How long can a Canadian stay in Europe without a visa?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries combined. Time in non-Schengen countries such as the UK, Ireland or the Western Balkans does not count toward those 90 days.

Do Canadians need ETIAS right now?

No. As of 28 September 2026 ETIAS is not in operation. When it starts it will cost €20, last three years or until your passport expires, and the EU will announce the date several months ahead.

Can Canadians stay longer than 90 days in Denmark?

Denmark says Canadians may stay up to three months counted from first entry into Denmark or another Nordic country, regardless of time elsewhere in Schengen. Earlier Nordic time is deducted. Confirm with Danish authorities first.

Guide

Schengen 90/180 rules for Canadians

Canadian citizens can visit the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The 90 days are one pool shared by all 29 Schengen countries.

Facts checked 28 September 2026. Entry rules change. Confirm them with the official source linked in each section before you travel.

Visa-free, but only for short stays

With a Canadian passport you do not need a visa for tourism, family visits or business meetings of up to 90 days in any 180. Working, studying long-term or staying longer needs a national visa or permit.

The Government of Canada says your passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen Area. Under Schengen rules it must also have been issued within the last 10 years.

Sources: Government of Canada: travelling to Europe; Government of Canada: Denmark travel advice; Schengen Borders Code, Article 6

EES: your days are now counted at the border

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025 and has been fully operational at every external Schengen border since 10 April 2026. It applies to Canadians on short stays and replaces passport stamps.

On your first entry it records your passport details, a facial image and four fingerprints. After that, every entry and exit is logged with its date and place. Children under 12 are not fingerprinted.

The system counts your days for you. If you stay past 90 days in any 180, you are listed as an overstayer automatically — no stamp needs to be read.

The Government of Canada notes that countries may temporarily go back to manual stamping if they have technical problems.

Sources: EU: EES FAQ; EU: data held by the EES; European Commission: EES fully operational (10 April 2026); Government of Canada: travelling to Europe

ETIAS: not in operation yet

ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. When it starts, Canadians will need one before travelling to Schengen countries and Cyprus. It will cost €20 (no fee under 18 or over 70) and last three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

As of 28 September 2026 it is not running and no applications are being taken. The EU has said it will announce the start date several months in advance, followed by a transition period in which travellers without ETIAS are not refused. ETIAS will not change the 90/180 rule.

Sources: EU: what is ETIAS; European Commission: ETIAS will cost EUR 20; EU: ETIAS timeline explained

Denmark: a separate agreement for Canadians

Denmark's immigration service says Canadians may stay in Denmark for up to three months counted from their first entry into Denmark or another Nordic country, regardless of earlier time elsewhere in Schengen. Time already spent in Denmark or another Nordic country in the previous six months is deducted.

It covers Denmark only and does not add days elsewhere in Schengen. The Government of Canada warns that during an extended stay you may need to remain in that one country. Confirm the details with the Danish authorities before relying on it, and keep proof of when you arrived.

Sources: Danish Immigration Service: visa-free visits; Government of Canada: travelling to Europe

The 90/180 count itself does not change

Whatever passport you hold, the count works the same way. On every day you are inside Schengen, look back 180 days. The days you were present must not exceed 90. The day you arrive and the day you leave both count. All 29 Schengen countries share one pool of days.

See it worked through with real dates in the Schengen calculator for Canadians.

Check your own dates

Add your past stays and see how many of your 90 days you have used, and the last day you can stay if you entered today. Built for Canadians and anyone else on a visa-free short stay.

Open the Schengen calculator Plan a trip

Common questions

How long can a Canadian stay in Europe without a visa?: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries combined. Time in non-Schengen countries such as the UK, Ireland or the Western Balkans does not count toward those 90 days.
Do Canadians need ETIAS right now?: No. As of 28 September 2026 ETIAS is not in operation. When it starts it will cost €20, last three years or until your passport expires, and the EU will announce the date several months ahead.
Can Canadians stay longer than 90 days in Denmark?: Denmark says Canadians may stay up to three months counted from first entry into Denmark or another Nordic country, regardless of time elsewhere in Schengen. Earlier Nordic time is deducted. Confirm with Danish authorities first.