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ETIAS: Everything you need to know about the electronic travel authorization to visit the European Union

ETIAS: Everything you need to know about the electronic travel authorization to visit the European Union
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Visa-exempt travelers visiting the European Union (EU) will need to obtain an electronic travel authorization before departure. The new system, called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will enhance border security.

If you’re a Canadian citizen planning a European getaway, here’s everything you need to know about ETIAS: how to get it, how much it costs, how long it’s valid and more.

ETIAS: Everything you need to know about the electronic travel authorization to visit the European Union - ETIAS-europe

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a new entry requirement for nationals of visa-exempt countries wishing to travel to the EU’s Schengen area. This is an electronic travel authorization that can be applied for online before departure for Europe. For low-risk travellers, the application is processed in just a few minutes.

There are many similarities with ESTA, the US electronic travel authorization system, and eTA in Canada.

Why was ETIAS introduced?

ETIAS was set up for several reasons. Firstly, it aims to reinforce security by enabling European authorities to better check travelers’ backgrounds. This will make Europe even safer for visitors.

What’s more, this system simplifies the entry process, avoiding long queues at border checkpoints. It complements visa waiver policies for citizens of 61 countries (including Canada). Finally, ETIAS enables the control of immigration and limit irregular migration.

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Is the ETIAS a visa for visiting Europe?

The ETIAS is not a visa, but an electronic travel authorization. This system is designed to reinforce security at the European Union‘s borders and centralize the control of travel documents.

Canadians visiting the Schengen area for tourism, business or transit do not need a visa if their stay is less than 90 days. If your trip requires a visa (for study or work, for example), you’ll still need to obtain one. The ETIAS does not replace a visa for the Schengen area.

When does ETIAS start?

ETIAS’ launch has been pushed back several times since procedures began in 2016. After an initial 2025 target, then late 2026, the EU agency eu-LISA confirmed in July 2026 that the system will not be ready before 2027, as authorities work through IT issues with the parallel Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout. No firm date has been set yet: eu-LISA’s board is expected to discuss a new timeline in September 2026. We’ll update this article as soon as an official date is announced.

What are the ETIAS requirements?

  • You must be a citizen of one of the 61 visa-exempt countries to visit the European Union.
  • Your passport must be valid for more than 3 months and must have been issued less than 10 years ago.
  • You must have a valid e-mail address.

How do I obtain the ETIAS to travel within the Schengen area?

Obtaining an ETIAS travel authorization is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Fill in the online form

Visit the official ETIAS website and complete the online application. Please allow about 10 minutes to complete the form. You will need to provide this information:

  • First name, last name, date of birth, place of birth
  • Information about your citizenship
  • Address, e-mail address, telephone number
  • Education and work experience
  • First EU country you plan to visit
  • Questions about your itinerary and travel plans
  • Questions about your background, such as health, criminal record, countries where you have been refused entry or deported.
  • Questions about your history of visits to war-torn countries
  • For family members of European citizens, you must provide proof of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate) and other general information.

2. Pay application fee

ETIAS costs €7 for adults. It is free for people under 18 and over 70. Family members of European citizens are exempt from the fee.

Several payment options will be available, including credit card payment.

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Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

3. Wait for approval

Most requests will be processed within minutes, with a maximum turnaround time of 96 hours. You will receive your ETIAS at the e-mail address provided.

However, in some cases, applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documents, or even be invited to an interview with the national authorities, which could extend the processing time by up to 30 days.

It is advisable to obtain ETIAS even before you buy your plane tickets to Europe.

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ETIAS terms and conditions

How long is the ETIAS valid?

The ETIAS will be valid for three years from the date of issue, unless your passport expires earlier. In this case, the ETIAS will expire on the same date as the passport. You can therefore use the same ETIAS for other stays in Europe during the validity period.

Which countries are covered by ETIAS?

ETIAS is applicable toSchengen countries plus a few other European countries. You can use a single authorization to travel to any country within its period of validity. A total of 33 countries will require ETIAS when it will be introduced:

  • Germany
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Cyprus
  • Croatia
  • Denmark
  • Spain
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Norway
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Czech Republic
  • Romania
  • San Marino
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Vatican City
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Bottom Line

ETIAS is an important measure introduced by the European Union to strengthen border security while making travel easier for visitors. It takes just a few minutes to apply online, costs €7 and is valid for 3 years. Make sure you apply in advance to avoid any last-minute inconveniences and make the most of your trip to Europe.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
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on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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