Non-EU travellers will soon need to pay a €20 fee to enter much of Europe under a new travel authorisation system set to be introduced in the coming years.

The scheme, known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), will apply to visitors from visa-exempt, non-EU countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia.

Before travelling, tourists will be required to complete an online application, provide personal information, answer security-related questions and pay the fee.

The charge will be waived for children under 18 and adults over 70, although they will still need to apply for authorisation. Once approved, ETIAS will allow travellers to enter participating countries multiple times for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The system is expected to be introduced in late 2026, with a transitional period meaning it will not become mandatory until 2027.

ETIAS will be required for travel to 30 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland and France.

It will also apply to Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Although Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area, travellers will also need ETIAS authorisation to enter the country.

Citizens of European Union member states will not need to apply, nor will residents of the Schengen Area who hold a valid residence permit.

Authorities have stressed that ETIAS should not be confused with the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which was launched earlier this year. The EES applies to non-EU passport holders crossing Schengen borders and requires biometric data, including fingerprints, but does not involve an application fee or advance authorisation.

Travel organisations have warned that confusion between the two systems has led to an increase in scams. The association of travel agents and tour operators ABTA said dozens of fake websites are already claiming to sell ETIAS authorisation, despite the system not yet being operational.

ABTA previously warned that travellers attempting to apply early risk losing money and personal data. When ETIAS is officially launched, applications will only be accepted through the EU’s official website, and travellers have been advised to ignore apps, websites or social media posts offering alternative services.

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