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

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, who 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."

Keir Starmer and Ursula von der LeyenPA

Mark Francois called it a 'dangerous PR sham'

He 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.