The European Commission has proposed increasing the ETIAS fee for visa-free travellers from €7 to €20. The measure—part of the EU’s draft budget reform for 2028–2034—could generate an estimated €300 million annually in “own resources” for the EU.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), due to launch by the end of 2026, will be mandatory for short-term travellers from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Citing inflation and rising operational costs, the Commission justifies the hike by referencing similar systems abroad (e.g. US ESTA: $21; UK ETA: £16). However, leading travel associations have strongly criticised the plan as disproportionate and lacking transparency.

Concerns include:

• Deterrent effect on families and long-haul visitors
• Impact on Europe’s competitiveness as a destination
• Absence of a public impact assessment or pricing alternatives

Industry calls on the European Parliament and Council to reject the proposal. If adopted, they urge surplus revenues be reinvested in infrastructure, training, and sustainability.