Europe to introduce New Travel Fee by 2026.

After the United States of America has introduced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee for International Visitors, the European Union (EU) has vetted raising its upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) fee from 7 to 20 euros (about $23).

This adjustment, set to take effect once ETIAS becomes operational in late 2026, marks a significant shift for visa-exempt non-EU travelers entering the European Union (EU). The fee is applicable to Non-EU nationals from visa-free countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and others. While the EU claims that the increase brings ETIAS in line with other programs like the UK ETA and the U.S. ESTA, the jump has sparked debate among frequent travelers, tour operators, and travel rights groups.

According to the new schedule announced, Before boarding a plane, ferry, or bus to any Schengen-zone country, eligible travellers must apply online. They’ll fill out a short form, listing personal details like full name, birth date, and passport number. The system then screens each applicant for security, health, and migration risks. According to the Commission, the €20 fee will help pay for new technical features, ongoing maintenance, and operational staffing. These include upgraded automation, stronger encryption, and better coordination with other EU systems such as the Entry / Exit System (EES).

The ETIAS application itself is straightforward, but what happens behind the scenes is anything but simple. Each submission gets screened against multiple EU databases, including Interpol, Europol, and the Schengen Information System.

• If red flags appear—such as a stolen passport or a known criminal link—authorities can deny entry.
• The process is fully digital and requires no trip to a consulate. Most applicants will get approved within minutes.
• Once ETIAS is launched in late 2026, it will affect over 1.4 billion travellers worldwide, according to EU estimates. This includes tourists, business visitors, and family travellers from more than 60 countries.
• With its borderless travel policy inside the Schengen zone, the EU must balance openness with safety, and ETIAS sits at that intersection.

The European Commission attributes this hefty increase to rising inflation, additional operational costs — and also to bringing it in line with other travel authorisation programs, such as ESTAs in the US (with a price tag of $21) and ETAs in the UK. Recently in April, 2025 the United Kingdom has hiked the cost of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), going from £10 to £16 (also around $21).

The adjustment of the fee will now undergo the two-month review period of the Council and the European Parliament (renewable once). It will enter into effect as soon as ETIAS is operational, which is expected for the last quarter of 2026. Applicants who are under 18 or over 70 years of age at the time of application are exempt from this fee. Also exempt are family members of EU citizens and family members of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union.

Team Maverick