by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:40 AM ET, Tue July 22, 2025
The European Commission is considering a proposal
that would require international visitors from visa-exempt countries to pay
three times the current fee to enter the European Union as of 2026.
According to ETIAS.com,
the European Commission has revealed that when the European Travel Information
and Authorization System (ETIAS) becomes operational in late 2026, travelers
will likely be required to pay a fee of €20.
The current cost of entering the European Union is €7.
The ETIAS fee will apply to non-EU nationals from visa-free
countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and
others. The move was reportedly made to align with global travel standards and
address rising operational costs.
To travel to any Schengen Zone country, international
visitors must fill out an online form, including their name, birth date, and
passport number. The system was designed to screen applicants for security,
health, and migration risks.
The higher price will enable the European Commission to fund
new technical features, including upgraded automation, enhanced encryption, and
improved coordination with the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES).
There will be exemptions for children under 18 years old,
seniors over 70, and approved family members of EU citizens, who will not be
required to pay the fee.
The European Council and the European Parliament have two
months to review the proposal.
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