British tourists planning trips to Europe are set to encounter a significant new financial hurdle, with the introduction of a mandatory entry charge that has nearly tripled in price from initial estimates. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, commonly known as ETIAS, will now require a payment of approximately £17 (€20) per person, a stark rise from the originally projected fee of around £6 (€7).
Substantial Cost Increase for European Getaways
The European Union has confirmed that the ETIAS visa-waiver scheme is scheduled to launch between October and December 2026. This system applies to visa-exempt nationals, including British citizens, travelling to thirty participating European nations. While the scheme was initially anticipated to cost a modest €7, recent updates from official EU sources indicate the fee has been set at €20, representing a near threefold increase that will directly impact UK holiday budgets.
How the ETIAS System Will Operate
The authorisation will be valid for up to three years or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever occurs first. British nationals will need to obtain ETIAS approval for short-term stays within the Schengen area, which permits visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The application process will be conducted online, requiring payment of the €20 fee before travel commences.
Exemptions from the New Charge
Certain traveller categories will be exempt from the ETIAS requirement and associated fee. These exemptions include:
- Travellers under 18 years of age
- Individuals over 70 years old
- Family members of EU citizens
- Family members of non-EU nationals who possess the right to move freely throughout the European Union
Complete List of Affected European Countries
The thirty European nations where British tourists will require ETIAS authorisation include popular holiday destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. The full comprehensive list comprises:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Consumer organisation Which? has highlighted the financial impact, noting that "British travellers will need a £17 visa-waiver to visit most EU countries from 2026" and emphasising that this represents "nearly triple what was originally outlined by the European Commission." The implementation timeline indicates that holidaymakers planning European trips for late 2026 and beyond should factor this additional cost into their travel budgets, alongside ensuring they complete the online authorisation process before departure.
