The European Union is contemplating increasing entry fees for foreign visitors, potentially impacting British tourists, to help alleviate the €350 billion (£300 billion) debt incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. This proposal emerges as British travelers already face increased passport control and entry restrictions due to Brexit.

This move could strain the improving relationship between London and Brussels following Brexit, despite the EU’s efforts to streamline passport controls for British citizens. According to POLITICO, raising the entry fee beyond the planned €7 (£6) under the European Travel Data and authorisation System (ETIAS) is a leading option.

EU Weighs Options to boost Revenue

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič endorsed the idea this week. The ETIAS is scheduled to affect 60 countries with visa-free agreements with the EU, including the US and UK, starting in the last quarter of 2026. Any fee hike would apply to these nations.

An internal note from the Polish rotating Council presidency, as reported by POLITICO, stated, “It seems that there is a possibility of a gradual increase of the fee, strengthening the long-term revenue potential.”

“It seems that there is a possibility of a gradual increase of the fee, strengthening the long-term revenue potential,”

A Commission spokesperson mentioned that “a possible adjustment of the fee” is under consideration, taking into account the inflation since the €7 levy was set in 2018.

While politically appealing, this measure is projected to generate less than €1 billion (£856m) annually, compared to the EU’s €25 billion (£21bn) to €30 billion (£26bn) in annual debt repayments starting in 2028. Another proposal involves imposing a €2 (£1.70) fee on billions of small imported parcels from Chinese retailers like shein and Temu.