ETIAS fees: How much does the authorization to travel to Europe cost?
The official fee for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is set at €20 per application. This amount was confirmed by the European Commission on July 17, 2025, replacing the initial fee of €7 set when the ETIAS Regulation was adopted in 2018. This revision takes into account inflation and the system’s operational costs since its inception.
ETIAS Fees: Summary
| Applicant Profile | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult (ages 18–70) | €20 |
| Minor (under 18) | Free — no charge |
| Senior (over 70) | Free — no charge |
| Family members of EU citizens (subject to conditions) | Free — no fees |
Individuals exempt from fees must still submit a complete ETIAS application before traveling. The exemption applies only to the fee, not to the requirement to obtain authorization.
How do I pay for ETIAS?
Payment of the ETIAS fee must be made exclusively online at the time of application submission. No cash or bank transfer payments are accepted. Accepted payment methods include credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and certain electronic payment services. For more details on payment methods, please visit our page dedicated to ETIAS payments.
Why has the price of ETIAS gone up?
The initial fee of €7 was set in 2018 when the ETIAS Regulation was adopted. The European Commission cited three main factors to justify the increase to €20: rising inflation since 2018, the additional operational costs associated with the system’s expanded functionality, and the need to align the fee with similar international programs—notably the UK’s ETA and the U.S. ESTA.
Is the ETIAS fee refundable?
ETIAS application fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or denied. The payment covers the processing of the application, regardless of the outcome. In the event of a denial, no refund will be issued. It is therefore important to verify your eligibility before submitting your application. Visit our page on ETIAS eligibility requirements to check your status.
ETIAS Compared to Other Travel Authorizations
| Authorization | Destination | Rate | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETIAS | Schengen Area (EU) | €20 | 3 years |
| ESTA | United States | $40 | 2 years |
| ETA | United Kingdom | £20 | 2 years |
| eTA | Canada | $7 CAD | 5 years |
At a cost of €20 for a three-year validity period and multiple entries into Schengen Area countries, ETIAS is relatively affordable compared to equivalent authorizations for other international destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ETIAS Fee
Do you have to pay for ETIAS for every trip?
No. The €20 fee is paid only once at the time of the initial application. The authorization is then valid for 3 years and allows for an unlimited number of entries into the Schengen Area, up to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Upon expiration, a new application and payment will be required.
Can you pay for someone else’s ETIAS?
Yes. It is possible to submit and pay for an ETIAS application on behalf of someone else—such as a minor child, a parent, or a family member. Each application is individual and linked to the traveler’s passport. Payment can be made by anyone with a valid credit card.
What happens if my passport expires before my ETIAS?
ETIAS is linked to your passport. If your passport expires before the 3-year validity period of the authorization, your ETIAS will become invalid, and you will need to submit a new application using your new passport. For more information, visit our page on the validity period of ETIAS.
