Spain's hotel sector slams EU's visa waiver price for non-EU tourists

The move to increase the fee would mean triple the amount initially planned and would affect visa-exempt travellers wishing to enter the Schengen Area from the end of 2026, when it will comes into force.

"Taking into account the rise in inflation since 2018 and additional operational costs related to new technical features integrated into the system, the fee will be adjusted to €20 per application, valid for a period of three years,” the Commission said.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will apply to visitors entering Europe from non-EU or non-Schengen zone countries, including the UK, as well as others coming for short visits.

ETIAS: Fee for European travel authorisation set to increase to €20

The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) denounced the increase saying that it is a further harm competitiveness of tourism in Spain and throughout Europe, given the fact that costs, accommodation taxes and fees in have already risen.

They called the rise "disproportionate, lacking transparency, and without a clear technical justification”.

It also warns that the impact would be greatest for families and groups travelling together, as they would have to shell out significantly more.

It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that children under the age of 18 will be exempt from paying the fee, so it will only be a significant increase for familial groups of adults that will be affected.

Travel to Spain: Your questions answered about EES and ETIAS

"This proposal not only breaks with the spirit of proportionality that guided the initial agreement between Parliament and Council in 2018, but also lacks the necessary transparency, as insufficient information has been provided on the actual costs of the system or on the evaluation of possible, more balanced alternatives,” CEHAT stated.

CEHAT joins the demands of a broad coalition of European tourism associations, which include several airlines. They want a detailed impact assessment by the European Commission, justifying the proposed increase, including a cost analysis and consideration of alternatives.

They also demand a promise any surplus generated by the ETIAS system be reinvested in the development of the tourism sector within the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

'Disproportionate': European tourism chiefs blast ETIAS fee hike

"Tourism is an essential source of income for Spain and Europe, and any administrative or economic measures that may hinder tourist flows must be carefully evaluated with a strategic, long-term vision," Jorge Marichal, president of CEHAT stated.

Other travel and tourism groups have also expressed “deep concern” at the proposed hike and called on the European Parliament and European Council to reject the proposed rise.

These include Airlines for Europe, the European Regions Airline Association, the European Tourism Association, the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association, the European Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés, and the European Federation of Rural Tourism (RURALTOUR) among others.

For comparison, the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) costs $21 which is just over €18 and the UK's new ETA is £16 which is slightly closer to €19.