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Digital registration: More and more countries are requiring online registration before entry. ÖAMTC warns of additional costs and third-party providers.
Not only for the UK, but especially for popular long-haul destinations, travelers are increasingly required to register before departure – and in some cases pay for it. It is important to complete these formalities in good time. “Delays can occur, especially when documents have to be uploaded or fees paid – usually by credit card. If you leave this until shortly before departure, you risk a lot of stress or, in the worst case, not being allowed to fly,” explains ÖAMTC travel expert Dagmar Redel.
Airlines will only allow passengers to board if all entry requirements for the destination country have been met. It is also advisable to check the current requirements well in advance: in many countries, entry requirements change at short notice, for example due to the introduction of new digital registrations.
The best-known example is the ESTA electronic travel authorization for the USA. This will become more expensive from September 30, 2025: instead of the current US$21, it will cost US$40 (around €34) in future. “Travelers can only board the plane with an approved ESTA application – so it is essential to complete this in good time, at least 72 hours before departure. The State Department even recommends submitting the application two months before departure so that there is enough time to apply for a visa at the US embassy in case of rejection,” emphasizes Redel.
Other countries are also increasingly relying on digital entry permits. However, the requirements, costs, and validity periods vary significantly. The United Kingdom is the only country in Europe to have introduced a registration requirement in April 2025 – it costs £16, and the application can be made online or via an app. The Canadian eTA works in a similar way, costing seven Canadian dollars and valid for five years.
In New Zealand, there is not only a registration fee of up to 23 New Zealand dollars, but also a mandatory tourism tax of around 55 euros. Countries such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Cuba also rely on e-visas, which cost between 24 and 50 euros depending on the length of stay and type of entry. “Registration costs vary greatly – especially for families, this can quickly make a noticeable difference. When planning vacations and budgets, any registration costs should be included in the calculations,” recommends Redel.
With the introduction of paid registrations, more and more third-party providers are appearing on the internet, charging high processing fees for their services. While the official registration for the UK costs £16, some of these platforms charge up to €100. “In the best case, the registration is overpriced; in the worst case, you lose money and end up at the airport without a valid permit,” warns Redel.
In some countries, there is no fee, but digital registration is still mandatory. For example, travelers to Australia must apply for a free e-visa in advance. Thailand introduced a digital entry card at the beginning of May 2025, which must be completed at least three days before departure. In the Maldives, on the other hand, a “Traveler Declaration” is required within four days of entry. “Even if there are no costs involved, you shouldn’t leave these formalities to the last minute – even small delays can cause problems at the airport,” says the travel expert.
- source: heute.at/picture:
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