EU ENTRY MUST NOT BE A LUXURY: Tourists and Agencies Oppose €20 Fee!

The European Commission’s proposal to increase the fee for the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) from €7 to €20 has drawn sharp criticism from the European tourism industry. They warn that such a decision lacks transparency and does not align with current circumstances.

In a joint statement, several associations from the travel and tourism sector indicated that a nearly threefold increase compared to the originally agreed-upon €7 could have negative consequences for Europe’s appeal as a global destination.

Although the European Commission claims that inflation and additional operational costs are the reasons for the price hike, industry representatives believe that such explanations are not substantiated by concrete analyses.

“There is a lack of data on whether other options were considered, such as a €10 or €12 fee, as well as a detailed breakdown of the system’s costs,” the statement reads, calling on the Commission to publish all relevant information before making a decision.

Comparison to Other Systems and Implementation Timeline

Another issue raised is the comparison with similar systems like the UK’s ETA and the US’s ESTA, as industry experts argue that such parallels are not justified without a strong legal and financial basis in the European context.

ETIAS, as an electronic travel authorization for entry into the EU, is part of a broader border control system. Although not yet operational, its launch is expected in the last quarter of 2026, while the gradual introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) for recording entries and exits will begin earlier, from October of this year.

Travelers from visa-exempt third countries will need to complete an online application, with processing typically taking a few minutes in most cases. Minors, individuals over 70, family members of EU citizens, or holders of EU residency or work visas will not be required to complete this application.

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Industry Appeals for Fairness and Transparency

Representatives of the travel and tourism sector are appealing to the European Parliament and the European Council to reject the proposed price and demand a fairer, evidence-based fee. They also request that any revenue exceeding the actual costs of maintaining the system be redirected to funds that support the development of tourism infrastructure, sustainability, and staff training in tourism.

“We support safe and smart borders, but the financial and administrative burden must be carefully balanced to ensure Europe remains a competitive and accessible destination,” the industry message concludes.

The joint appeal against the proposed ETIAS fee increase has been supported by key associations in the travel and tourism sector. These include Airlines for Europe (A4E), which brings together leading European airlines, as well as the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA). The initiative has also been joined by the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), the European Tourism Association (ETOA), and HOTREC – the umbrella organization for hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Europe.

Support was also provided by international organizations such as the Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA), the International Road Transport Union (IRU), and the European Federation of Rural Tourism (RURALTOUR).