Expanding ETIAS sparks worries for tourism industry
The European travel and tourism sector is expressing concerns about the proposed €20 fee for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is set to be fully operational by the end of 2026. Industry leaders argue that the increase from the original €7 amount is disproportionate, unjustified, and harmful to Europe's travel competitiveness.
The main concerns raised by the tourism and travel sector include a significant new cost and administrative burden on travelers without providing noticeable benefits to user experience or business operations. The fee threatens the competitiveness of European travel, especially when combined with rising overnight taxes in popular cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Lisbon. The price hike contradicts the original goal of maintaining a reasonable fee to support tourism and travel, potentially discouraging visitors from visa-exempt countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Japan.
The European Commission justifies the fee increase by aligning ETIAS with analogous programs like the UK ETA and US ESTA, and to cover rising operational and security costs through digital border management enhancements. The fee will apply to non-EU nationals from visa-exempt countries planning short stays up to 90 days, with some exemptions for minors, seniors, and certain family members.
Industry leaders, including the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association (ECTAA) and Airlines for Europe (A4E), argue the fee hike conflicts with the original, modest fee intention agreed upon in 2018 and unfairly adds to escalating travel costs for families and tourists. They are urging the European Commission to publish an impact assessment justifying the proposed increase in the ETIAS fee and asking the Council and the European Parliament to reject the €20 proposal and suggest a more proportionate and evidence-based fee.
The travel industry reaffirms its support for smart, secure, and efficient borders but emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that considers the financial and administrative burdens on visitors. They call for any surplus revenue generated through ETIAS to be allocated to a specific budget line or earmarked for the tourism and travel sector within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The current debate around the proposed €20 fee for ETIAS centers on concerns that it may reduce Europe's appeal as a tourist destination and call for the EU to reconsider the hike. The industry also calls for a detailed breakdown of costs and confirmation that alternative pricing models have been considered, as well as transparency in the justification for the fee increase.
- The travel industry, such as the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association (ECTAA) and Airlines for Europe (A4E), are advocating for a more proportionate and evidence-based fee for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), challenging the €20 proposal due to its potential harm to Europe's competitiveness in travel and tourism.
- The European travel and tourism sector, faced with the rising costs of travel and the proposed €20 ETIAS fee, is urging the EU to reconsider this increase, as it could deter visitors from visa-exempt countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Japan, potentially impacting the lifestyle and business sectors reliant on tourism.
