British holidaymakers heading to Europe will soon face a much steeper cost for travel authorisation, as the EU prepares to raise the price of the upcoming ETIAS scheme from €7 (£6) to €20 (£17) — an increase of over 180%.
From late 2026, UK travellers visiting most EU countries will be required to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) — a new entry requirement designed to strengthen border security.
While not technically a visa, ETIAS operates similarly to the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA and must be obtained before departure.
Initially announced at just over £6, the European Commission has now proposed a revised fee of £17, citing inflation and the rising costs of implementing new border technology. The original pricing had been unchanged since 2018.
Once granted, an ETIAS authorisation will be valid for three years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes sooner.
It will permit multiple short stays across participating Schengen Zone countries, allowing up to 90 days of travel within any 180-day period.
The new fee proposal will undergo a two-month consultation period, but is expected to be enforced once the system goes live in Q4 2026.
Children under 18 and adults over 70 will be exempt from the charge.
