Overview

• ETIAS is a digital prescreening tool designed to strengthen EU border security by screening visa-exempt travelers before arrival.
• Once active, visitors from more than 50 visa-exempt countries must apply online for authorization to enter 30 Schengen Area states for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• The European Commission proposed raising the application fee from €7 to €20 to cover inflation, rising operational costs and enhanced technical features.
• Authorizations will remain valid for up to three years or until travelers’ passports expire, with fee waivers for applicants under 18 and over 70.
• The fee increase now awaits approval from the European Parliament and Council before ETIAS is implemented in the last quarter of 2026.