Increased cost for non-EU travelers entering the EU under the new ETIAS regulations
News Article: Increased ETIAS Fee for Non-EU Travelers to Europe
The European Commission has announced an increase in the fee for non-EU travelers arriving in the European Union under the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The cost for applying for ETIAS for non-EU travelers aged 18 to 70 is currently set at €20 (about $23 USD or £17 GBP), which is a recent increase from the originally planned €7 fee.
Travelers under 18 or over 70 years old are exempt from paying this fee.
The application process is entirely online and typically takes around 10 minutes to complete through the official ETIAS website or mobile app approved by the European Commission. Applicants will need the following:
- Personal data (name, date of birth, nationality)
- Passport details (number, issuing country, expiry date)
- Travel plans (first intended EU country destination, dates, internal travel)
- Background questions about security, criminal record, health, and past travel history
- Payment card for the application fee (except exempt age groups)
After submission, the application is automatically checked against various security and immigration databases. Most applicants receive approval quickly, usually within minutes, but in rare cases, processing can take up to 30 days.
If approved, the ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. This authorization is mandatory for visa-exempt travelers to enter 30 European countries, including all EU and Schengen states covered by ETIAS.
The raised fee is intended to cover operational costs, all functionalities, and inflation rates, and align the EU fee with those of other countries with similar travel authorization programs. The ETIAS is being implemented to enhance security within the European Union and facilitate visa-exempt travel for non-EU nationals.
The application process is scheduled to commence operation at the end of 2026, and the raised fee is expected to enter into effect as soon as ETIAS is operational.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Fee | €20 for ages 18-70; free for under 18 or over 70 | | Application method | Online form via official ETIAS website or app | | Required documents | Passport/travel document, payment card, personal details | | Application time | About 10 minutes | | Approval time | Most get instant/quick approval; up to 30 days possible | | Validity | 3 years or until passport expiration | | Countries covered | 30 countries in Europe, including EU/Schengen states |
This applies to visa-exempt non-EU travelers to Europe once ETIAS becomes mandatory in the last quarter of 2026.
Note: The fee increase from €7 to €20 took effect in mid-2025 to reflect inflation and administrative costs.
- The increased ETIAS fee for non-EU travelers aged 18 to 70 is a reflection of the operational costs, all functionalities, and inflation rates, aligning it with the fees of other countries with similar travel authorization programs.
- An eco-trip or tour to European countries could become costlier for travelers aged 18 to 70, as the European Commission has announced an increase in the ETIAS fee for visa-exempt non-EU travelers visiting Europe.
- The finance implications of the tourism industry might experience a shift due to the increased ETIAS fee for non-EU travelers, affecting the overall lifestyle and travel choices of tourists looking to explore the European continent.
