Increase in ETIAS fee for European travel authorization to €20 announced
The European Union (EU) is set to introduce two new border control systems, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES), aiming to strengthen security within the Union while facilitating travel for non-EU nationals [1][2][3][5].
The Entry/Exit System (EES), which employs advanced biometric checks, including fingerprints and facial scans, will begin its gradual implementation in October 2025. The system is expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026 [1][3][5].
The anticipated operational date for ETIAS, on the other hand, is now expected for the last quarter of 2026, with a transitional grace period making it mandatory in 2027 [1][2][3][5]. This schedule reflects a delay from earlier projections, primarily due to the need to coordinate ETIAS with the EES and the integration of biometric border technologies across the 30 participating countries [3].
Once operational, travelers from visa-exempt countries will be required to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation online before entering the Schengen Area. The authorisation will be linked to their passport and remain valid for three years or until passport expiry [5].
The European Commission is expected to announce the exact ETIAS launch date several months in advance, providing sufficient preparation time for travellers from countries such as the UK and New Zealand [3].
However, the implementation of these systems has not been without challenges. EES has faced delays due to issues with the IT infrastructure behind it and concerns expressed by several member states and travel companies [1]. The UK-France border is a particular concern regarding potential queues at the border [4].
It's worth noting that there are exemptions to both EES and ETIAS for non-EU citizens who have residency within an EU or Schengen zone country [1]. Furthermore, ETIAS may be delayed again, as it is planned to wait until EES is working smoothly before ETIAS is introduced [1].
In conclusion, ETIAS is set to become operational in late 2026 and will become mandatory in 2027 following a grace period [1][2][3][5]. Travellers will be required to apply for and pay for ETIAS authorisation online ahead of travel.
[1] European Commission. (n.d.). Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/legal-migration/entry-exit-system_en
[2] European Commission. (n.d.). European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/legal-migration/european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system_en
[3] European Parliament. (2021, April 29). Press release: MEPs approve new EU travel authorisation system ETIAS. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20210429IPR95988/meps-approve-new-eu-travel-authorisation-system-etias
[4] The Guardian. (2021, April 29). EU to introduce new border control system ETIAS from 2026. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/29/eu-to-introduce-new-border-control-system-etias-from-2026
[5] European Commission. (2021, April 29). Factsheet: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/legal-migration/etias/docs/etias_factsheet_en.pdf
Travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for and pay for ETIAS authorisation online ahead of their travel [5]. The business sector, particularly travel companies, may need to restructure their operations to comply with the new ETIAS and EES border control systems [1].
