The European Commission has proposed increasing the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) fee for visa‑exempt travellers from €7 to €20, to take effect when the scheme launches in late 2026.
Industry leaders are warning that the hike could deter international visitors and threaten recovery across Europe’s hotel industry, which heavily relies on inbound tourism.
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Why the ETIAS fee increase matters for hotels
Hotel operators are closely monitoring the proposal due to its potential to depress visitor numbers.
With the fee nearly tripling, the added cost may weigh more heavily on budget‑conscious travellers, including families and youth groups—key demographics for mid‑range and economy hotels.
Given that tourism accounts for around 10 % of EU GDP, a reduction in short‑stay guests could ripple through accommodation bookings and related services.
Industry voices call for clarity and balance
Eight major tourism associations, including Airlines for Europe and ETOA, have issued a statement warning the fee feels “disproportionate” and lacks a transparent cost‑benefit analysis.
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By GlobalDataThey urge the Commission to publish a detailed impact assessment and explore tiered pricing—perhaps charging lower rates for visitors from developing markets—to preserve Europe’s global competitiveness in tourism.
What happens next and timeline
Border digitisation will begin in October 2025 with the rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), followed by full ETIAS implementation in late 2026, tying in with the higher €20 fee.
The EU Parliament and Council now have a two‑month window to review the proposal. If unchallenged, the fee hike will go ahead as part of the 2028–2034 budget package.
The outlook for hotels amid ETIAS changes
As ETIAS and EES reshape border formalities, hotels may need to adapt marketing and pricing strategies to offset possible dips in bookings. Clear traveller communication about the new authorisation process could become essential.
Meanwhile, the tourism industry seeks reassurance that ETIAS funds will not only cover security but also support sustainable tourism and hospitality infrastructure.
With the proposed fee now before parliament and member states, the hotel sector will be watching closely. As Europe prepares for modernised entry systems, the challenge will be sustaining visitor flow while meeting border security goals.
