Canadians heading to Europe will pay a fee under new security measures
Starting this year, Canadians would’ve had to pay a fee to travel to Europe. However, it looks like those plans have been postponed.
Last year, the European Union announced plans for the European Union’s (EU) new visa waiver system, the European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS).
The electronic system was created to keep track of visitors from the 63 countries that don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen Area.
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Here’s how it works: the mandatory travel authorization system will do a security check of each applicant. It will keep track of necessary information to determine if visitors are safe to enter Schengen countries.
“All in all, the ETIAS authorization will make travelling to the EU less of a hassle and a much safer experience,” reads a statement on the website.
The system was supposed to be fully operational by November 2023. However, Canadians can travel to Europe for another year without the fees because it won’t kick in until 2024.
And luckily, the fee won’t cost much.
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The ETIAS will only set you back €7 (C$10.15), applies to adults over 18, and will be valid for three years. You can pay the fee by debit or credit card.
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And if you’re dreading the paperwork, the website states that the application is only expected to take about 10 minutes to complete.
Are you looking to make plans to travel to Europe next year? Check here for more information about the ETIAS.
With files from Isabelle Docto. This article was originally published on March 4, 2023.
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