ETIAS Visa Fee Triples for UK Travellers to Europe, Causing Holiday Budget Shock
British holidaymakers are facing a substantial financial setback as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to become mandatory for travel to 30 European countries in the last quarter of 2026. After numerous delays, the system is expected to be operational by the end of this year, but many travellers have been caught off guard by a fee increase that has nearly tripled from the original announcement.
What is ETIAS and Who Needs It?
The ETIAS is a travel authorisation required for citizens of the United Kingdom and 58 other visa-exempt countries when visiting EU nations such as France, Spain, and Portugal. This means that Brits planning trips to popular destinations like the Costas or Dordogne will need to complete an online application before departure. While most approvals are projected to take only minutes, some applications may require additional checks, leading to potential waits of up to 30 days. Therefore, it is advisable to apply as soon as a holiday is booked to avoid any last-minute complications.
Fee Hike Details and Exemptions
The most contentious aspect of the ETIAS rollout is the application fee. Initially announced in 2018 at €7 (approximately £6), the cost has now been set at €20 (about £17.37), representing an increase of almost three times the original amount. This fee applies to travellers aged 18 to 70, with exemptions for children and seniors over 70. For a couple travelling together, this adds an extra €40 to their holiday expenses, a significant consideration for budget-conscious families.
The European Commission has justified the hike, stating: "ETIAS fee has been set at EUR 20 instead of the previous EUR 7. The new fee takes into account the rise in inflation since 2018 and additional operational costs related to new technical features integrated into the system. It also brings the cost for an ETIAS travel authorisation in line with similar travel authorisation programmes around the globe."
Validity and Integration with Other Systems
Once approved, an ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and can be used for multiple trips within that period. This system is part of broader EU efforts to enhance security and streamline border controls. In recent months, Brits travelling to the EU have also encountered the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces manual passport stamping with biometric data collection, including photos and fingerprints upon entry to the Schengen area.
The EES aims to improve security by identifying overstayers more efficiently and, once fully implemented, is expected to reduce queues for non-EU citizens like Brits. However, technological issues have led to reported delays, such as three-hour waits in Tenerife. Unlike ETIAS, advance registration for EES is not mandatory, but travellers can use the official Travel to Europe app to pre-register details, potentially speeding up the process.
Current Status and Recommendations
As of now, there is no official start date for ETIAS, but the European Commission has promised to announce it several months in advance to allow adequate preparation time for travellers and airports. Brits are reminded that they do not currently need to pay for an ETIAS and should only use the official ETIAS website for applications once the system launches to avoid scams or misinformation.
