ETIAS Fee Set at €20 as EU Prepares for 2026 Rollout
September 20, 2025 – The European Commission has officially set the application fee for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) at €20, significantly increasing it from the initially proposed €7. The fee will be charged to most visa-exempt travellers entering 30 European countries — but only once ETIAS becomes operational, which is currently scheduled for the last quarter of 2026.
The announcement came from Brussels on July 17, 2025, and marks a key step in the EU’s broader effort to modernize its border management systems. The Commission said the increase reflects higher operational costs, technical upgrades, and inflation since the original regulation was adopted in 2018.
Who Will Pay the ETIAS Fee?
The €20 fee will apply to most non-EU citizens who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. However, exemptions include:
- Travellers under 18 or aged 70 and above
- Certain family members of EU citizens
- Non-EU nationals with free-movement rights
Once granted, the ETIAS authorisation will be valid for three years, or until the traveller's passport expires — whichever comes first.
When Does the Fee Take Effect?
The fee will only be enforced once ETIAS officially launches, which EU officials say will be in Q4 of 2026. Until then, travellers are not required to apply or pay any ETIAS-related fees.
Before ETIAS goes live, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) — a separate digital border-tracking initiative — is set to begin on October 12, 2025. EES will register border crossings of short-stay travellers, helping to enforce overstay rules and improve border security.
Why the Increase from €7 to €20?
The Commission stated that the original €7 fee was based on 2018 estimates. Since then, expanded ETIAS features, increased system demands, and inflation have made a higher fee necessary. Officials also emphasized the need to align with comparable travel authorisation schemes in countries like the United States and Canada.
How to Apply for ETIAS
Travellers will be able to submit their ETIAS application through the official website or mobile app once the system goes live. While it's possible to use third-party service providers, travellers should be cautious of additional service fees, ensuring they only pay the official EU-set charge unless they explicitly opt into extra services.
Not a Visa, But Mandatory
Editor's Note: ETIAS is not a visa, but a mandatory pre-travel screening for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Although an approved ETIAS authorisation allows travel to the EU, it does not guarantee entry. Final admission decisions will still be made by border officers upon arrival.
Source: European Commission – ETIAS Fee Announcement
