British tourists are set to be hit with a fresh set of fees by the EU to help pay off debts caused by Covid lockdowns.
Plans are being drawn up to hit non-EU travellers with an increased levy to reduce the €350billion (£298.8billion) common debt.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) which comes into force next Autumn, is set to hit British holidaymakers with a €7 (£5.98) levy.
A European Commission spokesman told Politico "a possible adjustment of the fee" was being considered.
Tourists could be hit with extra fees
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The increased charge could cause tensions between Brussels and Westminster as well as the 60 other countries with visa-free travel agreements with the EU, including the US.
However, Germany, which is influential in the bloc, is opposed to the fee increase, arguing that it will discourage travel to the European continent.
Chairman of the European Research Group of Tory Brexiteers and Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois said: "This just adds insult to injury over the Government’s so-called Brexit reset.
"Not only has it become apparent that promises of British tourists being fast-tracked through e-gates in EU countries were largely illusory, even when they do get through immigration, they will now pay extra for the privilege."
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Mark Francois called it a 'dangerous PR sham'
PAHe continued: "This increasing tourist tax is another example of what a dangerous PR sham the fish-surrendering, rule-taking ‘reset’ actually is."
Supporters in the EU argue that the €7 fee is cheaper than the UK and US equivalent charges, as the UK charges £16 for its Electronic Travel Authorisation, while the US levies £15.61 under its ESTA system.
Politico reported the revenue from the increased charge would be less than €1billion (£860million) a year, despite the fact the EU faces annual debt repayments of up to €30billion (£26billion) from 2028 to pay off its joint coronavirus debt.
Etias was originally meant to come into force in 2022, but has been repeatedly delayed by technical issues.
It comes as Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged MPs not to believe the "fake news" surrounding the UK’s deal with the EU over Gibraltar’s border with Spain.
The prospect of Gibraltar "joining" the European Schengen free travel area was "never on the table", the Foreign Secretary told the Commons.
The agreement on a "fluid border" will allow travellers to cross by land without checks. Those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU.
In a statement on the agreement, Lammy said: "Residents of Gibraltar and residents of nearby Spanish communities will be able to go about their daily lives as they have done before.
"For those arriving by air into Gibraltar’s airport, there will be a dual border control check, in a model similar to French police operating in London St Pancras station. Ignore the fake news, Gibraltar will not be joining Schengen. This was never on the table.
"Immigration, policing and justice in Gibraltar will remain the responsibilities of Gibraltar’s authorities."
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