ETIAS fee exemptions: the current position
Fee exemptions are important because the authorisation may still be relevant even when payment is not. As of 4 August 2026, ETIAS is not operational yet, no applications are being collected, and there is no fixed public launch window.
- Current status: ETIAS is not open.
- Published start window: no fixed public launch window.
- Official application fee when live: EUR 20, with official exemptions for some applicants.
What travellers should check
The practical sequence is to confirm whether ETIAS applies, confirm the trip fits the short-stay framework, and avoid paying unofficial pages that imply ETIAS is already live.
- Under-18 travellers are expected to be exempt from payment.
- Over-70 travellers are expected to be exempt from payment.
- Some family-member cases require careful official-source checking.
Independent support and official application path
ETIAS Connect is independent and not the official EU ETIAS website. When ETIAS opens, travellers should be able to apply directly through the official ETIAS website or mobile app. Any paid support from ETIAS Connect is optional and separate from official fees.
Open the official ETIAS portal