Even before the new digital entry system Etias comes into force, which will be implemented in the last quarter of 2026, Brussels has tripled the entry fee into Europe for travelers from third countries, from €7 to €20.
The move comes at a time when other countries are also adjusting their own entry fees: the US recently increased the ESTA fee to $40 (around €35), while the UK has raised the price of the ETA to £16 (around €20).
The European Commission attributes the decision to increase ETIAS to increased administrative costs and funding from the EU’s multiannual budget. However, critics from the tourism industry warn that such a decision could make Europe less attractive as a travel destination. Small businesses in the tourism sector, in particular, fear that higher fees will deter potential visitors.
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation for third-country nationals wishing to enter the Schengen Area. The traveller will complete a digital application, provide personal details and undergo a security check. The approval is made within minutes and will remain valid for several years. The system is implemented in Switzerland.
Its aim is to strengthen security and better control entry into Schengen.
What about the EES?
At the same time, the EU is moving forward with the development of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which now replaces the stamping of passports with a digital entry-exit recording through biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition.
The system has already been activated as a pilot in Germany: it started at Düsseldorf airport and was followed by the major hubs of Frankfurt and Munich.
As pointed out by the authorities, ETIAS and EES aim to prevent illegal immigration and criminal activities, but also to enable more accurate monitoring of the time of stay of each traveler.
