New €20 Fee for Visa-Free Travel to Europe Coming in 2026

Charlie ETIAS Immigration updates 21 July 2025 | Updated On July 24, 2025 | 0

Travelling to Europe is about to get a bit more expensive for many visitors. The European Commission has proposed raising the cost of the ETIAS travel authorisation from €7 to €20, and it’s expected to kick in when the system becomes fully operational in late 2026.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new online system that non-EU citizens from visa-free countries such as the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others—will need to use before entering the Schengen Area.

Think of it like Europe’s version of the US ESTA or the UK’s ETA. This is a quick online form that screens travellers for security or health risks before they arrive.

Why is the fee going up?

The EU says the new €20 fee will help cover rising costs, system upgrades, and extra staff needed to keep the process running smoothly. They also want to align the pricing with similar systems in other countries.

While the goal is better border security, the increase has raised concerns among frequent travellers, families, and travel companies—especially since the cost nearly triples from what was originally planned.

Not everyone will be charged the fee. The following groups are exempt:

Children under 18
Adults over 70
Certain family members of EU citizens
Non-EU residents with “free movement rights” in the EU

For most others, this will mean extra planning—and budgeting. For example, a family of four from the US will now pay €80 instead of €28.

The new fee isn’t law yet. The European Parliament and EU Council have two months to review the proposal. They could suggest changes or ask for more time, but if all goes as expected, the new fee will roll out with the full launch of ETIAS by late 2026.

🆕 Planning to visit Europe? From the end of 2026, non-EU travellers will need #ETIAS, the new European Travel Authorisation:

✈️ to enter 30 countries.
💶 new fee: 20€

Quick online application, instant response, and exemptions for under-18s/over-70s. More details ↓
— EU Home Affairs (@EUHomeAffairs) July 21, 2025

How Does ETIAS Work?

ETIAS application is all done online. Travellers fill out a short form with basic info like name, birth date, and passport number. The system then checks that data against several security databases (including Interpol and Europol) to spot any red flags—like stolen passports or known criminal activity.

Most applications will be approved in minutes, and there's no need to visit a consulate.

So if you’re planning a European trip in the future, make sure to check your ETIAS requirements—and budget for the new fee.

Will the increased cost make you reconsider your European travel plans? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

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And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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About
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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.