Increase in ETIAS European travel authorization fee, now set at €20
New European Travel Systems: EES and ETIAS Set to Launch in 2025 and 2026
The European Union (EU) is set to introduce two new border control systems aimed at enhancing security and facilitating travel for non-EU nationals. The Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are scheduled to start operating in October 2025 and the last quarter of 2026, respectively.
The EES, which will involve biometric checks and digitized entry-exit records, is set to begin its phased rollout on October 12, 2025, after several delays due to the functioning of the huge IT infrastructure behind it and concerns expressed by several member states and travel companies.
The EES requires enhanced passport checks, including biometrics such as fingerprints and a facial scan. It will apply only to people who are traveling on the passport of a non-EU or Schengen zone country, with exemptions for non-EU citizens who have residency within an EU or Schengen zone country.
The ETIAS, on the other hand, is expected to become operational towards the end of 2026. It will require travelers from about 60 non-EU countries to complete an online application, including personal details, security questions, and a €20 fee (increased from an initial €7), with the authorization linked to the passport and valid for up to three years or until passport expiration. Children under 18 and adults over 70 will be exempt from the fee, though they still must apply.
ETIAS will make visa-free travel to the Schengen Area mandatory for eligible travelers, with a transitional grace period lasting at least six months, making ETIAS mandatory likely only from 2027.
The EU's new systems are part of the new IT architecture of the EU aimed at strengthening security within the Union while facilitating traveling of non-EU nationals. However, the ETIAS launch could be delayed again as it is planned to wait until EES is working smoothly before ETIAS is introduced.
Travelers planning visits to Europe starting in late 2026 onward should prepare for ETIAS requirements. It is important to note that the systems have been delayed due to the pandemic and concerns about border queues, with the UK-France border being a particular worry.
In summary, the EES operational date is October 12, 2025 (six-month phased rollout), and the ETIAS expected operational date is the last quarter of 2026 (transitional grace period until 2027). These new systems are intended to strengthen security and streamline travel for non-EU nationals within the EU and Schengen zone.
[1] European Commission. (n.d.). Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/policy-areas/entry-and-exit-management/entry-exit-system_en
[2] European Commission. (n.d.). European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/policy-areas/visa-policy/visa-information-systems/european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system_en
[3] European Commission. (n.d.). Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Strengthening the EU's external border management and enhancing the security of our visa policy. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/communication-commission-european-parliament-council-european-economic-and-social-committee-committee-regions-strengthening-eu-s-external-border-management-and-enhancing-security-our-visa-policy_en
- The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in the last quarter of 2026 is expected to impact the finance of travelers from about 60 non-EU countries, as it will require an online application accompanied by a €20 fee.
- As part of the European Union's strategic initiatives to streamline travel for non-EU nationals within the EU and Schengen zone, the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are anticipated to significantly influence travel lifestyle, international business, and overall border management.
