The countries of the European Union (and a few additional European countries) are going to require an electronic visa for Canadians, the European travel authorization (ETIAS). Because it’s vital, I remind you that checking countries’ entry rules is literally the only mandatory step for traveling. For every country, for every trip. Simple. Because countries’ entry rules can always change, obviously.
We promised to keep you updated. European authorities have finally completed the preliminary step that the ETIAS launch depended on: the EES launch.
That means no more passport stamps in 29 European countries. Flytrippers aims to help you travel for less through our 3 types of content, namely flight deals, travel rewards, and tips/inspiration/news.
Here’s the update.
What changes on April 10, 2026 (EES)
There are really 2 completely separate new electronic systems that will be launched in Europe.
Before requiring an electronic travel authorization for Canadians and other nationalities (ETIAS), the European Union had to launch its new electronic entry and exit system (EES).
(This was supposed to happen in 2021. Oops. Government efficiency!)
What is it?
Nothing changes for you. You don’t have to do anything. It’s just the customs process that changes. The only impact for you is that it might take longer when going through customs.
(I came very close to missing my 1st flight in 600+ lifetime flights due to these delays in Croatia this fall!)
As is already the case in several countries, there will be fingerprinting and/or facial biometry upon entry to the European Union and other included countries. Entries and exits will be logged electronically.
Unfortunately for those who love passport stamps, this beautiful souvenir no longer exists in the 29 countries in question.
The EES system started being implemented gradually on October 12, 2025.
Now, as of today (April 10, 2026, in Europe), it’s fully in place after a 6-month period.
The ETIAS will follow approximately 6 months from now.
Here were all the official dates:
- October 12, 2025:
- At least 10% of border posts had to use the new EES
- But fingerprints and biometrics might not be required
- December 2025:
- Fingerprints and biometrics are mandatory when using the new system
- January 2026:
- At least 50% of border posts had to use the new system
- April 10, 2026:
- New system fully implemented
- End of passport stamps
- Last quarter of 2026:
- ETIAS implementation
We’ll keep you updated, once again.
Learning how to travel for less
Join over 100,000 savvy Canadian travelers who already receive Flytrippers’ free newsletter so we can help you travel for less (and keep you updated on all things travel)!
Summary
The preliminary step, before the European travel authorization (ETIAS) can be launched, is now completed since April 10, 2026. So the electronic travel authorization required for Canadian travelers, which is just a simple online form to fill out before traveling to the countries in question, will launch about 6 months later.
What would you like to know about the end of passport stamps in 29 European countries? Tell us in the comments below.
See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights
Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards
Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration
Learn pro tricks: Travel tips
Featured image: European passport stamps (photo credit: Andrew D’Amours/Flytrippers)
