ETIAS fee: why it is EUR 20 and who does not pay
Status as of 2026-10-25: ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU says it will announce the start date "several months prior to its launch."
How much is ETIAS?
EUR 20 per application, payable by card when ETIAS launches (Official: What you need to apply). The Commission raised it from EUR 7, citing inflation since 2018 and added operational costs (European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs: ETIAS). An ETIAS is valid for up to 3 years (or until your passport expires), so it is one fee for many trips.
Who does not pay
Per the official site (Official: What you need to apply): - Applicants under 18 - Applicants over 70 - Family members of EU nationals who qualify for family member status
Why some websites charge $50+
Unofficial agencies add service fees. See official vs third-party and how to spot scam sites.
Check before paying: The Commission page noted the EUR 20 adjustment was going through a review period by the Council and Parliament. The official ETIAS site now lists EUR 20. The fee applies only once ETIAS is operating. Exact age cut-offs (e.g. whether "over 70" means from the 70th birthday) should be confirmed on the official site at launch.
Sources
More guides
- Do UK citizens need ETIAS after Brexit?
- Do Americans need ETIAS? ETIAS for US citizens
- Is ETIAS live yet? ETIAS launch date tracker
- ETIAS requirements: documents and information checklist
- ETIAS scam sites: how to spot a fake ETIAS website
- How long does ETIAS take and how long is it valid?
- ETIAS vs EES: what is the difference?
- Official ETIAS website vs third-party agencies
- Who needs ETIAS? Countries, travellers and exemptions