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Planning a Trip to Europe? Get Ready for the New $23 ETIAS Requirement Coming in 2026

Planning a Trip to Europe? Get Ready for the New $23 ETIAS Requirement Coming in 2026

11th August, 2025

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ETIAS will become mandatory in 2026 for citizens of 59 visa-exempt countries traveling to Europe

 

From late 2026, travelers heading to Europe—including from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, and Australia—will need to comply with a new entry requirement: the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Targeting citizens from 59 visa-exempt countries, ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization meant to enhance border security and streamline entry into 30 European countries, including popular tourist destinations like France, Italy, and Spain.

 

Though sometimes confused with a visa, ETIAS is not a visa. It requires no in-person consulate visits, no biometric data, and no extra documentation apart from a valid passport. The application is fully online, and travelers will need to provide basic personal and travel information, answer a few health and security questions, and pay a €20 fee (approx. $23.25). Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from this fee, though still required to obtain authorization.

 

Once approved, ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first—and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

 

The EU’s goal? To enhance security by identifying potential risks before travelers arrive at European borders, using databases like Interpol and Europol. With rising global travel, ETIAS also supports better control of illegal migration, health monitoring, and border efficiency.

 

As Europe prepares to welcome travelers with this new protocol, those in the hospitality and tourism sectors must be well-informed and adaptable to these evolving international travel regulations.

 

At institutions like the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), students are prepared to understand and respond to global changes impacting tourism and hospitality. With international internships, exposure to global travel systems, and real-world hospitality training, IIHM equips future hoteliers and tourism professionals to lead in this dynamic industry.
 

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