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Every official change to the fees, requirements and launch dates behind the travel authorizations we cover — dated, in plain language, and linked to the government page that announced it.
Rules change without much warning. Always confirm on the official source before you book or travel.
Atom feedThe official ETIAS site no longer shows a launch window. The EU currently publishes no launch date and has committed only to announcing one several months in advance. ETIAS is not open and no applications are being collected — any website offering to file one today is not legitimate.
A temporary US government program running from July to December 2026 offers a $750 expedited B1/B2 interview appointment. It is optional and does not replace the non-refundable $185 MRV application fee, which is still paid directly to the U.S. government when you book your interview.
The biometric Entry/Exit System's progressive rollout, which began on 12 October 2025, reaches its scheduled completion date. Non-EU visitors are now registered with fingerprints and a facial image in place of passport stamps at the Schengen Area's external borders. ETIAS, which builds on EES, remains unlaunched.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation costs £20 per application from 8 April 2026, up from £16 (the scheme launched at £10). Every traveller, including children and babies, needs their own ETA. A website still quoting £16 is out of date.
Since 25 February 2026 the ETA requirement is strictly enforced. Airlines, Eurostar and ferry operators must refuse boarding to visa-exempt travellers who do not hold an approved ETA. Apply before you book — approval is not automatic and there is no room for error at the gate any more.
The EU's biometric Entry/Exit System began operating on 12 October 2025, phasing in across border crossings over six months. It registers non-EU travellers' fingerprints and facial image in place of passport stamps and tracks the 90/180-day limit automatically. There is nothing to apply for in advance.
The US ESTA government fee is $40 per application, up from $21, since September 2025. Every traveller needs their own ESTA, including infants. An ESTA cannot be renewed: when it expires, or when you get a new passport, you file a new application and pay the fee again.
From 2 April 2025 European visa-exempt nationals need an ETA to enter the UK (applications opened 5 March 2025). This completed a rollout that covered Gulf states from November 2023 and all other non-European visa-free nationalities from 8 January 2025. Irish citizens do not need one.
Charta Visa is an independent private service, not a government website. Government fees are stated separately and paid to the authorities in full.
