British tourists planning European getaways will encounter a new financial requirement from late 2026, as the European Union implements a mandatory £17 entry authorisation fee for visiting 30 countries across the continent.
Understanding the ETIAS System
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) represents a significant change to border security protocols for non-EU citizens travelling to the Schengen Area. This electronic travel authorisation system, distinct from the separate European Entry Exit Scheme (EES) introduced in October 2025, will require UK holidaymakers to obtain pre-travel approval for short-term visits.
Implementation Timeline and Costs
The European Union has confirmed that ETIAS will become operational during the final quarter of 2026, though an exact launch date remains unspecified. The application fee has been set at 20 Euros (approximately £17), representing a substantial increase from the originally proposed seven Euros (around £6).
This authorisation remains valid for up to three years or until passport expiration, whichever occurs first. Travellers obtaining new passports must consequently secure fresh ETIAS approval before embarking on European journeys.
Exemptions and Payment Requirements
Certain traveller categories will benefit from fee exemptions under the new system:
- Individuals under 18 years of age
- Applicants over 70 years old
- Family members of EU citizens
- Relatives of non-EU nationals with free movement rights within the European Union
For those required to pay, the system accepts various online payment methods, with the collected fees intended to cover operational costs of maintaining ETIAS infrastructure. The European Union has indicated potential future fee increases should operational expenses exceed revenue.
Countries Requiring ETIAS Authorisation
The new requirement applies to thirty European destinations where UK tourists will need valid ETIAS approval for short stays, typically limited to 90 days within any 180-day period:
- 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
Broader Context and Impact
The European Union emphasises that these changes affect approximately 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories, representing a comprehensive overhaul of travel regulations across participating nations. The system aims to enhance border security while streamlining entry procedures for short-term visitors.
This development follows the implementation of the EES system, which requires biometric registration including fingerprints and facial images for Schengen Area visitors. Together, these systems create a layered approach to European border management that will significantly alter travel preparations for UK tourists from late 2026 onward.
