How much will ETIAS cost?
The headline number, who is exempt, and what private services may add on top.
What it costs
ETIAS at a glance
- Official ETIAS fee
- Expected €20
- Under 18
- Expected exempt from fee, still need to apply
- Over 70
- Expected exempt from fee, still need to apply
- Validity
- 3 years or until passport expiry
- When payable
- When submitting an application through the official EU system, unless exempt
- Private service fee
- Optional, separate from the €20
Official ETIAS fee
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20 per traveller per application. That is the only fee paid to the EU itself. The official €20 fee is paid when submitting an ETIAS application through the official EU system, unless the traveller is exempt.
Estimate your official ETIAS fee
Official fee estimate: €40
2 paying adults at €20 each.
This is the official EU fee only. Any optional private service fee, if you choose assisted help after launch, would be separate and charged on top. Exemptions are expected but not yet final.
Who may be exempt from the fee?
- Travellers under 18 are expected to be exempt from the €20 fee, but will still need to apply and hold an ETIAS authorisation.
- Travellers over 70 are also expected to be exempt.
- Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens travelling under EU free movement rules.
- Refugees, stateless persons recognised by ETIAS countries, and certain other categories defined by the EU.
Final exemption rules are set by the European Commission. The fee may also be reviewed periodically.
Private service fees explained
Several private services, including any future ETIAS Pro paid product, will offer help with the ETIAS application after launch. Those services charge a separate, optional service fee in addition to the official €20 fee paid to the EU.
Service fees usually cover:
- Form-filling assistance and validation.
- Checks for common mistakes that could lead to refusal.
- Managing applications for multiple family members.
- Email reminders for renewal or passport expiry.
- Human review before submission.
These are optional. Travellers can always apply directly through the official EU system at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias for the standard €20.
Why some travellers may choose assisted help
Most travellers will be perfectly fine using the official EU system directly. A small minority of travellers, typically those who:
- Are managing a family or group trip with multiple passports.
- Have an unusual passport or naming situation.
- Want a second pair of eyes on a critical pre-travel form.
- Are simply short on time.
may choose to pay a small service fee for assisted help. That is a personal choice, not a requirement.
What to avoid before launch
ETIAS isn’t open yet, so nobody can legally charge you the €20 fee today. If a website is asking you to pay for ETIAS now, it’s either pre-collecting payment to try to apply for you later, or it’s an outright scam. Wait for the official system to open.
See official ETIAS website for how to spot fake sites, and is ETIAS Pro official? for how this site fits in.
Be told when the €20 fee actually goes live
Get one email when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
ETIAS fee FAQs
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
Do children need ETIAS?
Yes, each traveller, including minors and infants, is expected to need their own ETIAS authorisation. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the official €20 fee but still need to apply.
How can I avoid fake ETIAS websites?
Before ETIAS opens, no website can issue ETIAS, full stop. Be cautious of sites using EU branding, flags, or “official” wording, or asking for payment or passport details now. The only official application route will be the EU site at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias.
Why might I use a private ETIAS support service?
Some travellers prefer help with form-filling, managing multiple family applications, reminders for renewal, or a second pair of eyes on details like passport expiry. A private service is optional, and travellers should expect to pay both the official €20 fee and any separate service fee.
Can I apply directly through the EU?
Yes. When the official ETIAS system opens, every traveller will be able to apply directly through the official EU website or app at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Using a private service is always optional.
Related pages
Get ready for ETIAS before it becomes mandatory
ETIAS is not live yet. Check whether you’re likely to need it and get one email when applications open.