Like the United States, the United Kingdom, and an increasing number of countries worldwide, the European Union has also planned an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS) for all foreign visitors who are visa-exempt for entering its territory. Originally priced at €7 ($7.60), while its implementation was only scheduled for next year, the document will ultimately cost €20 ($21.70) for each applicant.
Service Launch End of 2026
It’s at the end of 2026 that ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System) will become mandatory for all those who are visa-exempt. The European Commission has set the fee at €20 ($21.70) – an increase aimed at covering processing costs and aligning with the prices of similar authorizations required in other countries.
Indeed, the UK authorization currently costs the equivalent of €19 ($20.60), Kenya costs around €30 ($32.60), €35 ($38) for Nepal, or €45 ($48.80) for Sri Lanka, and the American ESTA will cost $40 next year compared to $21 currently. So ultimately, nothing particularly excessive about the future European ETIAS price. Apart from Canada’s eTA at CAD $7 (roughly €6 or $6.50), you can’t really say the others are cheaper. Even so, as usual, this increase remains criticized, particularly in the tourism industry.
Who Will Be Affected by ETIAS?
ETIAS will affect citizens of around sixty non-European countries (including Canadians), plus those from the United Kingdom, who currently benefit from short-stay visa exemption to travel to the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This authorization will be valid for three years, or until passport expiration, for multiple entries. Note that some travelers will nevertheless be exempt from payment if they are minors or over 70 years old, or if they are family members of a European citizen.
In practice, ETIAS must be requested online prior to travel via a simple form. The travel authorization will then normally be issued within a maximum of 96 hours from the application date.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
