We are on the verge of the announcement that ETIAS will launch in just a few months, and as that moment approaches, it is important to have a clear understanding of certain concepts. One of these is knowing who is considered a family member when applying for ETIAS—SEIAV—and therefore does not have to pay the application fee. Although they must still complete their ETIAS – SEIAV application, they will not be required to pay the fee imposed by European authorities.

The following group of people is considered family members:

1. a spouse, including a same-sex spouse, as clarified by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in its Coman judgment (C-673/16).
2. a domestic partner, if the applicable law considers registered partnerships equivalent to marriage.
3. direct descendants under the age of 21 or who are dependent on the insured person, as well as those of the spouse or domestic partner.
4. direct ascendants who are dependent on the insured person, as well as those of the spouse or domestic partner.

So, if your family members are planning to travel to the country where you reside within the Schengen Area, you’ll need to consider whether or not to pay the corresponding fee in euros when filling out the ETIAS (SEIAV) application form.

As a general rule, all nationals of visa-exempt countries who intend to travel to the Schengen Area and are between the ages of 18 and 70 are not required to pay the fee.