Switzerland joins Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Hungary, and more as Canada faces tough new travel requirements for European trips in 2026, marking a major shift in how Canadians travel to Europe. Starting in late 2026, Canadian passport holders will no longer enjoy unrestricted access to many European destinations. Instead, they will be required to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and comply with new biometric tracking measures at borders. These changes are designed to enhance security and streamline the flow of travelers, but they also mean more paperwork, higher costs, and longer processing times for travelers. Here?s everything you need to know to stay ahead of the curve and ensure a smooth journey across Europe.

Starting in late 2026, Canadian travelers to Europe will face a new era of travel restrictions. What was once an easy hop across the Atlantic for a European getaway will now require careful planning, preparation, and some additional steps. With the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and new border entry systems, Canadians will need to adapt to a transformed travel experience. Here?s everything you need to know about these major changes and how they will affect your trips to Europe.

The European Travel Landscape for Canadians: Visa-Free Access Ends for Many

For many years, Canadian passport holders enjoyed visa-free travel to Europe, specifically to the 27 Schengen Area countries. This included popular destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Switzerland, as well as non-Schengen countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland. Canadians could stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without the need for a visa.

However, this free flow of travel is about to change. Starting in late 2026, the European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This system is not a visa, but an online travel authorization. It will require travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Canada, to apply for authorization before entering most European countries. The ETIAS will be valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The fee for applying for the ETIAS will also increase, going from approximately ?7 to ?20 for most adult travelers. This change, along with the Entry/Exit System (EES) to track biometrics, will impact the ease of travel that Canadians have enjoyed. However, these measures aim to strengthen border security and improve overall management of traveler flow into Europe.

Why the New ETIAS and EES Rules Matter

As Canadians, we?ve long been used to minimal travel requirements to Europe. But as global security concerns and technological advancements shape international travel, changes in the way people move across borders are inevitable.

The ETIAS is designed to enhance security, prevent illegal immigration, and improve border management across the Schengen Area. It requires travelers to submit basic information online before their trip, which includes passport details, travel history, and any prior criminal records. The system will assess whether an individual poses any security risks, allowing authorities to screen travelers ahead of time.

The introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will track travelers? movements, marks another significant shift. The EES will capture biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, to track entries and exits from Schengen Area countries. This means that even for short stays, Canadians will need to comply with biometric checks.

Though these new systems are intended to improve security, they will lead to longer waiting times at airports and require more advanced preparation on the part of travelers.

What Changes Will Canadian Travelers Face?

While these new requirements may initially sound overwhelming, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your European travels remain hassle-free. Let?s break down what Canadians need to do to navigate these changes:

1. Apply for the ETIAS Early

The most immediate change for Canadian travelers will be the ETIAS. Starting in late 2026, travelers will be required to apply for authorization before visiting most European countries. While the process is online and relatively simple, it?s essential to apply early. You will need to submit personal information such as passport details, travel history, and possibly even criminal records. Although most applications will be approved quickly, delays can occur, so it?s best not to wait until the last minute.

2. Check Your Passport Validity

The Schengen Area requires that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure. Some European countries may have even stricter requirements, so it?s crucial to check that your passport will meet these guidelines. If you?re unsure of the validity, it?s a good idea to renew your passport well in advance to avoid any last-minute travel disruptions.

3. Budget for the ETIAS Fee

The cost of applying for the ETIAS will rise to ?20 for most adult travelers. While this fee is modest, it?s important to factor it into your travel budget. If you?re traveling as a couple or with a group, this cost will multiply accordingly. Be prepared for these extra fees to ensure your travel plans remain within budget.

4. Prepare for Enhanced Border Checks

With the introduction of biometric data collection, travelers can expect more thorough border checks. While this will enhance security, it will also mean longer processing times at airports. Be sure to arrive early, especially during peak travel seasons. Have all your travel documents, including your passport, itinerary, and proof of onward travel, readily accessible to streamline the process.

What Does This Mean for Schengen Area Countries and Beyond?

Canada?s new travel landscape will impact the Schengen Area countries and beyond. As a reminder, the Schengen Area includes 27 European countries that have abolished internal borders and allow for unrestricted movement between them. The key countries affected by these changes include:

France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Greece
Switzerland
Austria
Sweden
Netherlands
Belgium
Portugal
Norway
Finland
Luxembourg
Poland
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Slovenia
Hungary

Non-Schengen countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus will also see changes to their entry requirements, but they are not currently part of the ETIAS mandate. This means Canadians will still need to check the specific requirements for each destination. However, the pressure on Schengen-area countries will likely affect the rest of Europe as well.

CountryImpact of New Travel Requirements (2026)

Switzerland