ETIAS Travel Fee Set to Rise to €20 by 2026:

At SGM Abogados, we stay on top of all legal and travel developments that may impact our international clients. One of the latest updates from the European Union is a planned increase in the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) fee—from €7 to €20—by 2026. Here’s what this means for non-EU travellers visiting Spain or anywhere else in the Schengen Zone.

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a travel authorisation system that will soon be required for visitors from visa-exempt countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and over 50 others. Although it is not a visa, it is a mandatory pre-travel security clearance that allows eligible travellers to enter the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

This system is expected to become operational by mid-2025.

Current and Future Cost

• Current Fee (2025 Launch): €7

• Planned Fee (By 2026): €20

The European Commission has stated that the €7 fee will remain in place when ETIAS first launches, likely in May 2025. However, by 2026, the cost is expected to increase to €20 to reflect inflation and to ensure sufficient funding for the management and development of the ETIAS platform.

This increase will apply to travellers aged 18 to 70. Those under 18 and over 70 are currently exempt from the fee, although they still need to apply for ETIAS.

How Will ETIAS Work?

Once implemented, all eligible travellers must:

1. Apply online before travelling.

2. Pay the applicable fee.

3. Await approval, which is usually granted within minutes (although it may take up to 96 hours in some cases).

4. Use the approved ETIAS to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days.

ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the expiration of the travel document used during the application—whichever comes first.