Enhanced Travel Authorization System (ETIAS) stirs tourism industry apprehensions
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), set to become operational by the end of 2026, has sparked debate over a proposed fee increase from the initially planned €7 to €20. The travel industry, including European airlines and travel bodies like Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), have expressed concern about the fee hike, questioning its proportionality and fairness.
The European Commission justifies the increase, citing inflation, rising operational and infrastructure costs, and broader EU financial priorities like defence and border security. However, industry leaders worry the higher fee may deter travel and disproportionately impact tourists, potentially affecting tourism and airline business.
The €20 fee applies to visa-exempt travelers from non-EU countries planning short-term stays across 30 countries in the Schengen Area and other associated states. The EU defends the increase as necessary for long-term sustainability and alignment with similar systems worldwide.
However, the travel industry argues that using other travel authorisation systems as a reference for setting ETIAS prices is misguided. They warn that aligning with external, unrelated systems without clear justification "sets a worrying precedent". Alternative price models, such as €10 or €12, were not considered during the decision-making process for the ETIAS fee.
Industry representatives also call for the European Commission to publish an impact assessment justifying the proposed fee increase. They argue that the current fee contradicts the spirit of the original 2018 agreement between the European Parliament and Council, which aimed to set a modest and reasonable fee.
The tourism and travel sector emphasizes that the funding should support tourism infrastructure, staff training, and sustainable development initiatives. They argue that the financial and administrative burdens on visitors must be carefully balanced to maintain and strengthen Europe's competitiveness as a global tourist destination. Inbound tourism remains a vital source of export revenue that can be channelled into investment.
In conclusion, the industry suggests a more proportionate and evidence-based fee for ETIAS. They argue that insufficient evidence has been presented to demonstrate that the €20 fee is necessary to cover ETIAS's operational and maintenance costs. The final decision will follow review periods by the EU Council and Parliament.
The travel industry maintains that the proposed €20 ETIAS fee may negatively impact tourism and airline business due to its potential to deter travel, questioning its proportionality and fairness. Industry leaders advocate for alternative price models, such as €10 or €12, and urge the European Commission to publish an impact assessment justifying the fee increase, as this increase contradicts the original 2018 agreement's aim for a modest and reasonable fee.
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