Visa-Free, Not Cost-Free
Once operational, ETIAS will require all travelers from visa-exempt countries to apply online before visiting any of the 30 European countries under the Schengen Agreement. This includes Indians living in or holding visas for countries such as the US, UK, or Canada.
The updated fee structure is part of a broader push by the EU to align ETIAS with global counterparts such as the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). According to the European Commission, the €20 fee will help finance system operations, upgrades in security infrastructure, and integration with databases such as Interpol and Europol.
Application Remains Digital
The application process remains simple. Travelers will need to fill out an online form with their personal details and passport information. The system will then automatically screen the information for security, health, and migration concerns. Most approvals are expected within minutes, though applications flagged for review may take longer.
There is no need to visit a consulate, and the travel authorisation is valid for multiple short-term stays over a three-year period or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Who Is Exempt
Not every traveler will be affected by the price hike. Children under 18, adults over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens will remain exempt from paying the fee. Non-EU nationals who hold free movement rights within the bloc are also not required to pay.
Review and Implementation Timeline
The European Council and Parliament now have a two-month window to review the proposal. If no objections or changes are made during this period, the new fee will be implemented alongside the full launch of ETIAS, expected in the final quarter of 2026.
EU Cites Security and Parity
“The new fee structure brings ETIAS in line with similar systems in other major travel destinations and ensures long-term maintenance and security of the system,” the Commission noted.
ETIAS is being positioned as a key component in the EU’s effort to digitise border checks and bolster public safety while maintaining ease of travel for tourists and short-term visitors.
Until the system goes live, travelers to Europe from visa-exempt countries, including Indians holding US, UK, or Schengen long-stay visas, will continue to enter the region without paying the higher fee. But from late 2026, budgeting for ETIAS will become a part of the pre-departure checklist.
