EU Sets ETIAS Travel Authorization Fee at €20: Key Changes for Visa-Exempt Visitors

Major Update: The European Commission has finalized the ETIAS travel fee at €20 for visa-exempt visitors, marking a significant increase from the initially proposed €7. This adjustment aims to cover operational costs and align with global travel authorization programs.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require non-EU travelers to complete an online application before visiting 30 European countries. Automated processing promises decisions within minutes, with exemptions for travelers under 18 or over 70. The fee hike, now undergoing a two-month EU Council and Parliament review, will take effect when ETIAS launches in late 2026.

Denmark’s Landmark Work Permit Reforms

Denmark is easing pathways for skilled workers from 16 non-EU nations—including the U.S., UK, Japan, and India—by slashing salary thresholds to DKK 300,000 (≈€40,000) annually. This 42% reduction from previous requirements targets talent in sectors facing labor shortages.

Employers must meet strict criteria:

• Hold collective bargaining agreements
• Employ ≥10 full-time staff
• Pass compliance checks with Danish labor authorities
• Complete government integration workshops

Certified companies gain three-year renewable permits to fast-track hires. Workers must receive salary deposits in Danish bank accounts and pass criminal background checks. The policy’s implementation timeline remains pending.

Ireland Reviews Critical Skills Occupation Lists

Ireland’s Department of Enterprise launched a public consultation (July 23–September 19, 2025) to update its Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists. These determine eligibility for employment permits.

Occupations may qualify for the Critical Skills List if:

• Industry-wide shortages persist despite training efforts
• Hiring foreign workers doesn’t undermine local opportunities
• Shortages stem from skills gaps—not recruitment failures

The 2023 review added 11 roles to the Critical Skills List and made 32 roles eligible for General Employment Permits. Stakeholders can submit evidence via the Department’s online portal.

USCIS Reaches FY2026 H-1B Cap

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed it received enough petitions to meet the 65,000 H-1B regular cap and 20,000 master’s cap for fiscal year 2026.

Ongoing processing includes:

• H-1B extensions and employment amendments
• Petitions for existing H-1B workers changing employers
• Concurrent H-1B employment requests

The H-1B program covers specialized fields like engineering, healthcare, and business. USCIS will reject new cap-subject petitions but continue processing cap-exempt applications.

These sweeping immigration updates signal a global shift toward balancing security, economic needs, and talent mobility. For travelers, the ETIAS fee underscores Europe’s investment in seamless border management. Denmark’s reforms offer a blueprint for targeted labor market access, while Ireland’s consultation reflects adaptive policy-making. With the H-1B cap reached, U.S. employers must explore alternative visa pathways. Always verify requirements with official sources like the European Commission, Danish Agency for International Recruitment, Irish Department of Enterprise, or USCIS before applying.

Must Know

Q: What is ETIAS and when does it start?
A: ETIAS is a travel authorization system for visa-exempt visitors to 30 European countries. After final approvals, it launches in Q4 2026. Applicants will complete an online form for near-instant automated screening.

Q: How much will ETIAS cost?
A: The fee is €20 per application, up from the initially proposed €7. Those under 18 or over 70 are exempt. Payment covers system operations and aligns with similar programs like the U.S. ESTA.

Q: Which countries are in Denmark’s new work permit scheme?
A: The 16 nations include Albania, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, Ukraine, the UK, and the US.

Q: Can I still file an H-1B petition after the cap is reached?
A: Only cap-exempt petitions are accepted—including extensions, employer changes, or concurrent employment for current H-1B holders. New cap-subject petitions for FY2026 will be rejected.