Europe Prepares $23 Entry Fee Hike for Visitors

Travelers face increased costs as new authorization system rolls out

Planned changes to European travel authorization are set to significantly increase the entry fee for visitors. The updated system, known as ETIAS, will require a new online permit for many nationalities, with costs expected to rise before the system even launches.

ETIAS Fee Set to Triple

The European Commission has announced that the fee for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is projected to triple. This proposed increase will affect travelers from countries currently exempt from visa requirements, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Originally slated for implementation earlier, the ETIAS system is now anticipated to begin in late 2025. The authorization will cost approximately twenty-one dollars and eighty cents ($21.80) per traveler. This fee is intended to cover the operational costs of the new electronic travel authorization program.

Industry Critiques Fee Increase

The travel sector has voiced strong opposition to the proposed price hike. Representatives from the industry have described the increase as “disproportionate” and are concerned about its potential impact on tourism. Critics argue that the substantial rise in cost could deter visitors.

This new requirement is part of a broader effort by the EU to enhance security and streamline border management. The ETIAS will collect essential information from travelers, helping to identify potential security risks before they arrive in the Schengen Area.

The implementation timeline has faced several delays, with the initial launch dates being pushed back. The current estimate places the start of ETIAS operations in late 2025, though this remains subject to final approvals and technical readiness.

In a related development, the number of visa-free travelers entering the Schengen Area has seen a steady increase. In 2023, over 50 million people benefited from visa-free travel within the Schengen zone, highlighting the importance of accessible entry protocols for global tourism. The upcoming ETIAS changes will impact a significant portion of these travelers.