The fee will be waived for children and over 70s (Image: Getty Images)
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to become compulsory for British travellers visiting 30 European nations in late 2026. UK citizens, alongside those from 58 other visa-exempt nations, will be required to obtain travel authorisation before entering EU destinations such as France, Spain, and Portugal.
This means Britons planning trips to the Costas or Dordogne, amongst other popular destinations, must secure an ETIAS prior to departure, with all passengers needing to fill out an online form. Whilst the intention is for most ETIAS applications to be processed within minutes, those requiring additional scrutiny may face delays of up to 30 days for approval, making it advisable to arrange this immediately after booking a holiday.
Although the procedure appears straightforward enough, the charge accompanying an ETIAS application has emerged as the latest setback for British travellers. When initially unveiled in 2018, the cost was projected to be €7, slightly over £6, but it was revealed late last year that the actual fee will be €20, approximately £17.37, nearly triple the initial estimate.
The fee has gone up from €7 to €20 (Image: Getty Images)
Travellers of all ages will require an ETIAS, though the charge is waived for youngsters and pensioners, meaning fortunately only visitors aged 18-70 will need to pay it. Nevertheless, for a couple journeying together, this introduces an additional €40 expense to a holiday that requires budgeting.
A statement on the European Commission website reads: “ETIAS fee has been set at EUR 20 instead of the previous EUR 7. The new fee takes into account the rise in inflation since 2018 and additional operational costs related to new technical features integrated into the system. It also brings the cost for an ETIAS travel authorisation in line with similar travel authorisation programmes around the globe.”
Once granted, an ETIAS remains valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever date is sooner. It permits multiple journeys.
In recent months, Britons travelling to the EU have also had to navigate the new EU Entry/Exit system at airports. Designed to supersede manual passport stamping, it involves capturing a photograph and fingerprints of anyone entering the Schengen area.
The EES system is intended to enhance security and easily identify those overstaying their welcome, and once fully operational should reduce queues for non-EU citizens such as Brits. However, numerous travellers have reported delays due to technological glitches, with waits of up to three hours reported in Tenerife.
Unlike the ETIAS, Brits aren’t required to register in advance for EES. However, they can download the official Travel to Europe app, which allows them to input their details ahead of time, potentially expediting the process.
As it stands, there’s no confirmed commencement date for the ETIAS. The European Commission has previously stated that it will publicise the date well in advance, providing ample time for travellers and airports to get ready.
At present, Brits are not required to pay for an ETIAS, and once it’s operational, should only utilise the official ETIAS website for applications.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
