EU hikes travel permit fee to 20 euros

European Union Raises ETIAS Travel Permit Fee to 20 €

Brussels has proposed raising the cost of the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) from the originally planned 7 € to 20 € when the system finally goes live later this year.

Background

• ETIAS, introduced in 2018, will be required for citizens of visa‑exempt countries such as Canada, Britain and the United States to enter the EU’s 27 member states, plus Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
• The permit is valid for three years and exempt fees for travellers under 18 or over 70.
• Britain’s ETA and the U.S. ESTA charge 16 £ ($21) and $21 respectively.

Reason for the Increase

The commission said the hike reflects inflation and higher operational costs. It will also align the ETIAS fee with comparable authorisation programmes.

Implementation Delays

Implementation has been delayed, because the system was expected to run hand‑in‑hand with a new automated border check system. The new fee will enter into effect once ETIAS becomes operational, now expected for the last quarter of 2026.

Policy Context

The commission has also proposed a two‑trillion‑euro long‑term budget for 2028‑2034, which will raise about 58 billion € a year through measures such as a carbon border tax and a electronic waste levy. Some EU countries are uneasy that they will bear most of the extra cost.