They explained that this relates to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will apply to non-EU travelers starting in the last quarter of 2026.
The fee was set in 2018 when the regulation was adopted by the 27, but Brussels believes it should be adjusted to account for inflation and other additional operating costs, such as technical changes required to introduce the system.
EU services also justify the increase to bring it in line with other similar travel authorization systems applied in other countries, such as the ETA in the United Kingdom or the ESTA in the United States.
The ETIAS permit will come into effect in the last quarter of 2026 and will be valid for three years from the date the traveler acquires it.
Once in effect, the authorization will be an entry requirement to the European Union (EU) for non-EU travelers.
This refers to those types of travelers who are exempt from visa requirements, with the aim of strengthening security in EU territory and controlling flows.
Those under 18 and over 70 will not need to pay the fee to enter the EU, and family members of residents or nationals will also be free-payment to enter any country of the Union.
abo/arm/mem/rf
