ETIAS fee hike: What travelers need to know for 2026
The EU is raising the ETIAS authorization fee from €7 to €20, with full implementation expected by late 2026. Discover who is affected, exemptions, and how the new pricing impacts your Schengen travel plans.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to become a mandatory step for visa-exempt travelers visiting most Schengen States. The system, similar to the U.S. ESTA and the U.K. ETA, aims to enhance border security by pre-screening visitors before their arrival in Europe.
New ETIAS fees take effect in 2026
Due to increased operating and administrative costs, the European Commission will adjust the ETIAS fee, raising it from its current €7 to €20 once the system is fully implemented—expected in late 2026. The adjustment reflects broader inflationary pressures as well as rising costs tied to ETIAS enforcement, including investments in technology and security infrastructure. The measure will help the EU fund critical sectors such as defense and agriculture while covering the operational expenses of the ETIAS program itself.
Following final approval by EU member states and the European Parliament, the new pricing structure will apply to most travelers beginning in early 2027.
Coverage and exemptions
The ETIAS requirement applies to passport holders from more than 60 visa-exempt countries visiting the Schengen Area. Travelers must submit an online application, pay the applicable fee, and receive authorization prior to departure. Once approved, an ETIAS authorization allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and remains valid for three years (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first).
The following categories are exempt from the processing fee:
Travelers under 18 years of age
Travelers over 70 years of age
EU residents
Refugees
Diplomatic and consular staff
Note that even travelers who qualify for a fee exemption must still complete and submit an ETIAS application on the official EU portal in order to be authorized for travel.
How to apply
All ETIAS applications must be submitted exclusively through the official EU travel portal or the dedicated EU app. Required information includes personal data, passport details, and responses to security and travel-related questions. Most applications are approved within minutes; however, in rare cases the process can extend up to 30 days.
Key points | Details |
|---|---|
Fee | €20 (up from €7) |
Scheduled rollout | Late 2026 |
Applicability | Early 2027 |
Validity | 3 years or until passport expires |
Countries affected | More than 60 visa-exempt nations |
Fee-exempt categories | <18, >70, EU residents, refugees, diplomatic staff |
Processing time | Instant or up to 30 days |
Application method | 100% online |
Travelers are encouraged to stay updated on ETIAS procedures to ensure a smooth border crossing once the system becomes operational.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.