Great news for Canadian travellers! The European Union recently announced the deferral of the entry into force of ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to the end of 2026. Initially planned for 2024, this system, similar to the Canadian AVE, would have required additional steps before your departure for Europe. In the meantime, your Canadian passport will still be enough to make the most of your European escapades!
What is ETIAS, this "future European eTA"?
ETIAS is an electronic authorisation introduced by the European Union, modelled on the Canadian eTA. It will become compulsory for nationals of visa-exempt countries (including Canada) wishing to travel within the Schengen area.
The aim of this system is to strengthen security by carrying out upstream checks on international travellers, while simplifying entry formalities. Once approved, the ETIAS will be linked electronically to your passport, just like the eTA in Canada.
The big difference? The ETIAS will limit stays to 90 days in a 180-day period, unlike the Canadian eTA, which allows tourist stays of up to six consecutive months.
What does this postponement mean in practical terms for Canadian travellers?
From now until the end of 2026, nothing changes! Your Canadian passport will still be sufficient for tourist, family or business (short-stay) trips to European countries in the Schengen area.
This extension decided by the European Union still gives you time to travel easily to your favourite destinations (France, Italy, Spain, Germany, etc.) without having to complete additional formalities.
Differences between the Canadian eTA and the European ETIAS
While the ETIAS is very similar to the Canadian eTA, there are a few differences:
| Characteristics | eTA Canada | ETIAS Europe (from 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of validity | Up to 5 years | Up to 3 years |
| Maximum length of stay | 6 months (180 days) | 90 days every 180 days |
| Multiple entries | Yes | |
| Means of transport | Air only, Take advantage of these extra two years to plan your next European trips without worrying about this additional step. |
Practical advice before travelling in Europe until 2026
Here's a quick checklist to keep in mind for your European trips until ETIAS comes into force:
- Valid passport: Just make sure it remains valid until you return;
- Travel insurance: Recommended to cover any unforeseen medical incidents or cancellations;
- 90-day rule: Always respect the limit of 90 consecutive days in the Schengen area within a 180-day period.
Take advantage of this simplicity to travel to your favorite destinations: Paris, Rome, Lisbon, Madrid and Amsterdam are waiting for you!
After 2026: how will the ETIAS work?
From the end of 2026, the ETIAS will work in a similar way to the eTA Canada:
- A short online application will need to be made a few days before your trip;
- You will need to provide your personal details, passport and pay the relevant fees online;
- Authorisation will be confirmed quickly, usually within a few minutes to a few hours.
In the meantime, you still have a few years ahead of you to make the most of travelling in Europe without additional formalities.
To sum up: Europe remains easily accessible until 2026
This postponement of ETIAS is excellent news for Canadians wishing to continue discovering Europe without administrative constraints. All you have to do is prepare for your trip, check the validity of your passport and take full advantage of the many charms the Schengen area has to offer.
Envy of a European city-trip soon? You've got two more years to get away simply with your Canadian passport, with no complicated formalities.
So, where will you go for your next European getaway?