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It's going to cost more to travel to Europe next year

Aug. 04, 2025
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3 min read
Street in Paris with Eiffel Tower, France
It's going to cost more to travel to Europe next year
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The price of a trip to Europe is going up.

The European Union has been planning to roll out a travel authorization for visitors for years now, but it's finally coming late next year. And before it even gets off the ground, the price has risen pretty dramatically.

When it was originally unveiled, the price was supposed to be just 7 euros (about $8) — but it's now going to cost 20 euros (about $23).

There is some good news, though, as those younger than 18 or over 70 will not be required to have one. Still, that can add up for multiple family members.

The travel authorization is called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (or ETIAS for short). It will require travelers from countries outside the Schengen Area to fill out an application prior to arrival when visiting most European countries.

It's essentially a visa-waiver program similar to the current system now in place for the United Kingdom.

The official ETIAS website.
The official ETIAS website. EUROPEAN UNION

You'll be able to apply via an online portal, but I'm hopeful it will also have an official app eventually.

Hopefully, it's as easy to apply for as the U.K. version, which I wrote about earlier this year. The application for the new British electronic travel authorization opened back in November. It's easy to apply through the official government app, but you can also do it online.

UK ETA loading in the Apple app store. APPLE
The U.K.'s ETA loading in the Apple app store. APPLE

It's also the same type of system that has been in place for years for visitors to the United States. (That one is known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.)

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ETIAS will allow visitors from 60 countries outside the Schengen Area, including the U.K. and the U.S., to enter Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a full visa. Those who are required to have a visa, like visitors from India, won't need to apply for an ETIAS as well.

The news comes as we learned Europe will begin scanning visitors' passports this October as it rolls out biometric screening of all inbound passengers. This means no more passport stamps when traveling to and from the EU.

We'll have much more coverage as we learn more details about how to apply and get information on timelines.

Related reading:

Featured image by ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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  • Annual Fee is $325.
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