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Starting in late 2026, British tourists will need to pay a £17 fee under the new ETIAS system to visit 30 European countries, including popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Greece, as part of enhanced border security measures.
In a significant development for travelers to Europe, the European Union is set to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in the final quarter of 2026. This new system, which will affect citizens of non-EU countries including the UK, is designed to strengthen border security while streamlining the entry process into the Schengen Area, which consists of 30 European countries. The move follows the roll-out of the European Entry Exit Scheme (EES), which requires biometric data for entry and exit.
Tourists will be required to apply for an ETIAS visa-waiver before embarking on their European travels. The fee for this authorisation will be set at 20 Euros, which is approximately £17, nearly three times the originally proposed cost of 7 Euros. The new system aims to improve security by pre-screening visitors, ensuring that individuals who may pose a risk are flagged before entering the Schengen Area.
Once approved, the ETIAS will be tied to the traveler’s passport and will remain valid for a period of up to three years, or until the passport expires, whichever occurs sooner. If a traveler renews their passport, they will need to apply for a new ETIAS. The application process is expected to be straightforward, with the payment of the fee being handled online via a variety of payment methods.
The 20-Euro fee will cover the operational costs of the ETIAS system, which includes maintaining the electronic infrastructure and administrative processes. However, this fee could rise in the future if the EU determines that the operational costs exceed current projections.
Exemptions from the ETIAS fee are in place for minors under 18, seniors over 70, and family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals who already have the right to live and move freely within the EU. This system will impact an estimated 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries who will now be required to apply for travel authorisation to visit the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The ETIAS travel authorisation will apply to the following 30 European countries:
This new regulation marks a significant change for UK tourists and others who have previously enjoyed hassle-free travel to these destinations. While it may add an extra step to travel preparations, the ETIAS is intended to help make European borders safer by ensuring that visitors are properly vetted in advance, enhancing the security of all travelers within the Schengen Area. Travelers should be aware of these upcoming changes and plan accordingly, as the new system is likely to be fully operational by the end of 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed.
As this change approaches, it is important for travelers to stay updated on the latest requirements for European travel, especially as other related systems like EES and ETIAS come into play.
In conclusion, the introduction of the ETIAS system marks a significant shift in travel requirements for British tourists visiting Europe. With a £17 fee to access 30 countries, including major destinations like France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Greece, travelers will need to plan ahead and ensure they comply with these new regulations. This move aims to bolster security while streamlining the travel process, and staying informed about these changes will be essential for smooth travel experiences in the years ahead.
