By: Stuart Kerr, Travel Correspondent
Published: 05/08/2025 · Updated: 05/08/2025
Contact: editorial@holidaymate.com | About the Author
Europe’s New Entry Fee: What Travellers Need to Know
By the summer of 2026, holidaymakers from the UK and US will face a new requirement when travelling to Europe: a €20 pre-authorisation fee under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This system, though not a visa, is a form of digital pre-screening designed to strengthen security across the Schengen Area without restricting freedom of movement for tourists.
Initially announced in 2018 with a proposed fee of just €7, the European Commission revised the amount to €20 in July 2025. The fee will apply to travellers aged between 18 and 70 and will be valid for three years or until the applicant’s passport expires—whichever comes first. The updated pricing reflects the rising costs of implementing the system’s IT infrastructure and supporting operations across the EU.
“[ETIAS is] a much-needed tool to strengthen EU internal security without disrupting travel,” said a European Commission spokesperson.
— European Commission Press Release, July 2025
ETIAS has been compared to similar systems like the US ESTA and Canada’s eTA. Its purpose is to identify potential threats before travellers board their flights to Europe. Applicants will be asked to submit an online form including personal details, travel plans, and a short security questionnaire. This information is cross-referenced with databases such as Europol and Interpol. Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes, but in cases where additional checks are needed, approval could take up to four days.
Travellers from over 60 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, will be required to apply. The authorisation grants permission to travel within the Schengen zone for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Despite the fee, children under 18 and adults over 70 will still need to obtain an ETIAS but won’t have to pay for it.
The European Commission has indicated that the fee structure will support both the technological and administrative costs of running the system. It will also contribute to maintaining a uniform screening process across all participating countries. The increased fee has drawn mixed reactions. While many recognise the value of a secure, streamlined border system, others—particularly budget travellers—have expressed concern that the cost may discourage short-stay tourism.
According to official EU guidance, applying will be straightforward. A dedicated website and mobile app are in the final stages of development and expected to launch in early 2026. Travellers will be advised to apply at least 72 hours before departure to avoid last-minute issues.
Full details on the application process are outlined by the European Commission, and updated timelines are expected to be posted in the coming months.
UK travellers will be particularly affected, as ETIAS adds a layer of bureaucracy that did not exist before Brexit. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, its citizens are treated as third-country nationals and must now meet additional entry criteria. The implications are outlined clearly in the UK House of Commons Library Briefing, which provides guidance on new border rules.
This move has also prompted questions about reciprocity. Will the UK or US introduce similar charges in response? So far, there’s no indication of that. However, the discussion has drawn attention to the growing trend of digital travel authorisations worldwide and the costs that come with them.
ETIAS does not cover long-term stays, work, or study. Those visiting Europe for these purposes must still apply for national visas via embassies or consulates. Moreover, there are no refunds if an application is denied, and a new authorisation is required if a passport expires before the three-year ETIAS validity ends.
For frequent travellers, the cost may prove to be a minor inconvenience. At under €7 per year for most applicants, the system remains competitively priced compared to full visa requirements in other countries. Nonetheless, for those planning just a single weekend getaway or short holiday, it’s another item—and cost—on the growing list of post-Brexit travel logistics.
A more comprehensive breakdown of how the €20 figure was determined can be found in the ETIAS Factsheet PDF.
As the 2026 rollout draws closer, holidaymakers are advised to stay informed and bookmark the official EU application site. Although the system is designed to be user-friendly, early preparation will be key—especially during peak travel periods.
About the Author
Stuart Kerr writes about travel, tourism, and mobility across Europe for Holidaymate.com. You can reach him at editorial@holidaymate.com. Read more of his work here.
