European Travel Industry Pushes Back Against Proposed ETIAS Fee Increase

European travel associations are calling on EU institutions to review the proposed increase in the ETIAS authorisation fee from €7 to €20. The sector argues that the jump comes at a sensitive moment, when tourism businesses are already managing inflation, labour shortages and rising operating costs.

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Why the ETIAS debate matters

ETIAS is expected to apply to visa-exempt non-EU travellers before entering the bloc. For visitors from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Brazil and Australia, the system will become an additional pre-travel requirement once it goes live.

Why the industry objects

Travel groups say the proposed fee is disproportionate and not supported by a transparent enough explanation of actual costs. They also warn that the increase could affect families and price-sensitive travellers more sharply, especially when combined with higher city taxes and broader travel inflation across Europe.

The EU's position and what happens next

EU institutions have linked the higher fee to operating costs, ongoing maintenance, stronger security features, upgraded automation and coordination with other border systems such as EES. Industry bodies are now asking for a formal impact assessment and a detailed cost breakdown before the final fee is confirmed.

What travellers should watch

If the proposal moves forward, ETIAS will remain a small fee in absolute terms, but the policy debate now centres on whether the increase is evidence-based, proportionate and aligned with Europe's competitiveness goals.