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Last Updated: August 2026
ETIAS costs €20 per person for travelers aged 18–70, per the European Commission’s July 17, 2025 confirmation. Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from the fee but still must apply.
⚠️ August 2026 Update: ETIAS Launch Now Expected in 2027
In mid-July 2026, the EU quietly removed the “last quarter of 2026” launch target from the official ETIAS website. Financial Times reporting cited eu-LISA (the EU agency building ETIAS) as having internally concluded a 2026 launch is no longer feasible.
A revised timeline is expected after eu-LISA’s September 2026 board meeting. A 2027 launch is now the most likely outcome. The €20 fee itself remains confirmed. See our launch date tracker for the running record.
⚡ Quick Reference for the ETIAS Fee
| Application fee | €20 (~$22 USD / ~$30 CAD / ~£17 GBP / ~$34 AUD) |
| Who pays | Travelers aged 18–70 from visa-exempt countries |
| Who’s exempt | Under 18, over 70, and certain EU family members |
| Does the fee vary? | No — €20 is the same for every nationality and every ETIAS country |
| Valid for | 3 years or until passport expires (whichever comes first) |
| Covers | Unlimited trips to all 30 ETIAS countries |
| Payment methods | Credit/debit card via the official portal |
| Refundable? | No — even if your application is denied |
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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 (€90+, embassy appointment, weeks of processing), it’s still remarkably cheap and easy.
Who Pays and Who’s Exempt?
| Category | Fee | Must Still Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Adults aged 18–70 | €20 | Yes |
| Children under 18 | Free | Yes — parent/guardian applies on their behalf |
| Adults over 70 | Free | Yes |
| Family members of EU citizens with a residence card | Free | Yes |
| EU/Schengen passport holders | N/A | No — ETIAS doesn’t apply to you |
| Holders of valid Schengen visa or residence permit | N/A | No — your visa/permit covers entry |
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
| System | Region | Fee | Valid For | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETIAS | EU/Schengen + Cyprus | €20 (~$22) | 3 years | 30 countries |
| US ESTA | United States | $40.27 | 2 years | 1 country |
| UK ETA | United Kingdom | £20 (~$26) | 2 years | 1 country |
| Canada eTA | Canada | C$7 (~$5) | 5 years | 1 country |
| Australia ETA | Australia | A$20 (~$13) | 1 year | 1 country |
| New Zealand NZeTA | New Zealand | NZ$17–$23 | 2 years | 1 country |
| Schengen Visa | EU/Schengen | €90 | Varies (up to 5 years) | 29 countries |
At €20 for three years across 30 countries, ETIAS is strong value compared to the alternatives. The US ESTA now costs nearly double (~$40) but only covers one country and lasts two years. The UK ETA rose to £20 on April 8, 2026 and still covers just one country.
What Does the €20 Fee Actually Cover?
What your €20 buys you:
- Three-year travel authorization (or until your passport expires)
- Unlimited entries to all 30 ETIAS countries
- No additional charges per trip — pay once, travel as many times as you want
- Permission to enter Europe for these purposes: tourism, business meetings, and transit (not paid work or long-term study, which require a separate visa)
ETIAS is an entry permit, not insurance. It does not pay for any health, medical, or travel costs while you are in Europe.
NOT included:
- The Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric scan at the border — that’s free and separate
- Travel insurance (not required for ETIAS, but highly recommended)
- Visa fees if ETIAS doesn’t apply to your nationality
🛡️ ETIAS Doesn’t Cover Medical Emergencies
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How to Pay for ETIAS
When ETIAS launches, 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.
- Accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, and major debit cards. Prepaid cards and cryptocurrency are not accepted.
- 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.
When Should You Apply and Pay?
ETIAS launch is currently pushed back — the EU removed the Q4 2026 target in July 2026 and 2027 is now the most likely launch year. The exact date will be announced several months in advance. Here’s the smart timeline for whenever launch does happen:
- 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
How much does ETIAS cost?
ETIAS costs €20 per person for travelers aged 18–70. Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from the fee but still need to apply. The fee is the same regardless of nationality or which ETIAS country you enter first. The European Commission confirmed the €20 fee on July 17, 2025, raising it from the originally planned €7.
Does the ETIAS fee vary by nationality?
No. The €20 fee is identical for every ETIAS-eligible nationality — US, UK, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, and all others pay the same amount. The fee is also the same regardless of which ETIAS country you enter first (Italy, Spain, France, Germany, etc.).
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 children under 18 need to pay for ETIAS?
No. Travelers under 18 are exempt from the fee. However, they still need their own ETIAS application submitted by a parent or guardian, free of charge.
Do seniors over 70 need to pay for ETIAS?
No. Travelers aged 70 and over are fee-exempt. You still need to apply, but the application is free.
What happens 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 for ETIAS in US dollars or British pounds?
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.
Why did the ETIAS fee increase 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 travel-authorization systems worldwide (for context, the US ESTA is now $40.27 and the UK ETA £20). The increase was formally announced on July 17, 2025.
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.
🌍 There’s More to Plan Than ETIAS
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Build My Free Travel Briefing →Related Articles
- ETIAS 2026: Complete Guide — everything about the system
- ETIAS Launch Date: Latest Timeline — the running record of delays and updates
- ETIAS Countries: Full List — all 30 nations covered by your €20
- How to Spot Fake ETIAS Websites — inflated fees to avoid
- Can You Be Denied ETIAS? — rejection reasons and appeals
- ETIAS vs. ESTA — how the €20 fee compares to the US system
- ETIAS for US Citizens — the biggest visa-exempt audience
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: August 2026.