Canadians get a break as Europe delays new travel requirement indefinitely
The European Union has once again pushed back the launch of its new travel authorization system, meaning Canadians won’t need to apply any time soon.
The launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has now been delayed indefinitely, leaving Canadian travellers without a firm date for when the new requirement will take effect.
The ETIAS would have required travellers from visa-exempt countries, including Canada, to get authorization before visiting 30 European countries for stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days.
Countries include 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.
Weeks after we reported that the launch could be delayed until 2027 due to “technical glitches,” the official ETIAS website now says the system is “currently not in operation” and that no applications for travel authorizations are being collected “at this point.”
For now, Canadians do not need an ETIAS to travel to Europe. They can book their European vacation as usual and travel with their valid Canadian passport, as long as they meet the usual entry requirements. As of Feb. 2026, only an electronic travel authorization (ETA) is required for Canadians who want to visit the United Kingdom.
If and when the new system finally launches, an ETIAS authorization will cost Canadians €20 (around $32), three times more expensive than when it was first announced in 2018. It will be valid for up to three years, or until the passport used in the application expires. Travellers under 18 or over 70 years old are exempt from the fee.
Canadian citizens who also hold citizenship in one of the participating European countries cannot apply for an ETIAS. Instead, they must enter Europe using their valid European passport.
With the launch date still uncertain, travellers should also be wary of websites that claim to sell ETIAS authorizations.
“Be cautious of fraudulent websites claiming to sell ETIAS authorizations. Only apply through the official EU ETIAS website once the system is launched,” warns the Government of Canada.
Once ETIAS starts, Canadians will be able to submit their application online. Visit the ETIAS website for more information.
With files from Irish Mae Silvestre