Planning a European getaway soon? You might want to double-check your budget—not for the gelato or gondola rides, but for something a little less exciting: ETIAS, the EU’s upcoming e-travel authorization system.

Originally pitched as a light €7 add-on, the ETIAS fee is now jumping to €20, and travelers aren’t exactly thrilled. If this is your first time hearing about ETIAS, don’t worry—you’re not alone. It’s been delayed more times than a Ryanair flight during a storm, but it’s finally on track to roll out at the end of 2026.

So what is ETIAS, why is it now more expensive, and what does it mean for your travel plans? Let’s break it all down—no jargon, just the facts (and a little friendly banter).

Why the Sudden Surge?

• Inflation & delays
  The original €7 fee dates back to 2018. In the years since, inflation has pushed everything up—including tech, infrastructure, and admin costs. Rolling out EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS later than planned increased the budget, and it all trickles down to your wallet.
• New bells and whistles
  This isn’t just a simple online form anymore. The system now includes extra security features and cross-system compatibility (EES, SIS, INTERPOL checks) that cost more to build and maintain.
• Keeping pace globally
  The EU wants ETIAS to match the fees of systems like the U.S. ESTA (around $21) and the UK ETA (about £16 or €19). So €20 isn’t just covering costs—it’s aligning with a global standard.

Who Actually Foots the Bill?

• If you’re between 18 and 70 years old, you’ll pay €20 per application, which lasts for up to three years (or till your passport expires).
• Exemptions? Yes, indeed! Under 18? Over 70? Related to an EU citizen? You’ll get to skip the fee.
• Schengen residents, visa holders, refugees, diplomats—you’re also off the hook.

Timeline: When This Kicks In

• The EES, where fingerprint and photo scans become routine, starts rolling out mid-October 2025, finishing by April 2026.
• ETIAS, with its €20 sticker shock, is slated to launch in the last quarter of 2026—October to December 2026 is the latest window.
• After that, there’ll be a transition period—getting everyone onboard before enforcing it strictly.

So What Does This Mean for You?

1. Budget early
   Instead of allocating €7, plan for €20—still small change compared to flights and hotels, but definitely worth noting.
2. Get savvy with exemptions
   Travelling with kids under 18, grandparents over 70, or EU family members? You might just escape the fee. Always double‑check—especially when traveling with mixed-age groups or extended families.
3. Watch your passport expiry
   ETIAS is tied to your passport. If it expires in two years, you’ll only get a two‑year ETIAS. Every time you renew your passport, you’ll need a new ETIAS.
4. Beware of scams
   Fake websites are already popping up, charging extra or collecting your personal info. Stick to the official EU portal (travel‑europe dot europa dot eu) to get your ETIAS safely.

Your Big Picture Takeaway

Yes, the price tag went up. But it’s not random—it reflects the real cost of a delayed, beefed‑up system, aligned with similar schemes in the U.S. and UK, and designed to keep everyone safer.

For most travelers, €20 once every three years is still a reasonable price for smoother border processing, quicker online clearance, and the peace of mind that comes with ESS-backed security.

So Is €20 Really That Bad?

Let’s be honest—no one likes surprise fees, especially when they quietly triple before the system even launches. But in the bigger picture, €20 spread over three years of travel isn’t a dealbreaker for most. It’s roughly the cost of airport snacks or a checked bag fee.

What matters more is knowing it’s coming and planning for it. For frequent travelers, it’s still less hassle than applying for individual visas. For occasional tourists, it’s one more thing to tick off the pre-trip checklist. And for families or older travelers—there’s a good chance you’re exempt altogether.

The key takeaway? It’s not ideal, but it’s manageable.

Final Thoughts

• ETIAS is happening, rolling out late 2026, with a €20 fee.
• Designed for a smoother, more secure travel experience.
• Exemptions ease the load for families and senior travelers.
• Just be smart—use the official site and budget accordingly.