EU increases ETIAS fee to €20 from 2026

On 17 July 2025, the European Commission officially announced that the cost of obtaining a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will rise to €20. The new fee will apply to eligible travelers from visa-exempt countries—including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and others—when the system becomes operational in 2026.

This replaces the previously stated €7 fee established under Regulation (EU) 2018/1240. The Commission has stated the price increase reflects adjustments for inflation and administrative costs since the regulation was adopted.

Who is affected?

• Travelers aged 18 to 70 from visa-exempt countries will be required to pay the new €20 fee.
• Exemptions remain in place for travelers under 18, over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens.

Once approved, an ETIAS authorization will remain valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

What this means for travel programs.

While the change does not affect the structure or requirements of the ETIAS process, travel and mobility teams should be aware of the updated fee to:

• Ensure travelers are informed of the cost when applying for ETIAS.
• Maintain up-to-date travel documentation processes.
• Integrate the new pricing into pre-trip communications and approvals as needed.

Implementation timeline.

The European Commission has not yet confirmed the exact launch date for ETIAS. However, the fee adjustment is aligned with ongoing preparations to bring the system online in 2026.

CIBTvisas will continue monitoring developments and will provide further updates as operational timelines and guidance become available.

For organizations seeking clarity on European travel authorization or preparing for ETIAS implementation, CIBTvisas offers up-to-date support and expert guidance across all stages of corporate travel planning. Contact us today.

This update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to CIBTvisas for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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