Add Row 
Add 
Heading to Europe? Here's What You Need to Know About the Upcoming ETIAS Fee Increase
Planning a family trip to Europe has just become a bit more complicated. Starting late 2026, nationals from several countries—including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and India—will face an increase in the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) fee. This makes knowing how to pick a travel destination even more important as families budget for their trips.
What’s Changing with the ETIAS Fee?
The current fee for an ETIAS authorization is relatively low at just €7 (around ₹708). However, by the end of 2026, expect this to rise significantly to €20 (approximately ₹2,022). This hike not only raises the cost of entry to Europe but also marks a shift in how we prepare for travel. With families now needing to pay a bit more, it's a good opportunity to review family travel budgets and explore ways to save on other aspects of a trip.
The Reasons Behind the Fee Increase
The European Union is raising the ETIAS fee as part of a broader effort to enhance security across its borders. The increased revenue will be funneled into improving security measures and integrating with international databases like those of Europol and Interpol. While the hike may seem unwelcome, parents should consider it an investment in safer travel for their children.
Who Will Be Affected?
This fee increase will impact millions of travelers from nations currently enjoying visa-free access to the Schengen Zone, including popular family destinations like France, Italy, and Spain. The new fee structure means that families from these visa-exempt nations will need to factor the increased cost into their travel plans. Now, as parents, when you sit down to discuss how to choose a travel destination, remember you may also need to account for this new ETIAS fee!
Exemptions and Alternatives
Luckily, not everyone will be required to pay the new fee. Certain groups are exempt, including children under 18, seniors over 70, and relatives of EU citizens. This is great news for families traveling with young ones or older relatives, ensuring that everyone can still enjoy European adventures without the added burden of the fee.
Planning Your Family's European Trip
Now more than ever, planning your family’s European trip revolves around knowing your budget and understanding the intricacies of traveling as a family. Parents could look for family-friendly accommodations, discounted travel passes, or even off-peak travel times to offset the rising costs. Additionally, this increase could inspire a bit of creativity: perhaps consider less touristy, equally beautiful European destinations that might not have ETIAS requirements, or countries that are still accessible without a fee.
Making Family Travel Fun and Affordable
As you adapt to these new changes, think about how your family spends on travel overall. Engage your children in the planning process by discussing travel destinations that fit within your new budget constraints. Not only will this make the trip more appealing to your kids, but it’ll also enhance their understanding of financial planning at a young age.
Conclusion: Plan and Prepare
Traveling to Europe post-2026 will require more financial preparation due to the ETIAS fee increase, but it doesn’t have to dampen your enthusiasm for exploration. As you consider how to pick a travel destination, know that with a bit of foresight and clever planning, your family can still have memorable European adventures without breaking the bank. So start budgeting, gather the family, and embark on planning your unforgettable trip!
Write A Comment