British tourists will have to pay £17 entry fee to visit 30 European countries from 2026, including France, Spain and Germany: Full list inside

UK travellers heading to popular European destinations like France, Spain and Germany will need to apply for ETIAS and pay a £17 entry fee from late 2026.

• UK tourists to pay £17 ETIAS fee for 30 European countries from late 2026
• ETIAS is valid for up to three years and covers short stays of up to 90 days
• Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from the ETIAS fee

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Starting in late 2026, British tourists will need to factor in a new mandatory travel fee before boarding flights to much of Europe. The European Union is set to roll out the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), introducing a £17 (approximately €20) charge for entry into 30 European countries, including holiday favourites such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Greece.

What Is ETIAS and Why Is Europe Introducing It?

ETIAS is a new visa-waiver-style travel authorisation aimed at strengthening border security across the Schengen Area. While it is not a visa in the traditional sense, it will be compulsory for travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The system is being introduced after the implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which will record biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans at external EU borders. Together, ETIAS and EES are designed to modernise border checks, improve safety, and identify potential security risks before travellers arrive.

How Much Will UK Tourists Have to Pay?

British passport holders will need to pay €20 (around £17) when applying for ETIAS. This is a notable increase from the originally discussed €7 fee and reflects the operational and administrative costs of running the new system.

The fee will be paid online during the application process and will support the maintenance of digital infrastructure, security screening systems, and processing operations. The EU has also indicated that the fee could be revised in the future if costs rise.

How Long Will ETIAS Be Valid?

Once approved, ETIAS will be:

• Linked electronically to your passport.
• Valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires.
• Usable for multiple trips during its validity period.

If you renew or change your passport, you’ll need to submit a fresh ETIAS application.

Who Is Exempt From the ETIAS Fee?

Not all travellers will need to pay the €20 charge. Fee exemptions apply to:

• Children under 18.
• Adults aged over 70.
• Family members of EU citizens.
• Family members of non-EU nationals with EU free-movement rights.

However, even exempt travellers may still need to apply for authorisation.

Which European Countries Will Require ETIAS?

The ETIAS requirement will apply to travel across the Schengen Zone and associated countries. The 30 European destinations covered under the new system are:

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

These countries represent some of Europe’s most visited destinations for UK tourists, spanning city breaks, beach holidays, ski trips and cultural escapes.

What This Means for UK Travellers

For years, British tourists have enjoyed relatively smooth, visa-free access to Europe. ETIAS introduces an extra planning step—but not an overly complex one. The application process is expected to be quick, fully online, and processed within a short timeframe in most cases.

While the new charge may feel like an added inconvenience, EU officials say the system will ultimately lead to faster border crossings, better security checks, and safer travel across Europe.

When Will ETIAS Come Into Force?

ETIAS is expected to become operational in the final quarter of 2026, although exact launch dates are still to be confirmed. Travellers heading to Europe around this time should stay alert for official announcements and ensure their travel documents are up to date.

Bottom Line

From late 2026 onwards, UK tourists heading to Europe will need to budget an extra £17 ETIAS fee to access 30 European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Greece. While it marks a major shift in post-Brexit travel rules, ETIAS is designed to balance convenience with security.

If Europe is on your travel radar for 2026 and beyond, planning ahead—and staying informed—will be key to a smooth and stress-free journey.