ETIAS Cost for UK Citizens: Fee and Current Status

An announced fee is not proof that applications have opened. Nor should a guessed launch year be used as a reason to pay an intermediary now. This guide separates the planned charge from current travel requirements.

Who will pay?

The official ETIAS FAQ lists EUR 20 and explains age and qualifying family-member exemptions. The age wording is under 18 or over 70; do not assume every traveller aged 70 is exempt. Family-member exemptions depend on the conditions described by the EU, not simply being married to a European citizen.

What should British travellers budget for?

A future ETIAS charge would be separate from passport renewal, insurance and any voluntary assistance service. Avoid fixed sterling equivalents: the conversion will depend on the exchange rate and payment provider. Do not add a private agent's fee to the government charge and describe the combined price as official.

When will payment be possible?

The EU says applications are not being collected and a specific start date will be communicated ahead of launch. This page does not certify a 2027 opening, a 2026 deadline or a grace-period date. Check the official operating status.

What does paying not provide?

An authorisation is not a residence permit, a work visa or a guarantee of admission. It does not remove the rules governing a short stay. Check the Schengen 90/180-day limit independently.

A family budgeting example

Illustrative example: a British family should check each person's age and any qualifying exemption before adding up possible future charges. An exemption from a fee is not necessarily an exemption from applying. Do not pay an unofficial website to reserve an authorisation before applications exist.

Read our British travellers' ETIAS guide for eligibility context. This is general planning information; the official service and your circumstances determine the requirement.