ETIAS Visa Fee Hike to €20 Hits UK Travellers to EU from Late 2026
British holidaymakers planning trips to popular European destinations like Spain, France, and Portugal are facing a substantial financial setback. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will become compulsory for UK citizens travelling to 30 European nations in the final quarter of 2026, with the application fee now set at €20, nearly triple the original projected cost.
Mandatory Travel Authorisation for EU Visits
The ETIAS system requires British travellers and those from 58 other visa-exempt countries to obtain online travel authorisation before entering EU member states. This means Britons heading to destinations such as the Costas or Dordogne must secure an ETIAS prior to departure, with all travellers needing to complete a digital application.
While most applications are processed within minutes, those requiring additional scrutiny could take up to 30 days for clearance. Travel experts advise arranging this immediately after booking a holiday to avoid delays.
Fee Increase and Exemptions
When initially unveiled in 2018, the ETIAS fee was projected to be €7, slightly over £6. However, it was revealed late last year that the actual charge will be €20, approximately £17.37. The European Commission explains this increase accounts for inflation since 2018 and additional operational costs related to new technical features integrated into the system.
The fee aligns with similar travel authorisation programmes globally, according to official statements. Travellers aged 18-70 will face the payment, while children and those over 70 are exempt. For a couple travelling together, this introduces an additional €40 expense to holiday budgets.
Validity and Integration with EES
Once granted, an ETIAS remains valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first, and permits multiple journeys. British travellers to the EU have also recently been required to use the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at airports, which replaces manual passport stamping with photographs and fingerprints for entry into the Schengen area.
The EES aims to enhance security and identify overstayers, potentially reducing queues for non-EU citizens once fully operational. However, technological problems have caused delays, with reports of three-hour waits in locations like Tenerife. Unlike ETIAS, British citizens don't need to pre-register for EES, but can use the official Travel to Europe app to potentially speed up the process.
Implementation Timeline and Advice
As of now, there is no confirmed launch date for ETIAS, but the European Commission has stated it will disclose the date several months in advance to allow travellers and airports time to prepare. Currently, Brits are not required to pay for an ETIAS, and once operational, applications should only be made via the official ETIAS website to avoid scams.
This development marks a significant change for UK holidaymakers, adding both cost and administrative steps to European travel plans from late 2026 onwards.
