixed incomes.
How
w
ill
t
his
i
mpact
t
ourists?
While the fee hike may frustrate some travelers, its real impact is expected to be minimal. Moreover, ETIAS offers perks such as faster border checks, digital processing, and enhanced security, making the travel experience smoother and more secure.
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Though the fee has been confirmed, ETIAS has yet to go live. Initially slated for an earlier launch, the program is now expected to roll out by end of 2026. The delay provides time for airports, border agencies, and travelers to prepare for the system's full implementation.
Despite delays, the EU remains confident that ETIAS will modernize border control, help identify security risks, and enhance the travel experience. Officials say that as international tourism continues to rebound post-pandemic, such systems are vital for managing growing travel volumes efficiently.
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