The European travel and tourism sector has expressed deep concern over the European Commission’s recent proposal to increase the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation fee from EUR 7 to EUR 20 per application, nearly a threefold increase compared to the original amount agreed in 2018.
ETIAS is expected to become operational in late 2026. It will require visa-exempt non-EU travellers to obtain an online authorisation before entering the EU and pay a fee prior to travelling to the Schengen Area.
The proposed fee increase raises questions about proportionality and fairness at a time when Europe’s tourism sector continues to face the combined pressures of geopolitical instability, high inflation, and rising operational costs.
While the fee may represent a small fraction of overall travel expenses, the cumulative impact on families and frequent travellers is not negligible, not least given the broader context of increasing overnight taxes. This increase appears disproportionate and runs counter to the original intention of the co-legislators (European Parliament and Council) who had agreed to a modest and reasonable fee during the 2018 negotiations – a key outcome supported by the travel and tourism sector.
Moreover, the industry is concerned by the lack of transparency surrounding the proposed amount and calls for clarity on whether alternative pricing models (e.g. EUR 10 or EUR 12) were assessed. At present, insufficient evidence has been offered to justify that such a fee level is necessary for the operation and maintenance of ETIAS.
Furthermore, referencing other travel authorisation schemes (e.g. UK ETA and US ESTA) as benchmarks for pricing sets a concerning precedent. Fee decisions should reflect the actual operational needs of the EU system and be fully justified. They should not aim to align with unrelated schemes without a clear rationale and legal basis.
In light of these concerns, the travel and tourism sector calls for the following actions:
- The European Commission to publish an impact assessment justifying the proposed fee increase, including a detailed cost breakdown and confirmation of whether alternative pricing models were considered.
- The Council and European Parliament to reject the EUR 20 proposal and request a more proportionate, evidence-based fee.
- The creation of a specific budget line, as part of the next Multiannual Financial Framework, to earmark funding for the tourism sector. This funding should support tourism infrastructure, staff training, and sustainable development initiatives.
The travel and tourism industry supports secure, smart and efficient borders. The inbound industry delivers valuable export revenue which can fund investment. Financial and administrative burdens on visitors must be carefully balanced to maintain and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness as a global travel destination.
(IRU)
