ETIAS Cost 2026: Fee, Payment Methods, Exemptions & Price Comparison

One of the most common questions travelers ask about the European Travel Information and Authorisation System is: how much does ETIAS cost? The short answer is €20 for most travelers, making it one of the most affordable travel authorizations in the world. This guide breaks down the complete ETIAS fee structure, who qualifies for exemptions, accepted payment methods, and how the cost compares to other travel authorization systems.

ETIAS Application Fee: The Basics

The standard ETIAS application fee is €20 (approximately $22 USD, £6 GBP, $11 AUD, or $10 CAD at typical exchange rates). This is a one-time, non-refundable fee charged per application. The fee covers:

• Processing your application through automated security screening
• Cross-referencing your data against European and international databases
• Three years of authorization validity (if approved)
• Unlimited entries to the Schengen Area during the validity period

Compared to the €80 Schengen visa fee or the $40 US ESTA fee, the ETIAS authorization is remarkably cost-effective for the level of access and duration it provides.

Who Is Exempt from the ETIAS Fee?

The European Union has established several fee exemptions to ensure ETIAS remains accessible to all travelers:

Age-Based Exemptions

• Travelers under 18 years old: Children and minors are completely exempt from the ETIAS fee. A parent or legal guardian must still complete the application on their behalf, but they pay no fee.
• Similarly, travelers over 70 years old: Senior travelers are also exempt from the fee, recognizing the importance of accessible travel for older adults.

Family-Based Exemptions

• Additionally, family members of EU/EEA citizens: Spouses, registered partners, children, and dependent parents of EU or EEA nationals exercising their right to free movement may be exempt from the fee.
• Family members of Schengen nationals: Similar exemptions apply to close family members of citizens of Schengen-associated countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).

ETIAS Payment Methods

The ETIAS application fee can be paid online during the application process using the following payment methods:

• Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
• Debit cards: Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit, Maestro
• Digital wallets: Additional digital payment options may be available at launch

Importantly, the system processes all payments securely through the official EU payment system. You will receive a payment confirmation along with your application receipt.

ETIAS Cost Compared to Other Travel Authorizations

ETIAS offers exceptional value: at just €20 for 3 years of unlimited entries to 30 European countries, the per-trip cost becomes negligible for frequent travelers.

Is the ETIAS Fee Refundable?

The ETIAS application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. This means that even if your ETIAS authorities deny your application, you will not receive a returned. The fee covers the cost of processing and screening your application, not the authorization itself.

However, given the low cost and the fact that the vast majority of applications are approved (an estimated 95%+ approval rate), the financial risk is minimal for most travelers.

Beware of Third-Party Fee Scams

One of the biggest risks related to ETIAS costs comes not from the official system but from unofficial third-party websites that charge inflated fees. These websites often appear in search results and social media advertisements, charging anywhere from €50 to €100+ for the same application you can submit directly for €20.

To avoid overpaying:

• Always apply through the official EU ETIAS portal
• Check that the website URL belongs to the official EU domain
• Be suspicious of any site charging more than €20
• The official ETIAS application does not require an intermediary or agent

Additional Travel Costs to Consider

While the ETIAS fee is minimal, travelers should budget for other potential costs related to their European trip:

• Travel insurance: Not required for ETIAS but highly recommended (€20-50 per trip)
• Passport renewal: If your passport needs renewal before applying ($100-200 depending on country)
• Currency exchange fees: The €20 may incur a small foreign transaction fee depending on your card issuer

For complete information about what you need for your ETIAS application, visit our ETIAS Requirements guide. To understand the full application process, see our ETIAS Application Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does ETIAS cost in 2026?

The official ETIAS application fee is €7 for travelers aged 18 to 70. Applicants under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee entirely. The €7 charge is a one-time payment that covers the full three-year validity period of the travel authorization, with no renewal or processing surcharges.

Is the ETIAS fee refundable if my application is denied?

No. The ETIAS application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. The €7 covers the cost of processing and assessing your application through EU security databases. If your ETIAS is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision or reapply, but the fee must be paid again with each new submission.

What payment methods are accepted for the ETIAS fee?

ETIAS accepts major payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, and other widely used debit and credit cards. Additional payment options may include bank transfers and selected digital payment services. The exact accepted methods will be confirmed when the system officially launches. All payments are processed through a secure EU payment gateway.

How does ETIAS cost compare to a Schengen visa?

ETIAS is significantly cheaper than a Schengen visa. The ETIAS fee is €7, while a standard Schengen visa costs €80 for adults (or €40 for children aged 6–12). ETIAS is also faster, typically processed within minutes, whereas Schengen visa applications require an in-person appointment, biometric data collection, and weeks of processing time.

Can someone else pay the ETIAS fee on my behalf?

Yes. A third party such as a family member, travel agent, or employer can pay the ETIAS fee on the applicant’s behalf using their own payment method. This is especially useful for group or family travel applications. However, the applicant’s personal information and passport details must still be entered accurately in the individual application form.

Official Sources & References

• ETIAS Official Portal – European Commission’s official ETIAS information page
• Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 – The founding EU regulation establishing the ETIAS system and fee structure