Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein And More Hit With New Twenty Euros EU Travel Permit Fee As Europe Implements Bold ETIAS Overhaul For Visa-Exempt Travelers

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Travelers from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and other visa-exempt countries will soon face a new €20 entry fee when visiting Europe, as the European Union prepares to roll out a revamped ETIAS travel permit system. This significant update—nearly tripling the originally planned cost—is part of the EU’s broader effort to strengthen border security, modernize travel screening, and generate revenue to support long-term budget goals. The new fee reflects rising administrative costs, inflation, and the need to finance key EU priorities such as migration management, defense, and digital border infrastructure ahead of the system’s expected launch in late 2026.

A newly proposed update suggests that the fee for obtaining a digital travel authorization to enter the European Union will be set at €20 (approximately USD 23), nearly three times higher than the originally planned amount. This proposal, released on Friday, now awaits approval from both the European Parliament and the EU member states, who have a two-month window to review it. If confirmed, the updated fee will be implemented once the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) officially launches, currently projected for the final quarter of 2026.

The cost of the upcoming digital travel authorization required for visa-exempt travelers entering the European Union is now proposed to be set at €20 (approximately USD 23), a significant increase from the originally intended fee. This proposed adjustment to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which has yet to be launched, aims to enhance funding for various EU priorities, including sectors such as agriculture and defense.

The revised fee accounts for rising inflation and higher-than-expected administrative and operational expenses associated with the system’s implementation.

Introduced in 2018, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) was initially designed with a proposed fee of just €7. However, recent updates suggest that travelers may now have to pay €20 (approximately USD 23) to obtain this digital entry permit. This aligns with global practices, including the United Kingdom’s ETA at £16 (around USD 21) and the United States’ ESTA, which carries the same USD 21 fee.

The ETIAS authorization will be mandatory for entry into all 27 European Union countries—excluding Ireland—as well as for Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Travelers from nations that currently enjoy visa-free access for short stays—such as citizens of Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States—will be required to obtain this permit before arrival. Valid for three years, the permit offers multiple entries during its validity period. Individuals under the age of 18 and those over 70 will not be required to pay the fee.

The system aims to strengthen border management by identifying potential security threats, monitoring irregular migration patterns, and streamlining entry procedures for law-abiding travelers. Despite being envisioned as part of a broader digital border control upgrade, ETIAS has faced repeated delays due to the complexity of integrating it with a new automated border screening system.

The updated €20 fee is currently under review by EU institutions and member countries, who have a two-month period to evaluate and approve the proposal. Once accepted, the new fee will take effect when ETIAS officially launches, which is now projected for the final quarter of 2026.

The revision in cost reflects not only inflationary pressures but also rising operational expenses associated with the implementation and management of the system. The proposed change coincides with broader financial planning efforts within the EU, including a newly proposed multi-year budget totaling two trillion euros for the 2028–2034 period. This ambitious financial plan has already sparked discussions among member nations regarding funding responsibilities and future priorities.

As outlined in a draft financial strategy still under negotiation, plans are underway to generate approximately €58 billion annually through direct revenue sources. These would include mechanisms such as a carbon border adjustment tax and a new charge on electronic waste, aimed at reinforcing the bloc’s funding for future priorities.