In October 2026, Frontex (the EU border agency) and European travel-trade bodies warned of more than 150 unofficial websites offering ETIAS, some using EU symbols. Because no application is processed before launch, any fee paid today buys nothing. When ETIAS opens, apply only on the official EU website or app.
Specific to Canadian citizens
Canadian and EU passports
Many Canadians also hold Italian, Portuguese, French, Polish or Irish citizenship. On that EU passport you need no ETIAS, no EES and you have no 90-day limit. Enter Europe on it; keep your Canadian passport for the return.
Working holiday and youth mobility
Youth mobility arrangements with European countries usually come as a national long-stay visa or residence permit. While it is valid you don't need ETIAS; for visits to other Schengen countries, check the rules of your permit.
Permanent residents of Canada
A PR card does not count in Europe. ETIAS will apply only if your passport is from a visa-exempt country; otherwise you need a Schengen visa.
Connecting through Europe
If you only change planes and stay airside, you don't need ETIAS. If you leave the airport, or your next flight is to another Schengen country, the border check happens at that first airport.
UK trips
The UK is outside ETIAS but requires a UK ETA (£20) from Canadians. Days in the UK don't count towards your Schengen 90.
The basics, in short
- Passport issued under 10 years ago, valid 3 months after you leave.
- 90 days in any 180, all Schengen countries together.
- ETIAS at launch: €20, valid 3 years or until the passport expires.
Rollout, decision times and the 30 countries: full ETIAS guide.
Going to France?
Passport, money to show, insurance and hosting rules for Canadian citizens visiting France.
France rules for Canadian citizensFAQ
Do Canadians need ETIAS now?
No. ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are taken (checked 21 October 2026). A valid Canadian passport is enough for a short visit.
When will Canadians need ETIAS?
No date has been set. The EU will announce it months ahead, followed by at least 6 months during which ETIAS stays optional.
I have a Canadian PR card. Do I need ETIAS?
It depends on your passport, not on your Canadian residence. Visa-exempt nationalities will need ETIAS; others need a Schengen visa.
Do I need ETIAS with an Italian passport?
No. As an EU citizen you are outside ETIAS. Travel into Europe on that passport.
Checked: 21 October 2026, against home-affairs.ec.europa.eu, eur-lex.europa.eu, travel-europe.europa.eu. Rules can change: official sites prevail. No ETIAS start date has been announced; we will not guess one.