Canada shares major travel advisory update for popular European destinations
With several European countries set to introduce a new travel authorization system, a new travel advisory is urging Canadians to plan ahead.
The Government of Canada recently issued travel advisory updates for popular European destinations as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to launch later this year. ETIAS will require travellers from visa-exempt countries to get authorization before visiting several European countries.
According to a notice by the Government of Canada, Canadian citizens will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization before travelling to Schengen countries or Cyprus for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
“The EU strongly advises travellers to get this travel authorization before buying tickets or booking accommodations,” reads the notice. “An ETIAS will link electronically to your passport and will be valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.”
Canadians will need an ETIAS when travelling to participating countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
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The system was originally expected to launch in 2021, but has faced multiple delays. But it looks like it’s now expected to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026, with the EU to announce an official start date. For now, Canadians are urged to be cautious of fake websites claiming to offer ETIAS applications.
Once ETIAS launches, Canadians can apply online and will be charged €20 ($32.42) per person. Travellers under 18 or 70 years old are exempt from the fee.
Canadians will be asked to provide the following information when filling out the application:
- Personal information including your name(s), date and place of birth, sex, nationalities, home address, email address and phone number(s)
- Your parents’ first name(s)
- Travel document details
- Your level of education and current occupation
- The country of your first intended stay and the address of your destination
- Details about any past criminal convictions, past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been the subject of a return decision.
If you’re a Canadian citizen with citizenship in a European country covered by ETIAS, you’ll need to enter Europe using your valid European passport once the system is in place. And if your European passport has expired, you must renew it before your trip. You’ll still need a valid Canadian passport to fly back to Canada.
Visit the ETIAS website for more information.
Update: According to a July 7 report by the Financial Times, the launch could be delayed until 2027 due to technical glitches. Daily Hive has reached out to eu-Lisa, the agency in charge of implementing the system.
With files from Isabelle Docto