ETIAS Cost & Fees Explained: How Much You’ll Pay in 2026

Last Updated: March 2026

ETIAS costs €20 per person for travelers aged 18–70, as confirmed by the European Commission on July 17, 2025. The fee was increased from the originally planned €7. Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from the fee but still must apply. As of March 2026, ETIAS is not yet accepting applications — the system is expected to launch in Q4 2026. Here’s a full breakdown of who pays, who’s exempt, what you get for the money, and how to avoid paying more than you should.

How Much Does ETIAS Cost?

The ETIAS application fee is €20. This was confirmed by the European Commission on July 17, 2025, replacing the original €7 fee that was set when the regulation passed in 2018.

The EU cited three reasons for the increase: inflation since 2018, rising operational and cybersecurity costs for running a system that will screen 1.4 billion potential travelers, and alignment with similar systems worldwide.

That €20 gets you a three-year authorization covering unlimited trips to all 30 ETIAS countries. Compared to the hassle and cost of a Schengen visa (€80+, embassy appointment, weeks of processing), it’s still remarkably cheap and easy.

Who Pays and Who’s Exempt?

What Will ETIAS Cost Your Family?

Since every traveler needs their own application, costs add up for families. Here’s what typical groups would pay:

Why Did the Fee Increase from €7 to €20?

When the ETIAS regulation was adopted in 2018, the fee was set at €7. But eight years of delays, inflation, and expanded system requirements changed the math. The European Commission formally announced the increase on July 17, 2025.

The official reasons:

• Inflation: The euro’s purchasing power dropped significantly since 2018, reducing the real value of the original €7 fee.
• Expanded technical scope: ETIAS now integrates with more databases (Europol, Interpol, Schengen Information System) and requires more robust cybersecurity infrastructure than originally planned.
• Operational costs: Running a system that processes applications from 1.4 billion potential travelers across 59 countries requires ongoing maintenance, staff, and coordination between 30 national authorities.
• International alignment: The EU wanted ETIAS pricing to be comparable to similar systems worldwide.

How ETIAS Compares to Other Travel Authorization Fees

At €20 for three years across 30 countries, ETIAS is strong value compared to the alternatives. The US ESTA costs roughly the same but only covers one country and lasts two years. The UK ETA is cheaper but again — one country.

What Does the €20 Fee Actually Cover?

How to Pay for ETIAS

When ETIAS launches in Q4 2026, you’ll pay the €20 fee during the online application process on the official EU portal at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Payment will be by credit or debit card.

A few important details about payment:

• Currency: The fee is charged in euros. Your bank will convert to your local currency at their exchange rate, which may include a small foreign transaction fee depending on your card.
• No refunds: The €20 fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Double-check all your information (especially your passport number) before submitting.
• One payment per application: You cannot bundle family members into a single payment. Each person applies and pays separately.
• No renewal fee discount: When your ETIAS expires after three years, you pay the full €20 again for a new application.

How to Avoid ETIAS Scams and Overcharging

This is the most important section of this article. ETIAS scam websites are already active, and they will multiply once the system launches.

Common scam tactics to watch for:

• Fake “official” websites with names like etias-application.com, apply-etias.eu, or official-etias.org. These sites charge €50–100+ for what should be a €20 process. Some collect your personal data without even submitting a real application.
• “Urgency” messaging claiming you need to apply immediately or that spaces are limited. ETIAS is not capacity-restricted — anyone eligible can apply at any time.
• Google Ads impersonation: Scam sites often buy Google Ads for terms like “ETIAS application” so they appear above the official EU site in search results. Always check the URL.
• “Service fee” intermediaries — legitimate travel agencies can submit ETIAS on your behalf, but they’ll charge an extra service fee on top of the €20. Unless you genuinely can’t fill out a 10-minute online form, there’s no reason to pay extra.

When Should You Apply and Pay?

ETIAS launches in Q4 2026 (October–December). The EU will announce the exact date several months in advance. Here’s the smart timeline:

• Apply at least 72 hours before travel — most approvals take minutes, but some take up to 96 hours for additional automated checks.
• For peace of mind, apply 2–4 weeks before your trip. In rare cases (additional documents needed, manual review), processing can take up to 30 days.
• Don’t apply too early if your passport expires soon. Your ETIAS is tied to your passport — if you renew your passport after getting ETIAS, you’ll need to apply (and pay) again.

There will also be a six-month transitional period after launch. During this grace period, travelers are encouraged to have ETIAS but won’t be denied entry solely for not having it, as long as they meet all other entry requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ETIAS fee refundable if I’m denied?
No. The €20 fee covers the processing of your application and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. This is consistent with how the US ESTA, UK ETA, and other similar systems work.

Do I pay €20 every time I visit Europe?
No. You pay once, and your ETIAS is valid for three years (or until your passport expires). During that time, you can make unlimited trips to all 30 ETIAS countries without paying again.

Do babies and toddlers need to pay?
No. Travelers under 18 are exempt from the fee. However, they still need their own ETIAS application — a parent or guardian submits it on their behalf, free of charge.

I’m 71. Do I need to pay?
No. Travelers aged 70 and over are fee-exempt. You still need to apply, but the application is free.

What if I get a new passport during my ETIAS validity?
Your ETIAS is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, your old ETIAS becomes invalid and you’ll need to apply (and pay €20) again with your new passport details.

Can I pay in USD, GBP, or another currency?
The fee is denominated in euros. Your bank or credit card company will handle the currency conversion automatically. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges.

Is there a fee for appealing a denied ETIAS?
The EU has not confirmed a separate appeal fee. If your application is denied, you can appeal to the national authority that made the decision. You may also correct errors and resubmit a new application, which would require paying the €20 fee again.

Why did the fee go from €7 to €20?
The European Commission cited inflation since 2018, higher-than-expected operational and cybersecurity costs, and a desire to align with comparable systems like the US ESTA ($21) and UK ETA (£10). The increase was formally announced on July 17, 2025.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. ETIAS fee details are sourced from the European Commission’s official ETIAS portal. Always verify against official sources. Last updated: March 2026.

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