The European Union is preparing to increase entry fees for citizens of more than 60 countries that have a visa -free regime with the Schengen countries. This list includes Ukraine. This is reported by Politico , citing sources in the European Commission.
New changes are planned to be concerned within the ETIA (European Information System and Travel Authorization), which should be operational at the end of 2026. Currently, the determined amount is 7 euros, but in Brussels already discuss the possibility of gradual increase, given the inflation since the tariff approval in 2018.
This fee will be paid by third countries, including Ukrainians, British, Americans and citizens more than 60 countries traveling to the EU without visas. In addition to the online payment, they will have to make an entry permit, which will be valid for up to three years or before the expiration of the passport.
This decision is expected to help partially cover the EU's common debt, which arose after attracting 350 billion euros for economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite the fact that 7 euros are one of the lowest rates in the world (for comparison, the US is charged $ 21, the United Kingdom is 16 pounds), the increase in this payment will still touch millions of travelers. The European Commission predicts that in 2027 ETIA will cover more than 50 million people.
But even with the increase in the collection of income from the system will be insignificant - less than 1 billion euros a year, while payments on debt will reach 25-30 billion euros annually since 2028. Therefore, the EU is looking for other sources of income: taxes on digital companies, import of small parcels from China, aviation and cryptocurrency.
However, not all EU members share optimism. Germany has expressed concern that rising travel costs could scare away tourists. Meanwhile, European business representatives criticize the ideas of new corporation taxes, stating that it will weaken the competitiveness of the region.
The European Commission will be announced that the final decision on changing the ETIA Commission will be announced on July 16.
