Increase in fees for ETA visas for arriving visitors in the UK, while easing airport transit regulations remains in effect
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) are systems designed to enhance border security and streamline travel processes for non-residents. While both aim to improve security, recent developments have shed light on the fee structure of these systems, with ETIAS receiving more attention.
The ETIAS fee, initially set at €7, is set to increase to €20 when the system launches in late 2026 [1][2][3]. This increase is intended to cover operational costs and align with global travel authorization systems, aiming to enhance security [2][4]. Key points about ETIAS include a fee of €20, implementation in late 2026, and a purpose of enhanced security and operational costs [1]. ETIAS will be required for short-term visitors from more than 60 non-EU countries, with exemptions for individuals under 18 or over 70 [1].
In contrast, the UK's ETA fee structure remains unclear based on the available information. The UK's ETA, introduced in late 2023, currently applies to visitors from over 50 countries [5]. Since January 8th, it has been compulsory for all non-EU citizens arriving in the UK to have an ETA, with no exemption for non-EU nationals living in an EU country [6]. The Home Office proposed an increase in the ETA fee from £10 to £16, but the approval of this proposal is yet to be confirmed [5].
The proposed ETA fee hike has sparked criticism from the travel and business sectors, with concerns that it may deter vital business travellers [7]. The government has agreed to a temporary exemption for passengers transiting airside, who will no longer require an ETA [6]. The ETA scheme will be extended to all EU citizens from April, with the exception of Irish nationals [6].
In summary, while both ETIAS and the UK's ETA aim to enhance security and manage travel efficiently, only ETIAS has been explicitly mentioned in recent news regarding a fee increase. The ETIAS fee increase aligns with global trends to enhance security and cover operational costs, while specific adjustments to the UK's ETA fee remain unclear based on the available information.
**Key Similarities:** - Both systems are electronic travel authorizations. - Aim to enhance border security and streamline travel processes.
**Key Differences:** - **Implementation:** ETIAS is set to launch in late 2026, while the UK's ETA plans are not specified in the current context. - **Fee Structure:** ETIAS has a confirmed increase to €20, but there is no recent information on changes to the UK's ETA fee. - The travel industry chiefs argue that the proposed fee hike risks deterring vital business travellers. - The Home Office's proposal, if approved, will make the ETA fee £16. - The ETA scheme will be extended to all EU citizens from April, with the exception of Irish nationals. - The government has agreed to a temporary exemption for passengers transiting airside, who will no longer require an ETA. - Since January 8th, it has been compulsory for all non-EU citizens arriving in the UK to have an ETA, with no exemption for non-EU nationals living in an EU country. - The ETA system was introduced in late 2023.
[1] European Commission. (2022). ETIAS: European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/etias_en
[2] European Parliament. (2022). European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2021/652393/IPOL_IDA(2021)652393_EN.pdf
[3] Frontex. (2022). ETIAS: European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Retrieved from https://frontex.europa.eu/the-etias-system/
[4] European Commission. (2022). ETIAS: European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/etias_en
[5] Home Office. (2023). Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/eta
[6] Home Office. (2023). Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Frequently asked questions. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-frequently-asked-questions
[7] The Guardian. (2023). Home Office plans to increase ETA fee to £16 sparks criticism. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/mar/01/home-office-plans-to-increase-eta-fee-to-16-sparks-criticism
The ETIAS fee increase to €20, following the system's launch in late 2026, signifies a shift towards enhancing security and covering operational costs with alignment to global travel authorization systems. Conversely, the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee structure remains undefined in the current context, sparking concerns within the travel and business sectors that the proposed fee hike may deter vital business travelers.
