By James Rodger

Copyright birminghammail

UK tourists have been warned yhe cost of entry to Europe is nearly triple what was originally outlined by the European Commission. The price of Etias was set at €7 (£6) but this has since risen to €20 (£17). Which? advised: “Another change British travellers should prepare for is the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (Etias), otherwise known as a visa-waiver scheme. “When it kicks in, which is not expected until late 2026, holidaymakers will need to apply online and pay a fee of €20 (around £17) before travelling. The authorisation is expected to be valid for three years, or until your passport expires. READ MORE Drivers in England face new midday to 8pm ban from September 21 “Similar to America’s Esta system, Etias will allow citizens from 63 visa-exempt countries to visit the Schengen Zone with an electronic authorisation rather than a full visa. This includes the UK, which is considered a third country since Brexit.” ETIAS.COM explains: “You will need a payment card to cover the EUR 20 fee. You can use a variety of online payment options to pay the fee. “Applicants who are under 18 or above 70 years of age are exempt from this payment. Also exempt are family members of EU citizens or of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union .” It’s expected to cost €20 (around £17) for all travellers between the ages of 18 and 70. Children’s travel authorisations will be free. When this scheme was first proposed, the fee was set at €7 (£6), so it has since almost tripled in price. It is not currently clear whether travellers will need one to visit non-Schengen microstates such as Andorra or Monaco. The European Union said: “Rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting six months after EES, some 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.”