Published on
August 20, 2025
Traveling to Europe just got a bit pricier. The European Union has raised the ETIAS fee to 20 euros, swinging up from the 7-euro amount that was originally suggested. This charge now applies to U.S. citizens and 58 other nations that usually skip a full visa for short trips to the Schengen Zone. ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, helps border guards do a quick security check before you arrive, but that service now costs you more up front. If you’re gearing up for a weekend in Paris or a weeks-long romp through Italy, tacking on an extra 13 euros pushes your trip’s grand total higher. Below, we break down why the fee has jumped and how the change affects your European getaway in the months ahead.
Why the ETIAS Price is Climbing
Originally, ETIAS was supposed to cost just 7 euros—around $8. But the fee has jumped to 20 euros, or roughly $23. That’s more than a two- and-a-half-time increase. The extra charge will hit travelers from the U.S. and 58 other countries that can still visit Schengen Area countries for short stays of 90 days or less without needing a visa, and that means one more expense to factor in before you click to book that low fare.
What Is ETIAS and Who Will Need It?
ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, is a new online security check for people traveling to the Schengen Area without a visa. If you hold a passport from the U.S. or one of the 58 other visa-exempt countries, you will have to fill out an ETIAS application before you board your flight to Europe.
The goal of ETIAS is to make Europe safer. Before you travel, the system gathers a small amount of information to make sure no one who might pose a security threat is allowed to enter. The idea is that by spotting problems as early as possible, European countries can keep their borders strong and their citizens and visitors safer.
The ETIAS Application Process
Getting your ETIAS approval is quick and simple. You’ll apply online and provide some basic information, including your name, passport number, travel dates, and where you work. After you send in the application, most people get a “yes” or “no” in about the same day. However, it might take up to 96 hours or, in rare situations, 30 days if officials need more information or even an interview. The small amount of time it takes is a small price for a safer and smoother trip to Europe.
A Three-Year Validity Period
One of the best parts of ETIAS is that approval lasts for up to three years—or until your passport runs out. Because your authorization is good for that entire period, you can visit Europe as often as you like without stopping to apply each time. It makes planning your next European adventure a lot smoother.
How the Fee Increase Affects Travel Plans
Yes, the ETIAS fee is going up, and that means a tiny bump in your budget. The good news is that the extra cost is small when you stack it next to airfare or hotel bills, and the fact that one approval covers all your trips for three years helps balance the change. The fee hike lets the EU keep its promise to boost security while still letting U.S., Canadian, and other visa-exempt travelers enjoy quick and easy passage into Europe.
Planning Your European Adventure
Thinking about a trip to Europe? Don’t forget to include the new 20-euro ETIAS fee when you set your budget. It may seem like just another step, but the ETIAS lets you get approval for several trips, saving time and hassle later. Once the system is up and running, you’ll breeze through the Schengen Area borders with less risk and less wait.
