{"id":"f-73cd9b4b27-8549f771-2717-5898-9e4a-3a14d0a175f5","title":"British holidaymakers to pay £17 entry fee for 30 European countries from 2026: What you need to know","description":"British travellers heading to Europe will soon face a new mandatory fee that could impact holiday planning, budgets, and entry rules across multiple destinations. Stay ahead of the change and discover how to prepare before booking your next trip.","timestamp":1769082462,"category":"international","headline":"British holidaymakers to pay £17 entry fee for 30 European countries from 2026: What you need to know","modifiedHeadline":"UK tourists face EU entry fee from 2026","subCategories":["scid_1698a638"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"c80449a0-0ad6-472b-8d17-5747dd8f5c83","bundleTitle":"Around the globe","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"663","fcSummary":"from late 2026, british tourists visiting 30 european countries will need a £17 etias online travel authorisation. this pre-screening system, not a visa, aims to enhance security and streamline border checks for short stays, impacting spontaneous trips for some.","summary":"Britons face £17 EU entry fee from 2026. New travel charge impacts 30 countries. Plan ahead for holiday budgets.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/astrology/IN/en/news9/f-73cd9b4b27-8549f771-2717-5898-9e4a-3a14d0a175f5","sourceUrl":"https://www.news9live.com/lifestyle/travel/british-tourists-europe-entry-fee-2026-2921985","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/8VqdxDvMxTd0.webp","content":"

New Delhi: Planning a sunny break in Spain or a wander through Rome? From late 2026, British tourists heading to 30 popular European spots will need to pay

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a £17 entry fee. It’s called ETIAS, a simple online check, not a full visa. This change comes after years of talk and delays. For families off to France or mates eyeing Greece, it’s one more step before you fly. As travel buzz builds, savvy planners are already asking: Does this spell the end of spur-of-the-moment trips, or just a minor tweak to our wanderlust? Budget travellers might think twice, but Europe’s pull—beaches, cities, food—stays strong.

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Talk of this has bubbled up for ages, pushed back from 2024 plans. Now it’s set for the end of 2026. UK folks used to visa-free travel post-Brexit face this tweak. Still, with quick online approval, it might not slow you down much. Think of it as an extra airport snack you plan for.

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Key highlights of this new travel requirement to European countries

British tourists are in for a plot twist: from Q4 2026, you’ll need ETIAS approval to step into 30 European gems, fork over £17 (that’s €7 for under-18s and over-70s), and apply online before takeoff. The full roster?

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Here’s the European countries that’ll require ETIAS:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

Airlines and cruises will check it at check-in—no pass, no board. It’s aimed at visa-exempt folk like us Brits for stays up to 90 days in 180, blending with the new Entry/Exit System for biometrics.

What Is ETIAS and Why European countries have introduced it

ETIAS—European Travel Information and Authorisation System—isn’t a visa but a smart electronic nod letting visa-free travellers pop over for short holidays or biz trips. Europe’s rolling it out post-terror threats and migration spikes, pairing it with the Entry/Exit System that snaps fingerprints and mugs at borders. The goal? Pre-screen risks, speed up queues, and make the Schengen zone safer without the old passport stamp faff. It’s like a digital bouncer: most get approved in minutes, but it flags dodgy backgrounds early.

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How much British tourists have to pay now

The cost for most British travellers applying for ETIAS will be €20, which is about £17 at current exchange rates. This payment is made online at the time of application and covers administrative costs linked to processing and maintaining the ETIAS system.

It’s important to note that the fee applies per traveller, and you’ll need to submit an individual application even for group or family travel.

Once granted, the ETIAS authorisation typically allows repeated trips to eligible destinations without re-application, as long as it remains valid.

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Who will be exempted?

Not everyone needs to pay the ETIAS fee or submit an application. Certain groups are exempt, including:

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Children under 18 years old and adults over 70 (fee exemptions apply).
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Family members of EU citizens who hold the right to free movement.
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Residents with valid long-stay visas or residence permits issued by an EU/Schengen state.
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Individuals holding diplomatic, official or service passports.

Even if exempt from the fee, some travellers may still need to apply for the ETIAS authorisation itself, depending on the rules.

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Could this change tourism in Europe?

The introduction of ETIAS is more administrative than prohibitive, but it does add an extra step for UK holidaymakers. Some may view the payment as an inconvenience, especially if budgeting for multiple trips. However, the system is expected to streamline border controls and reduce processing times at busy airports and train stations.

For European tourism industries — particularly in popular destinations like Spain, France and Italy — the impact is likely to be mild. Many travellers already plan and book well ahead, so adding a short online application shouldn’t drastically alter travel demand.

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When will ETIAS come into force?

ETIAS is scheduled to launch in the final quarter of 2026, after a series of delays from earlier target dates.

Officials have indicated that the system will begin with an initial transition period, during which you can complete the application without immediate enforcement. This helps ease the rollout for travellers and border authorities alike.

UK travellers planning to visit Europe from late 2026 onwards should keep an eye on official announcements and ensure their travel documents are up to date before finalising flight bookings.

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From late 2026, British tourists heading to Europe will need to factor in a £17 ETIAS fee and pre-travel authorisation for entry into 30 European countries. By understanding the application process and timeline, you can plan ahead and continue enjoying seamless trips to your favourite European destinations.

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British holidaymakers to pay £17 entry fee for 30 European countries from 2026: What you need to know

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