Canada's travel alert warns of new European authorization fee for Canadians
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launching late 2026 will require visa-exempt Canadian travellers to apply in advance.
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The Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory updating Canadians on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026.
Candian citizens will need to apply for ETIAS authorization before travelling to Schengen countries or Cyprus for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The EU strongly urges travellers to get the authorization before buying tickets or booking accommodations.
Once live, the system will charge €20 ($32.42) per person; travellers under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee. An ETIAS will link electronically to your passport and remain valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Canadian applicants will be asked for personal information including name, date and place of birth, sex, nationalities, home address, email, and phone number; parents' first names; travel document details; education level and current occupation; the country of first intended stay and destination address; and details about past criminal convictions, travel to conflict zones, and any past return decisions.
The system was originally expected to launch in 2021 but faced multiple delays. The EU is expected to announce an official start date soon. In the meantime, the government warns Canadians to be cautious of fake websites claiming to offer ETIAS applications. If you're a Canadian citizen with European citizenship covered by ETIAS, you'll need to enter Europe using your valid European passport; if that passport has expired, you must renew it before your trip. You'll still need a valid Canadian passport to fly back to Canada.
