The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026, will require visa-exempt travellers from third countries to obtain online travel authorisation before entering the European Union’s Schengen Area, with a mandatory fee collected as part of the process.

“This proposed increase raises questions about the proportionality and fairness of the measure at a time when the European Union continues to face combined pressures from geopolitical instability, high inflation and rising operational costs”, a group of associations said in a statement.

While the €20 fee may only represent a fraction of the total cost of international travel, industry leaders argue that the cumulative impact on families, particularly in the context of rising taxes on accommodations and services, is far from negligible.

“This proposal contradicts the spirit of the original 2018 agreement between the European Parliament and Council, which aimed to set a modest and reasonable fee, resulting in a compromise that received strong support from the tourism sector”, the associations added.

The industry also criticised what it calls a “lack of transparency” surrounding the justification for the €20 fee, calling for clarity on whether alternative price models (ex. €10 or €12) were considered during the decision-making process. “Insufficient evidence has been presented to demonstrate that this level of fee is necessary to cover ETIAS’s operational and maintenance costs,” the associations noted.

Furthermore, the use of other travel authorisation systems (such as the UK’s ETA or the US’s ESTA) as a reference for setting prices was met with disapproval. Industry representatives warned that aligning with external, unrelated systems without clear legal or financial justification “sets a worrying precedent”.

In light of these concerns, the tourism and travel sector calls on the European Commission to “publish an impact assessment justifying the proposed increase in the fee, including a detailed breakdown of costs and confirmation that alternative pricing models have been considered”; that the Council and the European Parliament “reject the €20 proposal and suggest a more proportionate and evidence-based fee”; that “any surplus revenue generated through ETIAS, after covering its operating costs, be allocated to a specific budget line, or ideally earmarked for the tourism and travel sector, within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This funding should support tourism infrastructure, staff training and sustainable development initiatives”.

Despite these concerns, the travel industry reaffirmed its support for smart, secure, and efficient borders, noting that inbound tourism remains a vital source of export revenue, which can be channelled into investment.

“The financial and administrative burdens on visitors must be carefully balanced in order to maintain and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness as a global tourist destination”, the joint statement concluded.