Traveling to Europe? You Need to Know About These New Identity Checks and Fees

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  Travel and Leisure on Tue, Sep 16th, 2025 by CNET

Traveling to Europe: What You Need to Know About New Identity Checks and Fees

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, the last thing you want to encounter on the way to your holiday destination is a surprise bureaucratic hurdle. The European Union has recently rolled out a series of new identity‑verification requirements and associated fees that will affect millions of travelers in the coming months. While the changes are largely aimed at boosting security and streamlining border processes, they can also catch travelers off‑guard if they’re not prepared. Below is a comprehensive look at the new rules, how to navigate them, and what you can do to avoid delays or extra costs.

1. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

What is ETIAS?

The ETIAS is the EU’s new pre‑travel clearance program, comparable to the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA. It is designed for visa‑exempt travelers—those who can enter the Schengen area without a visa—who will be traveling for up to 90 days for tourism, business or transit purposes. The system will be fully operational by the end of 2024.

Who Must Apply?

• Citizens of visa‑exempt countries (e.g., the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others).
• Residents of the U.S., Canada, Australia or Japan who plan to travel to the Schengen area.
• Travelers who have no passport or who do not hold a valid travel document are automatically excluded; the ETIAS is strictly for passport‑holder travel.

How It Works

1. Online Application – Fill out a simple form that collects basic personal data, passport information, travel itinerary, and health details.
2. Security Check – Your information is automatically screened against the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Schengen Visa Information System (SVIS).
3. Payment – A €7 (approximately $8) application fee is charged through a secure online payment portal. The fee is non‑refundable and is payable per traveler per trip.
4. Approval – Most applicants receive approval within minutes; in some cases, a 72‑hour review period is required. Approved travelers receive a 90‑day travel authorization that is valid for three years or until their passport expires, whichever comes first.

Why It Matters

Unlike the Schengen visa, the ETIAS is not a visa. It is simply an electronic pre‑travel clearance. But if you fail to obtain approval before boarding a flight to Europe, you will be denied boarding by airlines and could face hefty penalties. Moreover, the approval status is linked to your passport; you cannot travel with a different passport unless you apply again.

2. Airport‑Level Identity Checks: Biometric Gates and Mobile ID

Automated Passport Control (APC) Gates

Most EU airports now employ APC gates that scan your passport’s biometric chip and match it against the EU’s Schengen Border Data. The process is quick—usually a few seconds—but requires you to:

• Present your passport (with an active ETIAS if you’re from a visa‑exempt country).
• Answer a few biometric verification questions (e.g., date of birth).
• Some airports also require a mobile ID: a scanned photo of your passport or a government‑issued ID uploaded via a mobile app.

Mobile ID Apps

Airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and KLM have begun partnering with identity‑verification providers to allow passengers to upload a photo of their passport or national ID at check‑in. If the system detects a mismatch, the passenger may be asked to provide additional identification at the airport. While the exact cost varies, some airlines have introduced a small fee—often around €5—to cover the verification service.

Why the Change?

• Security: With rising concerns over identity fraud, biometric verification adds an extra layer of security.
• Efficiency: Automated gates reduce queues and allow travelers to move faster through the terminal.
• Compliance: The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires strict handling of biometric data, hence the need for secure apps and encrypted transmission.

3. Additional Fees Travelers Might Encounter

The biggest cost in the near future will likely be the ETIAS application fee. However, travelers can offset it by taking advantage of bundled travel packages that include ETIAS as part of the booking fee.

4. Practical Tips for a Smooth European Trip

1. Apply for ETIAS Early – Even if you receive approval within minutes, you should apply at least 24 hours before your flight.
2. Keep Digital Copies – Store scanned copies of your passport, insurance, hotel booking, and return ticket in an encrypted cloud folder.
3. Download Airline Apps – Many airlines now require a mobile ID scan during check‑in; having the app ready ensures you’re not stuck at the counter.
4. Check Your Country’s List – Visit the official ETIAS website to confirm your nationality is visa‑exempt.
5. Double‑Check Passport Expiry – Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area.
6. Be Ready for Extra Questions – At the automated gates, you may be asked to confirm your travel itinerary or show proof of accommodation. Have those documents handy.

5. Bottom Line

The new identity checks and fees introduced by the EU are not about making travel more expensive; they’re about making it safer and more streamlined. As a traveler, the most important step is to familiarize yourself with the ETIAS application process and to be proactive in securing all necessary documentation. By doing so, you’ll avoid last‑minute headaches and be able to focus on what really matters: enjoying your European adventure.