Quote from Alex bobby on July 21, 2025, 7:41 AM

EU Proposes Tripling Entry Fee for Visa-Exempt Travellers Under ETIAS System

The European Commission is preparing to significantly raise the cost of short-term travel to Europe for millions of non-EU visitors. Under a new proposal unveiled as part of the EU’s long-term budget planning, the fee for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) — required for visa-exempt travellers — could triple from €7 to €20.

The move is designed to boost the EU’s so-called "own resources" — revenues collected directly at the EU level — as part of its 2028–2034 Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF). While the proposal is still subject to approval by the European Parliament and the Council, it does not require unanimous consent from all member states, making its passage far more likely.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS, short for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is the EU’s upcoming digital travel permit system designed for nationals of visa-exempt countries visiting the bloc for short stays. ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026, and will apply to 30 European countries — all EU member states except Ireland, plus four Schengen-associated countries: Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Under the current system, citizens of countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, and Australia do not require a visa to travel to Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, they will be required to obtain ETIAS authorisation before travel once the system becomes operational.

The ETIAS permit is valid for three years (or until the passport expires) and is intended to strengthen security, monitor arrivals, and track overstays without imposing the full burden of a visa regime.

From €7 to €20: Why the Increase?

The current ETIAS fee is set at €7 — a relatively modest cost compared to traditional visa application fees. It applies only to travellers aged 18 to 70, with those younger or older exempt from payment.

However, under the new proposal, the Commission plans to raise the fee to €20, a nearly 200% increase, with the stated goal of generating more revenue to contribute to the EU’s long-term budget. The increase is expected to raise an additional €300 million per year, making it a significant new income stream under the EU’s “own resources” framework.

The Commission argues that this adjustment is necessary to meet the growing financial needs of the bloc while ensuring that users of EU systems contribute more fairly to their maintenance and development. With the rising costs of border control technologies, cybersecurity, and administrative systems like ETIAS, officials say the new fee better reflects the actual costs of operation and oversight.

Budget Tensions and Broader Financial Strategy

The proposed fee hike is part of the broader Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU’s comprehensive budget plan for 2028–2034. The Commission is currently seeking new sources of revenue to make the budget more self-sufficient and less reliant on national contributions from member states.

In addition to the ETIAS fee hike, five other “own resources” proposals have been submitted, including levies on digital platforms, emissions, and financial transactions. These are more complex and politically contentious than the ETIAS fee, which is relatively straightforward to implement and unlikely to face stiff opposition.

Unlike traditional EU taxes, the ETIAS fee increase does not require unanimous approval — only a qualified majority in the Council and agreement from the European Parliament. This makes it a politically feasible target as the EU looks to shore up funding in a shifting geopolitical and economic landscape.

Impact on Travellers

For travellers from countries like the UK, US, and Canada, the proposed increase may come as a surprise, especially as the ETIAS system itself has yet to launch. Critics argue that tripling the fee may discourage tourism or create additional friction for travellers who had grown accustomed to frictionless access to the EU.

However, supporters of the measure note that the cost is still significantly lower than most visa fees worldwide, including the US’s own ESTA system (currently priced at $21). They also stress that the fee applies to a multi-year authorisation, rather than per-entry, and includes access to a large and diverse travel region.

The European Commission has not yet indicated whether exemptions for those under 18 or over 70 will remain in place under the new pricing structure, although early signs suggest they will be preserved.

Political and Public Reaction

So far, the response to the proposal within EU institutions has been muted. The increase is viewed as a practical step toward more sustainable EU financing, particularly given the expected popularity and reach of the ETIAS system once it comes online.

Some lawmakers and civil society groups have raised concerns about potential double standards — that is, charging citizens of friendly nations such as the US or UK while maintaining reciprocal visa-free arrangements. However, ETIAS is positioned as a security and data-driven tool, not a visa in the traditional sense, and the fee is justified by its operational costs.

Final Thought

The proposed ETIAS fee increase marks more than just a price adjustment — it signals the European Union’s shift toward greater financial independence and tighter control over its external borders. While the jump from €7 to €20 may spark criticism from frequent travellers and tourism-dependent industries, the EU views this as a practical step toward funding its long-term priorities. As Europe balances security, budgetary needs, and global mobility, travellers should prepare for a future where convenience comes at a slightly higher cost — and where digital authorisation becomes the new norm for entry.

Conclusion

As the EU prepares for a new era of digital border management and tighter financial self-reliance, the proposed ETIAS fee hike is a clear signal of things to come. While €20 may not break the bank for most travellers, the increase reflects broader shifts in how the EU approaches mobility, security, and fiscal sustainability. With implementation expected by 2026, travellers and travel industry stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how the plan unfolds — and how it reshapes the future of travel to Europe.

Meta Description:
The EU proposes raising the ETIAS fee from €7 to €20 for visa-exempt travellers by 2026, aiming to boost its budget through new own-resource revenues.