The European Commission proposed an increase in admission fees for Visa-exempt travelers from 7 euros ($8) to 20 euros ($23). This is expected to begin with ETIAS approvals in the second half of 2026.
Some travelers may need to pay more to enter part of Europe in 2026.
The price of travel approvals under the European Travel Information and Approval System is almost tripled, according to a European Commission’s announcement from Friday.
The system known as Etias has not yet been implemented. The approval adopted in 2018 has been postponed several times and is expected to come into effect in the fourth quarter of 2026.
According to the announcement, a proposal has been made to raise the fee to 20 euros ($23) to 7 euros ($8).
According to the announcement, inflation and additional operating costs were the reasons for the price hike.
According to the European Commission, the new rates conclude with prices for other travel approvals, such as the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the US electronic system for travel approvals known as the ESTA.
Currently, the ETA costs £16 ($21.70) and the ESTA costs £21.
Who must pay for it?
Etias’ travel approval applies to visa-free travelers who wish to visit 30 European countries for a maximum of 90 days in 180 days. Some travelers are exempt from fees that include those under the age of 18 or over 70, as well as families of European Union citizens.
Travelers from 59 locations must obtain ETIAS permits, including those from Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the US and the UK.
According to the announcement, the proposed adjustments will be subject to a two-month review period by the Council of Europe and Parliament.
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