EU hikes ETIAS travel Fee: What It Means for Expats and Travelers in Europe

Starting next year, travelers from visa-exempt countries heading to most parts of Europe will pay more to enter. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which was already expected to roll out in 2025 after multiple delays, will increase its application fee from €7 to €12, according to official EU sources cited by CNN.

This change will affect millions of non-EU travelers, but it also raises key questions for residents in Europe—particularly expats in Luxembourg who have family or friends visiting from abroad, or who themselves hold non-EU passports.

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is not a visa, but a travel pre-authorization—similar to the U.S. ESTA system—that allows visa-exempt nationals to enter the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). It will apply to nationals from over 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and several others.

Once approved, the ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires—whichever comes first.

What’s Changing?

• New Fee: €12 (up from the originally planned €7)
• Applies to: Travelers aged 18–70 from visa-exempt countries
• Fee exemptions remain for children under 18 and adults over 70

This increase, announced just ahead of the system's expected launch, reflects rising administrative and IT costs, according to EU officials.

What This Means for Expats in Luxembourg

For many Luxembourg-based expats, this change may not affect their own travels, especially if they hold an EU residency permit or passport. But it does have practical implications:

• Visiting friends and family from the U.S., UK, or other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for ETIAS—and now at a higher cost.
• For those holding dual citizenship (e.g., a U.S. and EU passport), using the EU passport remains the easier route to avoid ETIAS entirely.

When Will ETIAS Be Required?

Despite the recent fee update, the official launch date of ETIAS remains unconfirmed. It was initially planned for 2024, then 2025, and now appears likely in mid-to-late 2025—but an exact date has not been announced.

How to Apply for ETIAS

Once live, the process will be online-only, requiring:

• A valid passport
• A debit or credit card to pay the €12 fee
• Answers to security and travel history questions

Most applicants will receive approval within minutes, but some may face delays if additional screening is needed.

Bottom Line

The ETIAS fee increase isn’t massive, but it’s symbolic of the tightening travel framework across Europe. For the many expats living in Luxembourg—especially in a cross-border region like the Greater Region (Grande Région)—it’s yet another reminder to stay informed about evolving rules that can impact travel freedom.

As ever, keeping your documents in order and ensuring your guests know what’s required will save last-minute stress—and help ensure smoother journeys across the EU.

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