OTTAWA - Canadian travelers heading to Europe will soon face new security measures as European countries implement a border management system. This initiative aims to enhance the registration process for short stays, requiring many visitors to obtain electronic travel authorizations starting late next year.

The first phase of this initiative is the Entry/Exit System, which is designed to modernize border management across 29 European countries. This system will electronically register the entries, exits, and refusals of non-European nationals. It will be fully operational by April 10, 2024, and will apply to travelers with short-stay visas as well as those, including many Canadians, who do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The Entry/Exit System will utilize various technologies, including electronic kiosks, to collect biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints. Officials believe this data will help monitor compliance with stay limits and assist in combating organized crime and terrorism. Uku Sarekanno, deputy executive director of Frontex, the European border and coast guard agency, stated, "In Europe, if you look at the figures, irregular migration is down. At the same time, the topic as such is very high on the political agenda." He emphasized that the new measures aim to address public concerns and build trust in the system.

In addition to the Entry/Exit System, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be introduced late next year. This travel authorization will be mandatory for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of the 30 European countries. Similar to Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization, which was implemented in 2016, the ETIAS will be available for purchase online for 20 euros. Exemptions from the fee will apply to applicants under 18 and over 70 years old.

Most ETIAS applications are expected to be processed within minutes, although some may take longer. This requirement will provide European border officials with advance notice of incoming travelers, allowing for better risk management. Sarekanno noted, "The risks need to be better managed."

The ETIAS will be linked to a traveler's passport and will remain valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. While the authorization allows for multiple entries into participating countries for short stays, officials caution that it does not guarantee entry. Travelers will still need to present their passport and other documents to border guards.

Authorities recommend that travelers apply for the ETIAS before booking flights or accommodations. They also warn that online scammers are already attempting to exploit the upcoming system, even though it is not yet operational. Sarekanno expressed hope that these new measures will eventually lead to a more efficient and seamless experience for travelers at European borders, allowing border officers to focus on other tasks. "But it all takes time," he said. "In the next few years, we will be busy with all the implementation of it, and then we can build on top of that."