New €20 Travel Charge for Britons Visiting the EU Starting Next Year: What You Need to Know
As travel to Europe gains momentum post-Brexit, British travellers will face new rules and costs soon. From late 2026, a mandatory €20 fee will be charged to Britons entering EU countries, alongside the introduction of a digital entry-exit system that will change border procedures. Here’s everything you need to know about these upcoming changes and how they might affect your European trips.
Introduction of the ETIAS Travel Authorization with Increased Fee
Britons who travel to the European Union currently do so mostly visa-free, but starting next year, they must obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) travel authorization. Similar to systems used by countries such as the United States (ESTA) and Canada (eTA), ETIAS is a pre-travel approval designed to enhance security and manage visitor flows.
Initially proposed to cost €7 (£6), the European Commission recently voted to increase this fee to €20 (£17.30), aligning it with other global schemes. This means every British national planning to enter the Schengen Area — a zone comprising 26 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders — will need to pay this charge before travelling.
What Is ETIAS and Who Needs It?
ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, wishing to enter Schengen countries for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Applications will be submitted online and will require applicants to provide personal information and answer security-related questions.
The primary purpose of ETIAS is to conduct pre-screening of travellers to prevent security threats, irregular migration, and other potential risks. Although it doesn’t guarantee entry, it is a mandatory document, and failure to obtain ETIAS before travel may result in denial of boarding or entry.
New Entry-Exit System (EES) to Affect Travel Procedures
In addition to the new charge and ETIAS authorization, from October 12, 2025, the EU will roll out a new Entry-Exit System (EES). This is a digital border control system replacing traditional passport stamping with biometric data collection, including fingerprint scans and facial photographs.
The UK government has warned that this new system may cause longer queue times at airports, as travellers undergo biometric registration upon arrival. Similar delays could be experienced at ports and international train stations connecting to Europe. The EES aims to enhance border security and streamline the tracking of non-EU nationals’ entry and exit from Schengen countries.
What This Means for UK Travellers
- Increased Cost: Travellers should budget for an additional €20 fee for ETIAS, payable online before travel.
- Longer Waits at Borders: Arrival times at airports and other points of entry may increase due to biometric data collection under the EES.
- Advanced Preparation Required: Applying for ETIAS in advance and preparing for possible delays will be essential for a smooth travel experience.
- Less Impact This Summer: The new systems are not yet in place for the current travel season but will gradually become mandatory by late 2025 (EES) and late 2026 (ETIAS fee).
Bottom Line
While the new €20 ETIAS fee and the EES border system are designed to improve security and travel management across the EU, British citizens should be ready to adapt. Applying for travel authorization ahead of time and allowing extra time at arrival points will help mitigate complications. With Europe continuing to be a top destination for UK holidaymakers and business travellers, staying informed about these changes is essential for future trips.
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Sources: Sky News Money Blog, UK Government Travel Advice