The European Commission has announced a proposal to increase the travel authorization fee under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to €20. This applies to non-EU nationals who are exempt from visa requirements and are visiting the EU for short stays.

The ETIAS system aims to enhance internal EU security while facilitating travel for third-country nationals. Originally established in 2018, the ETIAS regulation set the fee at €7. However, due to inflation and additional operational costs—such as new technical features integrated into the system—the Commission has proposed an updated fee of €20 per application. The authorization will remain valid for three years.

This adjustment also aligns the cost of travel authorization in the EU with similar international systems, such as the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the US's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

By revising the fee, the EU seeks consistency with comparable programs worldwide. The updated €20 fee reflects both rising economic pressures and the need to support technological advancements within ETIAS.

The proposed fee change will now undergo a two-month review period by the Council and the European Parliament, which can be renewed once. Once approved, the new fee will come into effect when ETIAS becomes operational—currently projected for the last quarter of 2026.

Certain applicants will remain exempt from this fee, including:

• Individuals under 18 or over 70 years old at the time of application

• Family members of EU citizens

• Family members of third-country nationals with the right to free movement within the EU

Once operational, ETIAS will require visa-exempt travelers to complete an online application prior to their journey. Applicants will need to provide personal information such as full name, date of birth, and passport number. Applications will be processed automatically, with most decisions delivered within minutes.