Government Relations Report Johanne Blain First Vice-President Canadian snowbirds who are used to quick and flexible travel throughout Europe should be aware that two upcoming changes will introduce a more formal and carefully regulated border experience. The European Union is in the process of implementing two new systems, the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), both of which will affect how Canadians enter and move within the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area includes 27 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. Some examples that are popular with Canadian travellers include France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Portugal. Other Schengen countries include Greece, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden. It also includes such smaller destinations as Malta and Luxembourg, as well as non-EU members – Norway and Switzerland – that still participate in the agreement. The first of these, the Entry/Exit System (EES), represents a significant modernization of Europe’s border controls. Traditionally, travellers have relied on passport stamps to track their time in and out of the Schengen Area. Under the new system, those stamps will be replaced by digital records linked to your passport, along with biometric identifiers such as fingerprints or facial images. Officially launched in October 2025, the EES is being introduced in stages across member countries and is expected to be fully operational by 2026. While the process at the border may initially take some getting used to, the long-term goal is to streamline entry procedures while improving accuracy and security. For travellers, however, the most important implication is how precisely the system will monitor time spent in the Schengen Area. The long-standing rule allowing visitors to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period remains unchanged, but enforcement will become far more exact. With electronic tracking in place, even minor overstays will be automatically flagged, potentially leading to fines or future travel restrictions. As a result, snowbirds who divide their time between Europe and other destinations will need to be especially diligent in planning their itineraries and keeping careful track of their days abroad. Complementing the EES is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, which is expected to launch in late 2026. This new requirement will apply to visa-exempt travellers, including Canadians, and will introduce a pre-travel authorization process similar to systems already in place in countries such as the United States. Although ETIAS is not a visa, it will be mandatory for entry, even for short stays such as vacations or brief visits with family and friends. The application process for ETIAS will be completed online and is designed to be straightforward. Most applicants can expect a quick turnaround, often within minutes or hours, although travellers are encouraged to apply well in advance of their departure in case additional review is required. Applicants will be asked to provide a range of personal information, including their full name, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, email and phone contact details, as well as passport information. Additional questions will cover education and occupation, the country of first intended stay and the address of their accommodation. There will also be background questions relating to criminal history, prior travel to conflict zones and any recent immigration decisions requiring a return from another country. The fee for an ETIAS application is expected to be €20, or roughly $32 Canadian dollars. Once approved, the authorization will generally be valid for up to three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first. During that time, it will permit multiple entries into the Schengen Area, provided that travellers continue to respect the 90-day limit within any 180-day window. Importantly, while travellers aged 70 and older will be exempt from paying the application fee, they will still be required to complete the application and obtain authorization before travelling. Taken together, the introduction of EES and ETIAS signals a broader shift in how Europe manages its borders, with a clear emphasis on security, data accuracy and accountability. For Canadian snowbirds, this means that the days of informal tracking and relatively relaxed entry procedures are coming to an end. Careful planning, awareness of the rules and timely completion of required applications will be essential to ensuring smooth and uninterrupted travel. As these systems continue to roll out, staying informed will be key. We will continue to share timely updates, practical guidance and any changes to implementation timelines through our regular email advisories, thereby helping to ensure that Canadian travellers remain well prepared for this new era of European travel. CSANews | SPRING 2026 | 13
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