From late 2026, UK travellers heading to the Schengen zone will need to register for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) — a new pre-travel requirement that's replaced traditional visa exemption. The good news? The fee is modest and straightforward. The better news? If you're under 18 or over 70, you won't pay a penny. Here's what you need to know about ETIAS costs and how to pay.

How Much Will ETIAS Cost You?

The official ETIAS application fee is €20 (approximately £17–18), which covers your authorisation to travel to all 30 participating Schengen countries for up to three years — or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. That's considerably cheaper than a traditional visa, and far less hassle than the old paper application process.

However, there's a crucial exception: you won't pay if you're under 18 or over 70 years old. Family members of EU citizens also qualify for fee exemptions, regardless of age. If you fall into either category, your ETIAS application is completely free.

One critical point: once you've paid the fee, it's non-refundable. This applies whether your application is approved, refused, or later annulled. The European Commission treats the application fee as a processing charge, not a conditional payment. So make sure your personal details and passport information are correct before you submit and pay.

How to Pay: Your Payment Options

ETIAS accepts multiple payment methods designed to make the process smooth for international travellers. You can pay using:

• Credit card — Visa, Mastercard, and other major providers
• Debit card — Standard UK debit cards are accepted
• Bank transfer — For those who prefer this method
• Other secure online payment methods — depending on your country of residence

All transactions are processed through secure, encrypted channels. The official ETIAS portal (europa.eu/etias) is the only legitimate place to apply and pay. Be wary of third-party websites offering ETIAS registration — they often charge inflated fees or don't deliver at all. Stick to the official European Commission site and you'll avoid these scams entirely.

Key Things to Remember About ETIAS Fees

There's been some confusion about whether the fee will be €7 or €20. The European Commission has confirmed the official fee is €20, payable through the official europa.eu/etias website. Any lower quoted prices from unofficial sources should be treated with suspicion.

Your ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years from the date of approval, so you won't need to reapply or repay for multiple trips within that window — as long as you're travelling to the same destinations and haven't changed your passport.

Top Tips for a Smooth Payment Process

1. Double-check your personal and passport details before paying — you can't get a refund if you make a mistake
2. Use the official europa.eu/etias website only; avoid third-party agents and travel websites
3. Have a valid credit or debit card ready; the payment takes seconds once you've completed your application
4. Keep confirmation of your payment and ETIAS authorisation reference number for your records
5. If you're under 18 or over 70, remember you don't pay — but you still need to register
6. Plan ahead; processing can take up to two weeks, though most applications are decided within a few days

The ETIAS fee is modest, transparent, and designed to make pre-travel authorisation straightforward for UK travellers. By paying the €20 upfront, you're gaining three years of hassle-free travel across the entire Schengen zone — no passport control queues, no border forms, no visa delays. If you'd like guidance on the full application process or help preparing your supporting documents, our team at ReadyForSchengen.com is here to ensure you're ready for 2026.