If you’re travelling to France in 2024, nothing has changed. However, if you’re planning a trip from 2025 onward, you’ll need to prepare for upcoming changes to the travel process. The new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will go live in 2025. ETIAS will be mandatory for all Canadian travellers heading to France or any other Schengen country. Keep in mind that the new France ETIAS application process does not replace the traditional visa procedure for people who are travelling from countries that aren’t visa-exempt or for people from Canada who intend to work, study, or stay beyond the permitted 90 days. Applying for ETIAS France is much easier than applying for a visa.
Yes, Canadians will need to seek pre-authorization through ETIAS if they intend to travel to France (or any other Schengen country) from 2025 onward. The new ETIAS waiver will replace the existing system for all travellers from visa-exempt countries, including Canada. Once the ETIAS portal launches in 2025, there will be a minimum 6-month grace period to allow travellers and border agents plenty of time to get comfortable with the new system. That said, you should fill out an ETIAS France application at least 8 days before your date of departure, even if you’re travelling during the grace period. Your ETIAS authorization will remain valid for 3 years, as long as your passport doesn’t expire before then. Your ETIAS status is linked to your biometric passport, so if you get a new passport within the 3 years, you’ll need to reapply. Except for that, though, you can travel freely to Schengen countries within 3 years of approval without submitting a new application. Remember, ETIAS authorization doesn’t necessarily equate to authorization to enter a country. You may still be turned away at the border if French border agents feel there’s a reason to deny entrance. In the end, your right to enter a country is at the discretion of border officials. To make sure you’re well-prepared, keep a copy of your return flight tickets, hotel reservation receipts, proof of medical insurance, and proof of funds handy. Border agents may request any of these documents during or after the ETIAS application process. Rest assured that ETIAS isn’t meant to make travel stressful for tourists. France ETIAS should streamline the travel process, reduce wait times for pre-screening, and make Schengen destinations safer for tourists and residents alike.
The ETIAS visa waiver portal is set to launch in 2025. ETIAS for France will be mandatory as soon as it launches, but there will be a 6-month grace period to minimize disruptions as both travellers and border officials get into the swing of things. Applying for France ETIAS authorization won’t be challenging. To get started, you’ll need internet access, a valid email address, a valid biometric passport, and access to funds (visa or debit) to pay the application fee. Once you’re approved, your ETIAS authorization will remain valid for up to 3 years, so there’s no need to wait until the last minute to apply – you won’t need to reapply if your travel plans are delayed by a few days, weeks, or even months. We strongly recommend seeking ETIAS authorization, even if you plan to travel to France during the grace period. You’ll only need to dedicate 10 minutes to complete your ETIAS application, and you can take multiple trips and visit multiple countries during its validity. Processing times may be a little longer until border agents get comfortable with the application process, and in some cases, they may request more information. It’s a good idea to apply at least 8 days before your date of departure, so you have plenty of time to work out any errors or misunderstandings.
No, if you’re a citizen of a Schengen country who is travelling to France, you won’t need to submit an application through ETIAS France Form. You’ll find the full list of ETIAS/Schengen countries on our homepage. For example, if you’re a German citizen and you wish to visit France, you won’t need ETIAS authorization. If you’re travelling with a companion from a visa-exempt country, like Canada or the U.S., it’s essential you know that your status doesn’t cover them, and your companion will need to submit an ETIAS application for approval before departure; if they don’t already have a valid ETIAS authorization.
Which citizenship you declare on your France ETIAS application will depend on your nationalities:
If you’re still not sure about your particular situation, please reach out to our Customer Service team, who will be happy to help.
While children aren’t expected to fill out their own ETIAS application form, they will need France ETIAS Visa Waiver for France to travel from an ETIAS-eligible country (like Canada) to a Schengen country (like France). In the case of minors, the application should be completed by a parent or legal guardian. If the minor is travelling with you but you aren’t the child’s guardian, you will need to have the guardian submit the child’s ETIAS application form.
No, ETIAS and visa applications are completely independent of one another. ETIAS Visa France does not give travellers permission to study, work, or stay long-term in the Schengen area. If you wish to study, travel, or stay in France for more than 90 consecutive days, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa. Should you attempt to do any of those things with France ETIAS approval (and without a visa), your ETIAS authorization will be revoked, you will be deported from France, and you’ll face legal repercussions. This will most definitely affect your eligibility to return to France (or any other Schengen country), and it’s simply not worth the risk.
Yes. Once the ETIAS portal goes live in 2025, all travellers from Canada and other visa-exempt countries will need France ETIAS authorization and a valid biometric passport to travel to a Schengen country. In fact, you won’t be able to submit your ETIAS application without your biometric passport. Your passport should:
If your passport doesn’t meet the criteria, the reviewing border agent may request additional documents to process your application. In this case, we recommend starting the application process well ahead of your intended date of departure, as you can expect delays in processing.
The good news is that you don’t need to go out of your way to apply for France ETIAS authorization in person. The ETIAS application process is a straightforward, intuitive, online application system that will demand no more than 10 minutes of uninterrupted focus. You’ll need to refer to your passport for some parts of the application, so be sure to have it handy. Aside from basic passport information, you’ll need to provide your:
There will also be a series of security questions covering basic information on your:
The ETIAS application process isn’t meant to deter travellers and should actually make travel safer and more pleasant by improving security for both visitors and residents in the Schengen zone. The ETIAS authorization program aims to stop threats before they step foot into a Schengen country. If the reviewing border agent requests more information to process your ETIAS application, don’t stress – that doesn’t necessarily mean they think you’re a criminal. In most cases, they’ve just noted something that doesn’t seem to add up or isn’t quite typical. In rare cases, the border agent may require a sit-down interview before approving your application. If everything is standard, though, you’ll receive your ETIAS travel authorization by email within 24 hours of submitting your application. Note that France ETIAS approval and approval to enter the country aren’t necessarily one and the same. Should they notice anything suspicious or unjust, French border agents have the authority to reject travellers at the border, regardless of ETIAS status. Rejections are relatively rare, though. It’s more likely they’ll just request additional documents, like hotel reservations and proof of finances, before authorizing entry. And finally, keep in mind that COVID-19 restrictions are something else entirely. Keep up-to-date on COVID-19 regulations in Canada and France before you travel. COVID-19 regulations can change with little notice, so check often.
ETIAS is still a work-in-progress, and full details haven’t been revealed yet. It’s not clear what the France ETIAS authorization process will look like for travellers with criminal records. For now, the only thing we can say for sure is that you most certainly shouldn’t try to enter a Schengen country without seeking ETIAS authorization, and you should disclose your criminal record on your application. While the application process may be different for travellers who have a history of criminal activity, it’s better to submit an application than to be turned back at the border. People who’ve been charged with minor offences (including disorderly conduct, shoplifting, loitering, DUIs, and so on) may still be eligible to enter Schengen countries, but they may be subject to certain restrictions, and they’re likely to need additional paperwork (hotel receipts and proof of return ticket, for example). If you have specific questions about travelling to France with a criminal record, reach out to our Customer Support team.
It’s impossible to predict. Each country has its own policies regarding travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, and these policies are constantly evolving. Check the Government of France’s website for the most recent updates regarding COVID-19 protocols as they pertain to travellers. Keep in mind that ETIAS and pandemic travel protocols are completely independent of one another. At the time of publishing this website, tourists who qualify as fully vaccinated are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 test to enter France, regardless of their country of departure. Unvaccinated tourists may enter France, but they must provide proof they’ve tested negative for COVID-19. France lists Canada as a “green” country, which means the French government believes Canadian travellers pose little threat with respect to the virus. Tourists from countries on the green list as exempt from isolation requirements. Again, COVID-19 restrictions can change drastically and without notice. Check the Government of France’s website ahead of your trip.
