✈️ Thinking of a Euro trip? You’ll need to budget for a new travel fee — and it’s going up.

Canadians looking to visit dreamy destinations like Spain, Portugal, or Italy will soon have to pay more for the privilege, thanks to an upcoming price hike in Europe’s ETIAS travel authorization — a visa waiver that’s becoming mandatory for non-EU visitors from countries like Canada, the U.S., and Australia.

Originally announced in 2018 with a €7 (about C$11) price tag, the ETIAS fee is set to jump to €20 (C$32) when the program officially rolls out — expected by late 2026. The European Commission says the change reflects rising inflation and operating costs, and aligns with similar systems like the U.K.’s ETA and the U.S. ESTA.

The good news? Once approved, your ETIAS is good for up to three years (or until your passport expires), so you can hop around Europe without reapplying each time. The system, while delayed multiple times, will apply to travellers aged 18 to 70, and only kicks in once the platform is up and running.

📋 Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

• Personal and passport info

• Travel plans

• Education and employment details

• Background info (yup — criminal history and recent travel to conflict zones included)

🕐 Most approvals will land within minutes, but some might take up to 30 days, especially if interviews or extra documents are needed — so apply early if you’ve got a trip planned.

🎯 Bottom line: You’ve still got time before the new fee kicks in, but don’t let it sneak up on you. That dream Euro escape will soon cost a little more — but the pasta, sangria, and sightseeing? Still priceless.