The fee, which will cost €7 ($7.44), will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, to enter 30 different European countries. The fee will be valid for three years or until the expiration date of someone's travel document.

As of 2026, the primary "new fee" for travelers from visa-exempt countries (like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) entering Europe's Schengen Zone is the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) application fee. While the program was originally intended to cost €7, recent updates for late 2026 indicate a price increase to €20 (approximately $22 USD) to cover rising operational and security maintenance costs. This fee is paid during an online application process that screens travelers for security, migration, and health risks before they arrive. The ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Notably, travelers under the age of 18 or over 70 are typically exempt from the fee, although they still must complete the application. This system is similar to the US ESTA or the UK's ETA and is part of a broader European effort to digitize borders and enhance safety.