British tourists planning European getaways are set to encounter an additional financial hurdle from late 2026, as a new mandatory travel authorisation fee comes into effect across thirty nations. The European Union's forthcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, to apply and pay for a visa-waiver before visiting the Schengen Area for short stays.
Understanding the ETIAS Scheme and Its Costs
The ETIAS programme is designed to bolster border security by pre-screening travellers from visa-exempt countries. While the system is not yet active, the EU has confirmed it will launch in the final quarter of 2026, with exact dates still pending. Once operational, British passport holders must obtain this digital travel authorisation, which permits entry for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The application fee has been set at 20 Euros, approximately £17 at current exchange rates. This represents a significant increase from the initially proposed charge of just seven Euros (around £6), nearly tripling in cost. The authorisation is linked to the traveller's passport and remains valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Exemptions and Payment Requirements
Certain demographic groups will be exempt from the fee. Applicants under 18 or over 70 years old will not need to pay, nor will family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals with free movement rights within the EU. For those required to pay, various online payment options will be accepted, necessitating a valid payment card to cover the 20 Euro charge.
The European Union has stated that the fee is intended to cover the operational costs of managing ETIAS departments and infrastructure. Furthermore, the charge may be increased if operational expenses lead to financial losses for the EU.
The Broader Context: EES and Changing Travel Rules
ETIAS follows the implementation of the separate European Entry Exit Scheme (EES), which began its rollout on October 12, 2025. The EES requires tourists to register biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, when entering the Schengen Area. Together, these systems represent a comprehensive overhaul of European border management for non-EU visitors.
The EU emphasises that travel rules to most European countries have changed, affecting approximately 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories. British holidaymakers are among those who will need to adapt to these new requirements for short-stay visits.
List of 30 European Countries Requiring ETIAS
Once the scheme launches, British tourists will need a valid ETIAS travel authorisation to visit the following thirty European nations:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Travellers should note that obtaining a new passport will necessitate applying for a fresh ETIAS authorisation, as the existing one becomes invalid. Planning ahead for this additional step and cost will be crucial for seamless European travel from late 2026 onwards.
