Canadians won’t need EU travel waivers until end of 2026

The European Union has announced a delay in the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) due to technical issues. The program, which was originally scheduled to be in place in 2021, is now expected to be fully operational by the final quarter of 2026, with a six-month grace period for travelers.

This delay will impact hundreds of thousands of Canadians who visit the EU each year. Under ETIAS, visa-exempt travelers, including Canadians, will be required to apply online for visa waivers before traveling to any of the 29 Schengen-area countries and Cyprus. The cost of the waiver will be €7, approximately $11, and will be valid for three years. Travelers will need to provide personal information and make the payment before their trip.

While most waivers will be processed within minutes, some applications may take up to 30 days to complete. Canadians holding an EU passport or residency card in an EU country will be exempt from the ETIAS program. However, Ireland will not participate in the system as it is part of the Common Travel Area with the U.K.

Global Affairs Canada has acknowledged the new timeline and advises Canadians to visit their Travel Advice and Advisories webpage for the latest information on entry and exit requirements. Canada currently has a similar program called the Electronic Travel Authorization, which costs $5 and is valid for five years.

In addition to ETIAS, the EU is also introducing a modernized entry and exit system that will collect facial images and fingerprints of most visitors to the participating European countries. This system is set to launch in October and will include non-EU members like Switzerland and Norway, but will not apply to Ireland.

Overall, the delay in implementing ETIAS may inconvenience Canadian travelers, but it is important to stay informed about the new requirements and ensure compliance before planning any trips to the EU.