EU Plans Higher ETIAS Entry Fee for Visa-Free Visitors

The European Commission has proposed a significant increase to the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization fee, raising it from €7 to €20 for travelers who can enter Europe without a visa for short stays. If approved, the change would affect visitors heading to 30 European countries, including most EU member states as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Photo by Corentin Detry on Pexels

What Would Change

ETIAS is intended for nationals of visa-exempt countries who plan to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Under the proposal, the authorization process would remain in place, but the cost would be substantially higher than originally planned. Existing exemptions for applicants under 18 and over 70 are expected to remain.

Why the Fee May Increase

The Commission is positioning the higher fee as part of a broader effort to strengthen EU-level revenue. According to the proposal, the increase could generate roughly €300 million per year and would feed into the EU budget as part of a wider financing strategy for the 2028-2034 period.

What Travelers Should Watch

The higher fee is not in force yet. The proposal still requires approval from the Council and the European Parliament, while ETIAS itself is expected to start operating in the last quarter of 2026. For travelers, the practical takeaway is clear: follow official rollout updates, confirm eligibility rules, and prepare for higher entry-related costs when planning future trips to Europe.