European travel authorization for Canadians delayed indefinitely as technical issues persist
The EU's new ETIAS system, which would have required Canadian travellers to pre-authorize visits to 30 European countries, has been pushed back with no launch date set.
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The European Union has indefinitely delayed the launch of its European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), leaving Canadian travellers without a firm date for when the new requirement will take effect.
The system was designed to require travellers from visa-exempt countries, including Canada, to obtain authorization before visiting 30 European countries for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Those 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 reports suggested the launch could be delayed until 2027 due to technical glitches, the official ETIAS website now states 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 European vacations as usual and travel with a valid Canadian passport, provided they meet standard entry requirements. As of February 2026, only an electronic travel authorization is required for Canadians visiting the United Kingdom.
When the system eventually launches, an ETIAS authorization will cost Canadians €20, approximately $32 Canadian — three times more expensive than when it was first announced in 2018. The authorization 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. They must instead enter Europe using their valid European passport.
The Government of Canada warns travellers to be cautious of fraudulent websites claiming to sell ETIAS authorizations. Canadians will be able to submit applications through the official EU ETIAS website once the system launches.
By the numbers
How many European countries will require ETIAS authorization from Canadian travellers?
30 European countries will require ETIAS authorization from Canadian travellers, 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.
How much will an ETIAS authorization cost Canadian travellers?
An ETIAS authorization will cost Canadian travellers €20, approximately $32 Canadian, which is three times more expensive than when it was first announced in 2018.
How long will an ETIAS authorization be valid for?
An ETIAS authorization will be valid for up to three years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first.
