Canadians travelling to Europe face new visa requirements. Here's what we know about the security measure
Last month, European countries began rolling out the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for travellers crossing European borders. It’s expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026. Here’s what to know.
Who uses the EES?
The EES is for non-EU nationals ( including Canadians ) who are travelling for a short stay to one or more countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
What’s the Schengen area?
It’s a fancy term for the nations of the European Union, minus Ireland and Cyprus, but including Norway, Switzerland, Lichtenstein and Iceland.
Note that this doesn’t include the U.K., which has its own system, called Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), in place since January. That has a cost of 10 pounds, or about $18.
What does the system do?
The EES replaces the manual stamping of passports at border crossings. During the first six months of its use, border officers will continue to stamp passports in addition to registering entries and exits digitally. Countries may also revert to manual stamping if they experience technical problems. Once the system is fully in place, only the digital system will be used.
The system will also track overstays and denials of entry The government of Canada notes on its website that each country decides who can enter or exit through its borders, and Canada can’t intervene if someone doesn’t meet entry or exit requirements.
How does it work?
Non-EU travellers with an e-passport can use a self-serve kiosk to register when crossing the border, and then proceed to a passport control officer who will already have received that information and can ask further questions if necessary before granting or refusing entry.
Do Canadians have e-passports?
They almost certainly do if they’re current. Canada has been issuing e-passports since 2013 , and they are good for 10 years before they need to be renewed.
What kind of data does it collect?
Biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, will also be collected at the point of entry, and stored for three years.
Why is Europe doing this?
A website for the European Union notes that automation will shorten wait times by replacing time-consuming manual checks.
It also notes that the new system provides precise information on the maximum duration of authorized stay by visitors, and makes it easier to identify those who have overstayed or are using fake passports.
Is there a cost?
No. The system is free for users.
Are there other changes coming?
Yes, and they will cost. Europe’s next border-control system is called ETIAS , for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It will require Canadians and other non-EU nationals to apply online for a permit to enter Europe.
Last summer, it was announced that the fee would be 20 euros (about $32), almost triple the previously announced price of 7 euros.
ETIAS is supposed to start operations in late 2026. However, the system has faced several delayed since its announcement, and was originally supposed to begin in 2021. And like the EES, it will take time to get fully up and running.
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