canadian travel permit to europe

ETIAS Canada

The european travel authorisation for canadian citizens.

Starting 2025, Canadians will need to register online before travelling to Europe. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new system for visa-exempt non-EU visitors. This includes Canadians.

The European travel authorisation is a new entry requirement for Canadians travelling for tourism, business, and short-term study. It’s quick and easy to apply for ETIAS online.

Get ready for the introduction of the ETIAS for Canadians with etias.ca.

Do Canadians need a visa for Europe?

Canadians do not need a visa to travel to Europe short term. With your Canadian passport, you can travel to Europe visa-free and stay for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or short-term study.

From 2025, Canadians will need to register with ETIAS to enter the Schengen Area , and Cyprus without a visa. Visa-free entry will only be permitted with a valid ETIAS.

European travel visa for long stays for Canadians

Canadians must apply for a visa for Europe to stay more than 3 months . A visa is also required to travel for purposes other than business, tourism, or transit.

To stay long-term, you need to apply for the relevant national visa for your European destination.

Do Canadian residents need a tourist visa for Europe?

European entry requirements for Canadians and other non-EU citizens depend on nationality. Whether a Canadian permanent resident needs a visa for Europe is determined by the country that issued their passport.

Citizens of more than 50 countries can travel to Europe without a visa and will be eligible for ETIAS.

What is ETIAS for Canadians?

ETIAS is a new travel permit for Europe. The ETIAS for Canadian citizens is not a visa . It’s an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors from outside the EU.

ETIAS secures EU borders by pre-screening travellers before they arrive in Europe. The system helps detect potential security or migration risks presented by visa-exempt visitors.

By registering Canadians and other non-EU passport holders entering European countries , ETIAS also improves European border management.

ETIAS is similar to the Canadian eTA that foreign visitors need to enter visa-free.

How ETIAS for Canadian citizens works

ETIAS for Canadian citizens works by cross-referencing applicants' information with various security databases.

When Canadian passport holders apply for ETIAS , your personal details, travel information, and answers to security questions are checked against databases like the Schengen Information System (SIS), Interpol databases, and Europol data , among others.

This process helps in identifying any potential security, irregular migration, or high epidemic risks.

Most applications are approved following automatic processing. If a potential risk is detected, the application is reviewed manually by the responsible ETIAS National Unit.

ETIAS improves the traveller experience

ETIAS improves the way Canadians travel to Europe . As a tourist, you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that other travellers have also undergone ETIAS security checks.

The European travel authorisation for Europe also makes border processes more efficient. Immigration procedures are expected to be faster— security checks are carried out in advance, rather than at the border .

Despite being an additional step Canadians need to take when visiting Europe , ETIAS registration improves the overall traveller experience.

The ETIAS structure

Here’s are some of the groups responsible for the functioning of ETIAS:

• ETIAS Central Unit: checks that the data stored in the application file and the personal data recorded in the ETIAS system is correct and up to date. It defines, evaluates, tests and reviews specific indicators of the ETIAS screening rules
• ETIAS National Units: responsible for assessing travel authorisation applications referred to them from the automatic process. They can issue an opinion if consulted by other member States’ ETIAS National Units
• Europol: will establish and manage the ETIAS watchlist. ETIAS National Units will be able for consultation
• EU-LISA: responsible for developing and operating the ETIAS information system
• ETIAS Screening Board: this is an advisory team that will be made up of representatives from ETIAS National Units and Europol. The board can be consulted for the definition, evaluation, and revision of risk indicators
• European Border and Coast Guard Agency: they ensure the creation and management of an ETIAS Central Unit

European ETIAS destinations for Canadians

As a Canadian citizen, you’ll soon require ETIAS to travel to the following countries:

Key information about the travel permit for Europe

Canadians can continue to enjoy visa-free entry to Europe with ETIAS. Here are the most important facts you need to know about the ETIAS permit to travel to Europe .

* Canadians need the EU ETIAS to transit if they leave the international transit area of the airport.

Travelling from Canada to Europe with ETIAS

Canadians must have an approved and valid ETIAS to travel to countries in the Schengen Area.

When your ETIAS is approved, it’s linked to the Canadian passport you used to apply. You do not need to carry additional documents with you when travelling to Europe — ETIAS is automatically verified during passport checks.

ETIAS does not guarantee entry to European countries . Border checks are carried out and, passengers who do not meet the entry conditions will be denied entry.

It’s important that you apply for ETIAS and travel to Europe using the same passport. If you replace your passport for any reason, you need to apply for a new ETIAS.

Canadians need ETIAS to travel to Europe by air, land, or sea .

Moving around the Schengen Area with ETIAS as a Canadian citizen

You need ETIAS to cross an external Schengen border, for example when travelling from Canada to France.

Once you’ve entered the Schengen zone, you will not face further border checks—there are no internal borders in the travel zone. You should, however, carry your passport with attached ETIAS with you as you travel around.

Visit Spain, Italy, Germany, and other top tourist destinations in Europe with one permit.

Understanding the 90/180 rule for Canadians in Europe

To avoid overstaying in Europe, you need to understand the 90/180 rule.

90-day allowance

You can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This doesn't have to be a continuous stay.

You can enter and leave the Schengen Area as often as you like, but the total number of days spent in the area must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

Rolling 180-day window

The 180-day period is a rolling window. It’s always counted backwards from the current day.

For example, if you're planning to enter the Schengen Area on December 1st, you'll look back 180 days from December 1st to see how many days you've already been in the Schengen Area during that period.

Count your days

To stay compliant with the rule, keep track of your travel days. Every day you are in the Schengen Area counts towards the 90-day limit, including the day you arrive and the day you depart.

No reset by leaving

You can't reset the 90-day count by leaving the Schengen Area for a short period and then returning. The count of 90 days is cumulative within the 180-day window.

Related Posts

How will Brexit and ETIAS affect Canadians travelling to the UK and EU?

ETIAS and the Schengen visa: what is the difference?

Dual citizenship and ETIAS: how will it work for Canadians with multiple passports?

• Travel Insurance

The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive payment from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. This comes from two main sources.

First , we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The payments we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market.

Second , we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles. These “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Advisor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Advisor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

What’s the Purpose of an ETIAS Travel Authorization?

Published: Nov 9, 2023, 11:41am

Reviewed By

Table of Contents

Which countries require etias authorizations, etias basics for canadian citizens.

If you’re planning to jet off to Europe, 2024 might be a good year to do it. The new program that requires Canadians to register before travelling to Europe is experiencing further delays and won’t be up and running until sometime in 2025. As of now, Canadians can still travel to Europe without this added step.

The program was slated to come into effect January 1, 2024. It will require 1.4 billion people—including Canadians—to get special travel authorization to enter the Schengen area of Europe. The restriction is part of an international effort to increase security. The new rules are being rolled out by the European Travel Information and Authorisation System [ETIAS]. The program was originally supposed to come into effect in 2021, but has experienced four delays so far. The most current one being caused by an IT delivery issue.

Featured Partner Offer

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

On World Nomad’s Website

Emergency medical

$5 million, $10 million

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)

Baggage insurance (Maximum)

$1,000, $3,000

Once ETIAS kicks off, travellers coming from once visa-exempt countries—including Canadian, American and British tourists—will be required to apply for the travel authorization and pay a small fee. It applies to people who plan to stay in participating countries for fewer than 90 days.

The new requirements are being established to help “identify security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors,” according to the European Commission website.

There are 30 mostly European countries that will require travel authorizations once ETIAS kicks off. You will have to show your passport, ETIAS documentation and any other entry requirements to border officers when entering these countries.

The ETIAS authorization is only good for short-term stays of 90 days or less; it is not a work visa. It’s recommended you complete a ETIAS application up to 96 days before your departure. The ETIAS information is linked to your passport and is valid for three years once the ETIAS application is completed. However, if you have to replace your passport for any reason, you’ll also need a new ETIAS travel authorization. (Your travel insurance company should be able to assist with a lost passport.)

People Who Need ETIAS Authorizations

You will need an ETIAS Authorization if any of the following apply to you:

• You’re not a European Union national.
• You’re a citizen of any country, including Canada whose nationals don’t currently need a visa for a short-term stay in a European Union country.
• You don’t have a residence permit or card issued by any of the European countries that require ETIAS.
• Some travelers may be exempted from the requirement for an ETIAS travel authorization, so check before you apply.

How to Apply for ETIAS

Canadian citizens traveling to Europe can apply on the ETIAS website’s application section  once it becomes operational. For notifications in the meantime, you can sign up for emails at the website.

Cost of an ETIAS Travel Authorization

Currently, the ETIAS application fee is €7 ($10.15 CAD). It’s free for anyone under the age of 18 or over the age of 70.

How Long ETIAS Is Good For

The ETIAS authorization is good for three years. You can only travel in a participating country for 90 days within any 180-day period. Whenever you travel to participating countries, your ETIAS authorization must be valid for the duration of the stay.

• Goose Travel Insurance Review
• CAA Travel Insurance Review
• TuGo Travel Insurance Review
• Blue Cross Travel Insurance
• Manulife Financial CoverMe Travel Insurance
• World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Medipac Travel Insurance Review
• RBC Insurance Travel Insurance
• TD Insurance Travel Insurance Review
• Johnson MEDOC Travel Insurance
• Allianz Global Assistance Travel Insurance
• TD Bank Travel Insurance
• CUMIS Travel Insurance Review
• AMA Travel Insurance
• GMS Travel Insurance Review
• CIBC Travel Insurance Review
• BMO Travel Insurance Review
• Desjardins Travel Insurance Review
• Travelance Travel Insurance
• Scotia Travel Insurance Review
• How To Get Pre-Existing Conditions Covered By Travel Insurance
• Should You Buy Travel Insurance And Is It Worth It?
• Why Travel Medical Insurance Is Essential

Do I Need Travel Insurance When Travelling Within Canada?

• Trip Cancellation Travel Insurance
• How To Get Reimbursement For A Travel Insurance Claim

Do Canadian Travellers Need Schengen Visa Insurance?

• How Travel Insurance Works For Baggage
• How To Travel To The U.S. From Canada
• Do You Need Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance?
• Travel Insurance For Trips To Europe
• What Travel Insurance Does Not Cover
• Top 10 Travel Insurance Tips For 2023
• Travel Insurance For A Mexico Vacation
• 5 Top Tips For Handling Flight Cancellations Like A Pro
• What Does Travel Delay Insurance Cover?
• Advantages Of Buying Travel Insurance Early
• How To Read The Fine Print Of Your Travel Insurance Policy
• Travel Insurance For U.K. Trips
• Travel Insurance For Trips To Italy

More from  

$10 etias travel pass for europe visits pushed to 2025, bcaa travel insurance review 2024, pacific blue cross travel insurance review 2024, cumis travel insurance review 2024.

Natalie Campisi is a Los Angeles-based consumer finance reporter for Forbes Advisor. She’s covered a wide range of topics throughout her career—from mortgages and labor issues to elections—for several organizations including Bankrate, the Associated Press and the Tampa Tribune. In a past life, she was an editor for a mechanical watch magazine. Her work has appeared in publications such as CNBC, The Chicago Tribune, and MSN. You can find her on Twitter @nataliemcampisi

• Skip to main content
• Skip to site information

Language selection

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

Schengen area

The Schengen area is made up of 27 European countries that agreed to create common entry and exit requirements in order to remove the need for internal borders. As long as Schengen area entry requirements are met, the agreement allows foreigners to travel freely between participating countries without having to go through border controls (some exceptions apply, see below).

Schengen area countries

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Entry/exit requirements

The Schengen area has common rules about visas and controls at external borders and has abolished checks within its internal borders. However, some Schengen area countries may require you to register with local authorities shortly after you arrive, particularly when you are staying in private accommodations.

Canadians do not need a visa to travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you leave the Schengen area and return within the same 180-day period, the previous stay will count against the permitted 90 days.

If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the  high commission or embassy  of the country or countries to which you are travelling and obtain the appropriate visa before you travel. If you do not obtain the appropriate visa and you stay longer than the permitted 90 days in the Schengen area, you may be fined or deported.

It is important to get your passport stamped when you first enter the Schengen area. If you do not have an entry stamp from your first Schengen port of entry, you may have problems if you encounter the local police (or other authorities) anywhere in the Schengen area during your visit or with immigration officials at the time of departure.

The European Commission’s  Migration and Home Affairs  web page provides more information and a calculator to help you to find the number of visa-free permitted travel days you have left in the Schengen area, taking into account your previous stays there.

The Schengen Borders Code allows member states to temporarily reintroduce internal border controls if there is a serious threat to public policy or internal security. Canadians wishing to enter a Schengen area country that has reintroduced internal border controls could be required to present a passport, valid for at least three months from the time of expected departure from that country. For more information, visit the European Union’s  Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control web page.

• Factsheet: What is Schengen? , European Commission
• Schengen, Borders and Visa , European Commission

Advertisement

Canadians will need a permit to enter some European countries starting in 2024

July 27, 2023 Breanna Marcelo

• Copy current article link

Canadians with plans to travel to Europe next year may need to make extra preparations and get a new travel permit. 

As of 2024, Canadians passport holders must apply to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) if they plan to visit any of the 30 countries across the continent’s Schengen Area for a short-term stay. This includes countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, among others. 

Travellers can apply for the permit through the official ETIAS website or mobile app. It will cost seven euros which equals to about $10.25 CAD. 

Currently, Canadian citizens can enter Europe without a travel permit or visa and only a valid passport is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visits that exceed this period require a visa.

The new permit is valid for three years or until the passport used in the application expires. The permit allows short-term stays for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

READ MORE: These famous cities disappoint tourists the most: study

Those exempt from the payment include travellers under 18 and older than 70, family members of European Union (EU) citizens and non-EU nationals who can move freely through the EU.

The EU’s website says the application form will ask travellers to provide personal information, inquire about past travel and have them state their current travel plans for Europe. 

The EU encourages travellers to apply for the permit well in advance before buying a plane ticket or booking hotel accommodations.

The application process is expected to be fast, however there is a possibility that it can take at least four days. 

“Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview,” EU’s official website read.

In addition to Canada, these new measures will affect 59 other countries, includingthe United States, United Kingdom, and Japan.

Writer / Reporter

Exclusive content and events straight to your inbox

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Recently Posted

This toronto restaurant is hosting an extravagant kentucky derby brunch and viewing party.

Expect travel disruptions this weekend in Toronto; Here’s what you need to know

A play navigating the repercussions of medically assisted suicide is set to premiere in Toronto 

Over 100 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario since the solar eclipse

Toronto police says it won’t patrol pro-Palestine protest at UofT unless asked to do so 

Good boys with ‘bad names’ at Toronto Animal Services are looking for furever homes

Italian wine, Banksy, and comic books, Here’s what’s happening in Toronto in May

Ottawa to provide Toronto with more than $100M in FIFA World Cup funding

25-Year-Old Brantford woman faces new charges while on house arrest for doula fraud

Céline Dion-inspired musical is a parody of ‘Titanic’s’ Jack and Rose’s love story

TD bank slammed with over $9M fine for numerous violations

‘Is this not a hate crime?’ Makeup brand under fire on social media after releasing jet-black foundation shade 

• Brand Studio
• Where to Find Us
• Careers & Internships
• Submit a News Tip
• Speakers Corner
• Athlete of the Week
• Advertise With Us
• Newsletters
• News Insiders

Canadians travelling to Europe in 2024 will need a permit to enter some countries

By Leah Johansen

Posted July 30, 2023 9:28 am.

Last Updated July 30, 2023 9:56 am.

Canadian travellers will soon need extra documents to visit 30 popular tourist destinations in Europe.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required for Canadians and other visa-exempt countries who want to travel within the European Union to countries such as France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland. The United Kingdom is not included under the new policy following its withdrawal from the EU in 2020.

The application can be completed on the ETIAS website or mobile app and will cost 7 Euros – or about $10 Canadian. Most applications will be processed within a few minutes.

“Generally it will be your name, your passport number which will be the big key …some details like your address, where you’re going, how long your staying, who you’re staying with, that type of thing,” Wayne Smith, a professor at the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Toronto Metropolitan University tells CityNews.

“What it should do is make the travel experience much quicker, ideally, if it works properly. The other thing is it should make it much safer.”

Once approved, the permit is linked to your passport and valid for up to three years or until your passport expires or you get a new one. Those under 18 or older than 70, and anyone with family living in the EU, would be exempt from the payment.

Travellers CityNews spoke to had mixed reactions to the new process.

“I feel like it makes sense like it’s definitely more efficient,” said one woman.

“As long as it’s efficient, easy access, quick access, and it speeds things up, I’m all for it,” said another.

“It does have to speed up the whole thing though …that’s the only purpose we would be willing to pay $10, otherwise what’s the point?” questioned another traveller.

The official website of the European Union urges would-be visitors to apply for authorization well in advance of a planned trip, and before booking a plane ticket or hotel. Experts say it’s best to get it done at least a month before your trip as approval could take up to 30 days if you’re asked to provide additional information or documents.

“Where NEXUS card you have to do the fingerprint, you have to do all that sort of stuff – it’s much more involved to get a NEXUS card,” explains Smith. “Think of this as NEXUS card lite because that’s essentially what they are trying to do.”

In addition to Canada, the new rules will apply to nearly 60 countries including the United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.

The European application process is not yet open online but it is expected to launch sometime before the new rules take effect in 2024.

Files from The Canadian Press were used in this report

Top Stories

The Consulate General of India in Toronto has identified the grandparents killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401. A three-month-old baby, their grandchild, also died in the multi-vehicle crash Monday...

York Regional Police say one suspect was arrested and a second remains at large after an officer was struck by a vehicle during an auto theft investigation in Toronto earlier this week. It happened...

York police are looking for suspects after an overnight arson at a barbershop in Richmond Hill. Officers were called to the business at 3:45 a.m. on May 1 in the area of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie...

OTTAWA — The Canadian government is expanding its surveillance program for a form of avian flu amid a growing outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle. Fragments of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been...

Most Watched Today

Police in York Region are on the hunt for a suspect after a barber shop went up in flames in Richmond Hill.

A York Regional Police officer involved in an auto theft investigation was struck by a getaway vehicle used by a suspect. The officer was sent to hospital with minor injuries. Warning, this video contains images that may be considered disturbing.

A big win for Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives who have won both Ontario by-elections. As City’s Jazan Grewal reports, political observers suggested the Milton byelection was expected to be a tight race.

The carbon tax is set to become a major issue in the next election. Xiaoli Li looks at how much the divisive tax is actually contributing to the high cost of living.

OPP have announced they will conduct mandatory alcohol screening as part of every Toronto-area traffic stop. Michelle Mackey has what led to the move and concerns surrounding it

EU travel requirement for Canadians delayed again

European union's new visa waiver program postponed until 2025.

Social Sharing

A new European Union program that would require Canadians to register before travelling to Europe has been delayed again.

The program, which was scheduled to come into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, has been delayed until sometime in 2025, according to a news release  issued last week.

The setback was caused by an IT delivery issue. It marks the fourth delay for the system since it was first announced in 2018. The program originally was supposed to come into effect in 2021.

The new system, known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), will require that visa-exempt travellers — including Canadians — apply online for visa waivers before their arrival in one of the 27 Schengen-area countries or Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus.

• Almost half of all flight delays in 2022 were airlines' responsibility, government data suggests
• Airlines claim passenger safety at risk under new passenger rights rules

Ireland will not participate in the program and will continue to have its own visa policy because it is part of the Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom.

The waiver will cost seven Euros and will last for three years. Canadians will be required to fill out a form online with their personal information and make the payment before they travel. While most waivers will be processed in minutes, some could take up to 30 days.

Canadians who hold an EU passport or a residency card in an EU country will be exempt from the program.

The changes will affect hundreds of thousands Canadians who travel to the EU every year. 

Canada has a similar program — the Electronic Travel Authorization — which costs users $5 and lasts for five years for visa-exempt travellers to Canada. The United States also has visa waiver programs for many countries but Canadians are not required to have a waiver to travel to the United States.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen Hoff is a producer for CBC News Parliamentary bureau. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

• Follow Stephen Hoff on Twitter

Starting in 2024 Canadians will be charged for visiting Europe

Updated Aug 2, 2023

Play article   

(    mins)

(    )

When it comes to travel, Canadians have it pretty easy.

The influential Henley Passport Index puts Canada’s passport, which grants visa-free or visa-on-demand access to 185 countries, among the top 10 in the world .

Many Canadians have been quick to take advantage of their broad access to international travel. But as of 2024, that might change thanks to new rules in some parts of Europe requiring Canadians to get a permit to comply with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

What is the ETIAS?

The ETIAS is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers visiting certain countries in Europe. Travellers from Canada and the USA are among those subject to the changes, which have come about, in part, to address security concerns.

An ETIAS permit is required for travel to the following 30 countries:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Grow Your Savings Effortlessly with Moka

Automate your savings with every purchase and watch your money multiply. Moka rounds up your transactions and invests the spare change. Start building wealth effortlessly today. Join thousands of Canadians embracing financial freedom with Moka

How to apply for an ETIAS permit

So how does it all work?

According to the ETIAS website , visitors who require this permit should apply online before they consider booking any hotels and flights. Most applications will be processed within minutes, but some may take up to four business days.

In cases where applicants have not provided sufficient documentation, the process may take longer. For those who are required to provide additional documentation, the process can take up to 14 days and if you are asked for an interview you can expect to wait up to 30 days for a decision.

The application will include questions about your personal information, education and occupation, where you intend to stay, any past criminal convictions or visits to war or conflict zones.

You will be notified by email whether or not your application is approved. Approved applicants are asked to double-check all information on their authorization. Incorrect information will result in being turned away at the border. If you have not been approved, you will be told why and receive instructions on how to appeal the decision.

Your ETIAS permit, once granted, will be valid for three years or until your passport expires. While travelling, you must ensure that you have your permit on you at all times along with the travel document used for your application.

Importantly, an ETIAS permit will not automatically guarantee access to all of the participating European countries. You will still have to go through customs and border checks and meet each country’s entry conditions.

Cost and exemptions

The cost for applying for an ETIAS permit is seven euros, which is about $10.27 with the current exchange rate. Applicants will have a variety of online payment options.

There are also a few exemptions to be aware of. Applicants under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 do not need to pay for ETIAS. Additionally, if you are a family member of an EU citizen or EU national who has the right to move freely throughout the European Union, you are exempt.

Unexpected vet bills don’t have to break the bank

Life with pets is unpredictable, but there are ways to prepare for the unexpected.

Fetch Insurance offers coverage for treatment of accidents, illnesses, prescriptions drugs, emergency care and more.

Plus, their optional wellness plan covers things like routine vet trips, grooming and training costs, if you want to give your pet the all-star treatment while you protect your bank account.

Permit vs visa

The ETIAS permit is specifically for short-term tourism (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in the 30 European countries on the list. Longer stays and work-related travel will still require the appropriate visas.

Note that applications for ETIAS permits for travel are not yet open. The program was meant to start in 2021 but has been pushed to 2024. It is expected that the platform will be up and running in November 2023 with fees to be collected starting in 2024. Updates will be made as soon as more information is available.

Trade Smarter, Today

With CIBC Investor's Edge , kick-start your portfolio with 100 free trades and up to $4,500 cash back.

Hannah Logan is a Canadian freelancer writer and blogger who specializes in personal finance and travel. You can follow her adventures on her travel blog EatSleepBreatheTravel.com or find her on Instagram @hannahlogan21.

Explore the latest articles

Best staycation ideas to save you money.

With a tight budget, why not vacation at home? Here are 10 staycation ideas in Canada that will also save money.

Your financial horoscope for this week

Caring for your human (and fur) babies in job loss, what happens to your social media if you die.

The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter.

The Financial Post trademark is used under license from Postmedia Network Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Advertisement

Here's what you need to know about the new travel restrictions to Europe

Jackie Dunham CTVNews.ca Writer

@JaclynLDunham Contact

A passenger holds a Canadian passport before boarding a flight in Ottawa on Jan 23, 2007. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tom Hanson

Canadians planning to travel to Europe in the coming years will be required to fill out a special application and pay a fee before they will be allowed to enter the continent.

The European Union has announced the introduction of a new online screening process called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The new program is being implemented in an effort to “strengthen security checks” on citizens who can visit the EU without a visa.

Currently, nationals from more than 60 countries, including Canada and the U.S., can visit the EU for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Under the new ETIAS system, these travellers will have to apply for security clearance and pay a mandatory fee before they can visit countries in the Schengen area.

The Schengen area includes Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The United Kingdom is excluded from this region.

The European Commission said an ETIAS authorization is not the same as a visa and will be much simpler to obtain.

“There is no need to go to a consulate to make an application, no biometric data is collected and significantly less information is gathered than during a visa application procedure,” the commission said in a July press release about the changes.

Here’s what you need to know about the new screening process.

When does it come into effect?

The ETIAS system will become mandatory for international travellers beginning in January 2021.

Who has to apply?

Any national from one of the more than 60 countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to the EU must apply for ETIAS clearance before their trip.

The parents of minors will be required to fill out an application for each of them before they travel.

How do you apply?

Travellers will have to fill out the ETIAS application online at least three days before their departure date. Mailed applications won’t be accepted. The European Commission says the application shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes to complete. If the traveller is a minor, the person responsible for them must be identified on the application.

Applicants will need to fill out their personal data, such as their name, birth date, address, along with their passport information. They will also be asked to answer background questions on their health, travel history, and criminal record.

ETIAS applicants must also state the first EU country they plan to visit. They will only be allowed to enter in that country.

Travellers will not be allowed to enter a country in the Schengen area until a border guard checks the ETIAS database and permits entry.

How much does it cost?

Travellers will be required to pay €7 (approximately C$10.50) to apply. Anyone under the age of 18 will not have to pay the fee.

What happens if your application is rejected?

The European Commission says the “vast majority” or 95 per cent of all cases should be automatically approved within minutes of payment. The applications are checked across several European screening databases, including Interpol and Europol. If the application is flagged, the case will be handled manually and the process can be delayed for up to four weeks.

If the application is denied, the European Commission says the traveller has the right to appeal the decision. The traveller will also be given information on which member state refused authorization and how they can appeal.

How long is it valid for?

Once approved, an ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Travellers can visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Can it be revoked?

Yes. The ETIAS clearance can be revoked or annulled if the conditions for issuing the authorization are no longer valid. For instance, the traveller is flagged in a security database or it’s discovered the information submitted in the application was fraudulent.

Why is it being introduced?

According to the European Commission, the ETIAS authorization system was created to identify any “security or irregular migratory risks” posed by travellers entering the EU from visa-free countries.

The institution also claims the system will facilitate smoother border crossing for those who don’t pose a threat.

“This prior verification of visa exempt non-EU citizens will facilitate border checks; avoid bureaucracy and delays for travellers when presenting themselves at the borders; ensure a coordinated and harmonized risk assessment of third-country nationals; and substantially reduce the number of refusals of entry at border crossing points,” the commission said.

The ETIAS system will also help EU member states detect human trafficking, tackle cross border criminality, and identify persons who may be a security risk.

Canadians will have to apply for ETIAS authorization before travelling to Europe after January 2021.

Related Stories

• Canadian pilots to spend less time flying, more time resting
• Globe-trotting Canadian flight attendant shares her top travel destinations for 2019
• A dare: Skip the Colosseum and Vatican on a trip to Rome?

MORE NEWS FROM CANADA

Local MP, MLA call on federal government to remove sunken vessel in Saint John River

Pro-Palestinian encampment remains at University of Toronto despite safety concerns

Supreme Court orders new trial for B.C. francophone who was not given French option

Two baby bald eagles born in Toronto

Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail

New Red Dress Alert system to be developed in Manitoba

Que. students accuse teacher of profiting off their artwork

Car thefts in Canada: Insurance companies face criticism

$50K reward offered in case of missing Barrie, Ont. woman

Ctvnews.ca top stories.

Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified

Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks

TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst

Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say

Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN

New video shows suspect light Ontario barbershop on fire

WATCH: Driver scrambles out of sinking truck in Texas flood

Extremely close call as driver passes truck on highway

Listen to the latest.

A daily politics podcast

Listen and subscribe to get a daily fix on the latest political news and issues.

A weekly politics podcast

Listen and subscribe to get a weekly update with the newsmakers who matter.

A public opinion podcast

A check-in on the public mood of Canadians with hosts Michael Stittle and Nik Nanos.

May 4, 2024

Winnipeg 5° C , Cloudy

Full Forecast

• Advertising Contact
• Send a Letter to the Editor
• Staff biographies
• Submit a News Tip
• Subscribe to Newsletters
• Notifications
• Create Account
• Compact View
• About the E-Edition
• Winnipeg Free Press
• Community Review East
• Community Review West
• All Arts & Life
• Celebrities
• Environment
• Food & Drink
• Life & Style
• Science & Technology
• All Business
• Agriculture
• Personal Finance
• Manitoba’s Top Employers
• All Opinion
• Editorial Cartoon
• Letters to the Editor
• Auto Racing
• Blue Bombers
• High School
• Horse Racing
• Winnipeg Jets
• Manitoba Moose
• Reader Bridge
• Free Press 101: How we practise journalism
• Advertising
• Carrier Positions & Retailer Requests
• FP Newspapers Inc.
• Internships
• Job Opportunities
• Local Journalism Initiative
• Retail Locations
• Staff Biographies
• Terms and Conditions
• All Free Press Community Review News
• East Edition
• West Edition
• Classifieds
• All FP Features
• Business Hub
• Drink & Dine
• Health & Wellness
• Whiskers & Wings
• Sponsored Articles
• Property Listings
• Featured News
• Renovation and design
• Resale homes
• Newsletters
• Niigaan and the Lone Ranger
• Photo and Book store
• Become a Patron
• Privacy Policy

© 2024 Winnipeg Free Press

Quick Links

• Publications
• Sponsored Content
• Employee Code of Conduct Policy
• Supplier Code of Conduct Policy
• Report on Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains

Ways to support us

• Pay it Forward program
• Support Faith coverage
• Support Arts coverage

Replica E-Edition

Arts & Life

• Photo Galleries

Canstar Community news

Notification Settings

This browser doesn't support push notifications at the moment. Check browsers features, update your browser or try to use one from the list of recommended to manage your notifications settings:

• Firefox (27+)
• Google Chrome (30+)
• Safari ( MacOS 13+ with browser 16.1+ and iOS 16.4+ ) / Note make sure Push API support enabled under Settings > Safari > Advanced > Experimental Features
• Microsoft Edge

If you wish to manage your notification settings from this browser you will need to update your browser's settings for this site. Just click button below and allow notifications for this site

Note Safari 16.4+ working on iOS devices also need this site app to be installed at device's Home Screen for Push Notifications to work

Notifications are blocked for this site. If you wish to manage your notification settings from this browser you will need to update your browser's settings. Usually you'd need to click on site options icon to the left of address bar and change notifications preferences/permissions from there

Breaking News

Urgent and important stories

Recommended Reads

Noteworthy news and features

Advertisement

Learn more about Free Press Advertising solutions

Canadians travelling to Europe in 2024 will need a permit to enter some countries

Advertise with us

Canadians eyeing a trip to certain European countries next year will need to obtain a permit first.

Read this article for free:

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Monthly Digital Subscription

$19 $0 for the first 4 weeks *

• Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
• Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
• Access News Break, our award-winning app
• Play interactive puzzles

*No charge for 4 weeks then billed as $19 every four weeks (new subscribers and qualified returning subscribers only). Cancel anytime.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/07/2023 (283 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Starting in 2024, Canadian travellers seeking a short-term visit to 30 countries including France, Switzerland, Spain and Greece must apply to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

The permit costs 7 euros, or about $10.25, and can be obtained on the ETIAS website or mobile app.

It allows travellers to visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and is valid for three years, or until the passport used in the application expires.

In addition to Canada, the new rules will apply to nearly 60 countries including the United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.

Travellers younger than 18 and older than 70 years are exempt from payment, as are family members of EU citizens or of non-EU nationals who can move freely in the European Union.

The official website of the European Union urges would-be visitors to apply for authorization well in advance of a planned trip, and before booking a plane ticket or hotel.

Canadian travellers to most of Europe are currently exempt from needing a visa and only require a valid passport for short stays.

Business Weekly

Monday mornings

The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week.

European countries requiring ETIAS also include Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 26, 2023.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Featured Local Savings

ETIAS for Canadians

Europe's travel authorisation for citizens of canada.

This website does not belong to, nor is it affiliated with, the EU. The official website of the European Union is europa.eu.

Canadian citizens can travel to the Schengen Area visa-free for stays up to 90 days. The Schengen passport-free zone is made up of European Union countries like Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as 4 non-European Union countries; Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

From 2025, Canadian citizens will be able to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) . ETIAS is an electronic visa waiver for non-EU nationals who do not need a visa for short trips to the Schengen Area.

ETIAS for Canadian citizens is being implemented to pre-screen visa-exempt travellers to the Schengen Area. It will help identify any potential security threats and make Europe safer for both residents and travellers. The ETIAS system has received support from all the EU member countries.

The information provided by applicants when applying for the ETIAS from Canada will be checked against several information security databases, including EURODAC, the Schengen Information System (SIS), and the Visa Information System (VIS), which are all managed by EU-LISA , the EU agency is also responsible for implementation of ETIAS .

Do Canadians Need ETIAS to Enter in Europe?

Yes . Canada is one of the ETIAS countries whose citizens will require an electronic travel authorisation to travel to the Schengen Area for short stays. Canadians who plan on travelling to the European Union for business, leisure, or short-term study will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver .

Passengers who plan to leave the international transit area of a European airport between flights will also need to have the ETIAS.

ETIAS will be operational from 2025.

ETIAS Required

ETIAS permits Canadians to travel to all Schengen member states from 2025:

• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• EU Schengen
• Non-EU Schengen States

Non-Schengen EU States

Non-eu member states:.

• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

Micro-States de facto part of Schengen Area:

• Vatican City

The ETIAS from Canada is a multiple-entry travel authorisation that permits the holder to travel to all of the Schengen Area countries for short stays. It allows a total stay in Schengen countries of 90 days within every 180-day period, and is valid for a total of 3 years from the date of approval, meaning there is no need to apply for an ETIAS before every trip to the Schengen Area .

Eligible applicants are able to complete the simple online application in around 20 minutes, by providing personal and passport information, and answering a few security-related questions, to receive an ETIAS for Canada electronically linked to their passport .

Do European Citizens Need a Visa for Canada?

Because of reciprocal agreements between Canada and the European Union and Schengen Area countries, European citizens do not need a visa to travel to Canada for short stays under 180 days.

However, all visa-exempt citizens who plan to visit Canada for less than 6 months, and who are arriving by air, are required to pre-register for an eTA, a Canadian version of the United States ESTA or the ETIAS visa waiver . Like ETIAS for Europe, the eTA was implemented in order to prescreen visa-exempt travellers to Canada and strengthen the country’s borders.

ETIAS and eTA also share a simple online application process in common. It is necessary to complete an online form with a range of personal and passport information, and answer a few security-related questions, in order to receive an approved eTA for Canada.

An approved eTA for Canada is also a multiple-entry travel authorisation which allows multiple short stays of up to 180 days with each entry, and is valid for a total of 5 years from the date of approval . European citizens who wish to spend longer consecutive periods in Canada, or travel to the country for purposes other than those permitted with an eTA, are required to apply for a visa from their nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

ETIAS Requirements for Canadian Citizens entering Europe

There are several requirements for Canadian citizens planning to travel to Europe with ETIAS. To submit an ETIAS application, Canadian nationals will need:

• A Canadian passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the European ETIAS countries
• A valid credit card or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee from Canada
• A current email address to which the approved ETIAS will be sent

Unless they provide these documents, any potential travellers to the European Union from Canada will not be able to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. When completing the data on the ETIAS application, applicants should take care to use the same passport they will later use to travel to the Schengen Area, as the European visa waiver is electronically linked to an individual passport. Canadian citizens with dual nationality should keep this in mind .

As the visa waiver for Europe is electronically linked to a specific passport , it will not be mandatory to print a copy of the approved ETIAS: travellers will simply be able to present the passport to transport carriers and at Schengen border control. Travellers are advised to print a copy of the ETIAS confirmation.

Travelling to Europe from Canada

After receiving an approved ETIAS, Canadian travellers will be able to visit the Schengen Area for multiple short stays during its validity, or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first. Once the traveller's passport expires, it is necessary to submit a new ETIAS for Canada application to continue to travel to Europe . This is because the approved ETIAS is electronically linked to the individual travel document used to complete the initial application.

It is also important to note that an ETIAS can be refused if the information provided on the application does not match the details of the traveller's passport. It is therefore important to make sure all the data on the form does not contain any mistakes before submitting the application.

ETIAS for Canadian nationals can also be revoked if it is deemed that the conditions for issuing the travel authorisation are not met. This is especially the case in situations where the authorities believe that the visa waiver was obtained by providing misleading or fraudulent information.

Canadian citizens travelling to Europe with children should also be aware that it is necessary for all minors under the age of 18 to have an individual approved ETIAS, although parents or legal guardians are able to submit an ETIAS application on behalf of their child .

Requirements for Canadians who cannot travel with ETIAS

Travellers from Canada who wish to stay in the Schengen Area for longer than 90 consecutive days, or to travel for purposes other than those permitted with ETIAS, such as to work or study longer than 90 days, are required to apply for a visa from an embassy or consulate.

Applicants are required to apply in person from an embassy or consulate of the country they wish to visit, as, unlike the ETIAS for Canadians, a Schengen Europe visa is issued for one specific Schengen country. It may be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa, as the length of a Schengen visa for Canadian citizens is determined on an individual basis.

In order to apply, it is necessary to attend an appointment at an embassy with a variety of supporting documentation, including a completed Schengen country visa application for Canadians , a valid Canadian passport, and proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Europe. Canadian citizens are required to submit a visa application at least 15 days before the intended entry date to Europe to allow for sufficient processing time.

Bilateral agreements between Canada and EU Member States

Canadian citizens can stay in certain European countries beyond the 90-day Schengen limit thanks to bilateral visa-waiver agreements.

The Schengen Area nations that currently have bilateral agreements with Canada are listed below, along with the maximum permitted length of stay in each case:

• Belgium (2 months)
• Denmark (3 months)
• Germany (3 months)
• Greece (90 days)*
• Spain (90 days)*
• France (90 days)*
• Italy (3 months)
• Hungary (90 days)*
• The Netherlands (90 days)
• Austria (3 months)
• Portugal (60 days)*
• Sweden (3 months)*

Schengen-associated countries:

• Iceland (3 months)
• Norway (90 days)

*Ordinary passport holders only

Canadian citizens who take advantage of one of these bilateral agreements must remain in the EU Member State they apply to for the entire extension period . It is not permitted to move freely around the Schengen Area under a bilateral agreement.

For this reason, at the end of their stay, Canadians must depart from the specific European nation by either travelling directly to a third country or transiting through non-Schengen territory.

Bilateral agreements between Canada and EU Member States are subject to change.

How Can I Apply for ETIAS in Canada?

To obtain an ETIAS online visa waiver , Canadian citizens need to apply online . The registration process for ETIAS is designed to be simple and quick in order to expedite the approval process. Like the ESTA programme already in place in the United States, applicants will need to answer some security questions as well as provide personal information and details about their travel plans.

The personal and passport information to be included on the ETIAS form for Canadian nationals includes full name, gender, current address, contact telephone number, place of birth, country of birth, nationality, passport number, and passport expiry/issue date. It is also necessary to provide the Schengen country of first intended entry on the application form. Applicants will also be asked to offer details of their education and current employment situation.

The security-related questions on the Canada ETIAS form cover topics like :

• Prior travel to the Schengen Area
• History of criminal convictions
• Previous travel to conflict areas

It is important to note that Canadian citizens with minor criminal convictions are still likely to be granted an ETIAS Europe visa waiver , as long as they are truthful about their criminal history. However, those with serious convictions that involved jail time, especially human trafficking, terrorism or drug offenses, are not likely to receive an approved electronic travel authorisation for Europe.

After the passenger provides the information and paid the ETIAS fee, they should receive the approved ETIAS visa waiver via email within 24 hours. However, Canadian citizens are advised to submit an application at least 72 hours before the intended arrival date in the Schengen Area, to allow sufficient time for the visa waiver to be processed.

Canadians are able to submit an application for ETIAS online from anywhere outside of the Schengen Area , using any device, whether a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile phone.

ETIAS for Canadians - FAQ

Can canadians study in europe with etias.

Yes , ETIAS allows Canadians to study in a Schengen country for up to 90 days . For courses longer than 90 days, you will need a student visa for the country you are studying in.

Does ETIAS allow Canadians to Work in Europe?

ETIAS does not permit Canadians to work** as employees of a company based in a European country. This is because the visa waiver system only permits overseas visitors entry to the Schengen area for tourist, short-term study, transit, and business purposes.

To work in an EU country , Canadian citizens will need to apply for an appropriate national visa or work permit for the country they are seeking employment in.

Can ETIAS be used for Visiting Family Members Living in Europe from Canada

Yes , ETIAS allows Canadians to visit friends or family members who are either citizens of a Schengen member country or residency permit holders . This type of visit can be indicated during the visa waiver application process.

What is the difference between a visa and ETIAS for Canadians?

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation, also known as a visa waiver , it is not a visa for Europe. Canadians do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per 180-day period. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation used to pre-screen visitors who are exempt from applying for a visa.

Language selection

• Français fr

Entry requirements by country or territory

You need to give your biometrics.

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics .

What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with.

On this page

Canadian citizens, canadian permanent residents, u.s. citizens, lawful permanent residents of the u.s., eta exemptions, visa-required travellers, workers and students.

• Visiting your children and grandchildren in Canada

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport . American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.

Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document .

U.S. citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

• a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document ) and
• a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

• valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
• foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
• foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [Green Card])
• valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
• Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travellers

The following travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. However, these travellers do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea – for instance driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.

• British citizen
• British National (Overseas)
• British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom)
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
• Pitcairn Island
• Saint Helena
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom
• Brunei Darussalam
• Czech Republic
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR.
• Israel, must have a national Israeli passport
• Republic of Korea
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Romania ( electronic passport holders only )
• Solomon Islands
• Switzerland
• Taiwan, must have an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number
• United Arab Emirates
• Vatican City State, must have a passport or travel document issued by the Vatican.

Electronic passport holders only

Look on the front cover of your passport for the symbol of a rectangle with a circle in the middle. If you see this symbol, you have an electronic passport.

Foreign nationals with official Canadian documents

• Travellers with a valid Canadian visa.
• Travellers with valid status in Canada (e.g. visitor, student or worker) who re-enters Canada after only visiting the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Foreign nationals in the following situations

• French citizens who live in Saint Pierre and Miquelon and are flying directly to Canada from St. Pierre and Miquelon.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers destined to, or coming from, the United States on a flight that stops in Canada solely to refuel and
• have proper documents to enter the United States, or
• were lawfully admitted to the United States.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers on a flight that makes an unscheduled stop in Canada.
• Foreign nationals who transit through a Canadian airport under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program .

Travel and official representatives

• Flight crew, civil aviation inspectors, accident investigators who are or will be working while in Canada.
• Members of Armed Forces (not including the civilian component of an armed forces) of a country designated under the Visiting Forces Act coming to Canada to carry out official duties.
• Diplomats accredited by the Government of Canada.

The following travellers need a visa to come to Canada by any method of travel—plane, car, bus, train or cruise ship.

Note: Holders of a foreign national passport and stateless individuals need a visa to visit or transit through Canada.

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda (Some citizens of Antigua and Barbuda may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Argentina (Some citizens of Argentina may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Brazil (Some citizens of Brazil may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon, Republic of
• Central African Republic
• China, People's Republic of
• Congo, Democratic Republic of
• Congo, Republic of
• Costa Rica, Republic of (Some citizens of Costa Rica may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Israel, must have a valid Israeli “Travel Document in lieu of National Passport”
• Ivory Coast
• Korea, North
• Macao Special Administrative Region
• Maldives Islands
• Marshall Islands
• Mexico (Some citizens of Mexico may be eligible for an eTA if they  meet certain requirements .)
• Micronesia, Fed. States
• Morocco (Some citizens of Morocco may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• North Macedonia
• Palestinian Authority
• Panama (Some citizens of Panama may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Philippines (Some citizens of the Philippines may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Romania (holder of a non-electronic passport, such as a temporary passport)
• Sao Tomé e Principe
• Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
• Seychelles (Some citizens of the Seychelles may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis (Some citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• St. Lucia (Some citizens of St. Lucia may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines (St. Vincent) (Some citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Taiwan, must have a passport other than an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes their personal identification number
• Thailand (Some citizens of Thailand may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago (Some citizens of Trinidad and Tobago may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Turkmenistan
• Uruguay (Some citizens of Uruguay may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)

If you’re a worker or student, you must also meet Canada’s entry requirements. A work permit or study permit is not a visa. In most cases, you’ll also need a valid visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada.

If you’re applying for your first study or work permit

We’ll automatically issue you a visa or eTA if you need one and we approve your application. When you travel to Canada make sure you have:

• your letter of introduction
• if you’re visa-required, it must contain the visa sticker that we put in it
• if you need an eTA and you’re flying to a Canadian airport, it must be the passport that’s electronically link to your eTA.

If you already have a work or study permit

If you’re visa-required, make sure that your visitor visa is still valid if you choose to leave Canada and re-enter.

If you need an eTA and you’re flying to a Canadian airport, make sure you travel with the passport that’s electronically linked to your eTA.

You must travel with your valid study or work permit, a valid passport and travel document.

If you’re eligible to work or study without a permit

If you’re eligible to work or study without a permit, you’re considered a visitor to Canada. You must meet the entry requirements for travellers from your country of citizenship.

Visiting your child or grandchild in Canada

If you’re the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a  super visa . A super visa lets you visit your child or grandchild in Canada for 5 years at a time. Additionally, this visa allows for multiple entries to Canada and is valid for up to 10 years.

Popular Questions

Visit your children or grandchildren

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents have a new option for visiting Canada

Page details

Create an account

• Gain access to free articles
• Daily free newsletter(s)
• Ability to comment on most articles
• Build your 3D avatar and gain points

• Everything in the Free plan
• Ad-free reading and browsing
• Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
• Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
• Cancel anytime.

Forgot password

Please enter your email and we'll send you a new password request code.

Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

, time to level up your local game.

We have a favour to ask.

Narcity is looking to transition to a more sustainable future where we are no longer as reliant on advertising revenue. Upgrade now and browse Narcity ad-free and directly support our journalism.

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with narcity pro..

Canadians Will Soon Be Charged For Visiting Europe & Here's What You Need To Know

The change comes into effect this year. 👇

The Eiffel Tower in Paris. Right: The European Union flag.

Canadians dreaming of a European vacation in 2023 will have to be prepared to spend a little more thanks to a new fee being introduced this year.

The European Union is set to implement a new visa waiver system that will charge travellers from certain countries a fee to enter, including those from Canada.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS , applies to countries where travellers do not need a visa to enter Europe.

The ETIAS is an electronic system that allows the EU to keep track of visitors from these countries, according to the Schengen visa website .

According to the site, the ETIAS will "undergo a detailed security check of each applicant to determine whether they can be allowed to enter any Schengen Zone country," aka one of 27 countries in the EU that have removed their internal borders.

This includes places like France, Germany, Greece, Portugal and Italy. It does not include nations in the U.K., like England, Scotland and Wales.

The ETIAS will keep track of these travellers in addition to making sure they aren't a security threat.

"All in all, the ETIAS authorization will make travelling to the EU less of a hassle and a much safer experience," reads the website.

The ETIAS is set to cost 7 euros (or around $10) for each application for a person over 18 years old. Those under 18 years of age do not have to pay any fees.

While the process for implementing ETIAS began in 2016, the system is expected to be fully operational later this year, so if you're planning a vacation to Europe this year, you may need to apply for one.

How to apply for the ETIAS

The application is said to take about 10 minutes to fill out and can be done online.

In some "very exceptional cases," the maximum time needed for approval could be up to a month, according to a memo issued by the EU and obtained by CNN .

Some basic personal information will be required, including your name, date of birth, citizenship information and address.

Applicants will also be asked to give details about their education and work experience as well as the first EU country they plan to visit.

There will also be eligibility questions about the applicant's medical condition and criminal records, among other things.

The ETIAS will be processed immediately after you submit your answers and pay the fee, to be either approved or denied. If your application is denied, you can either appeal the decision or re-apply.

Once approved, your ETIAS will be sent to you by email and stored electronically, so there's no need to print it out.

The ETIAS is valid for three years, or until your passport expires.

The system isn't set to become fully operational until November 2023, so there may still be time to get in a European vacation and avoid paying.

Bon voyage!

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

• Europe Tweaked Its ETIAS Plan To Charge Visitors & Here's When You'll Have To Start Paying​ ›
• 9 Things That Will Totally Confuse Canadians When They Visit Europe & Some Will Surprise You ›
• 7 Differences I Notice As A Canadian Travelling In Europe & Some Are Low-Key Embarrassing ›
• These 15 Countries Charge Canadians To Visit & Here's What To Know Before Travelling - Narcity ›
• WestJet Is Cancelling Most Of Its Summer Service To Europe & Here Are Your Other Options - Narcity ›
• Some Canadian Airports Are Increasing Travel Fees & Here's What Passengers Should Know - Narcity ›
• 7 Countries In Europe Where Canadians Can Work Remotely For Up To A Year - Narcity ›
• You Can Get Paid To Travel Around Europe On Sleeper Trains & It’s The Ultimate One-Month Trip - Narcity ›
• 8 Things Canadians Need To Know Before Travelling To Europe This Summer - Narcity ›
• This Stunning European City Is Way Cheaper To Visit Than Paris & It’s A Slice Of Luxury - Narcity ›
• 6 Money Mistakes I Made While Travelling In Europe That Canadians Need To Know - Narcity ›
• 6 European Cities That Canadians Need To Visit, According To Someone Who Grew Up There - Narcity ›
• 10 tips for Canadians travelling to Europe in 2024, from visa requirements to tipping culture - Narcity ›

Already have an account? Log in

Create an account to keep reading.

1. choose a plan.

Limited access to free articles

Unlimited access to all content, AI summaries, ad-free browsing and directly support our reporting by becoming a Patron 🙏. Cancel anytime.

2. Create your account

11 countries that canadian passport holders will have to pay to visit in 2024, 14 countries canadian passport holders can visit for up to 90 days without a visa in 2024, 10 tips for canadians travelling to europe in 2024, from visa requirements to tipping culture, everything you need to know about renewing your canadian passport in 2024, 9 countries canadian passport holders can visit visa-free for up to a year, nexus fees could more than double this year so here's how to get it before costs go up, 8 features of the new canadian passport that make it so different from the old one, canadians can work remotely in italy for up to a year thanks to a new digital nomad visa, renewing your canadian passport: what's the deal with online renewals in 2024, canada is updating rules for international students & here's what you need to know, canada fell in a new ranking of the world's most powerful passports & here's what that means, canada travel news: visa exemptions, the best places to visit in 2024 & more you need to know.