EUROPEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION AND AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM
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Can Canadians travel freely to EU?

Etias Visa Waiver
ETIAS Europe
January 19, 2023  • 

4  Minutes

Is there a visa requirement for Canadian nationals who travel to Europe?

Canadian citizens can enter Europe without a visa and stay up to 90 days. Canadian passport holders can continue to enjoy visa-free privileges, and there are no new visa requirements. Canadians will have to apply for ETIAS travel authorizations starting 2025. To increase security in the Schengen Zone, the ETIAS has been introduced. It will be mandatory for visa-exempt visitors to Canada. ETIAS is not like a regular visa. It is a travel authorization that allows Canadian who hold a passport to stay in Europe visa-free for up to 90 days during any 180 days. Canadian citizens will be able to submit their ETIAS requests electronically. ETIAS applications are faster than applying for a visa. The process can be completed online without needing to submit any paperwork at an embassy. Canadians can visit any country in the Schengen Area with an approved ETIAS visa waiver. This permit is valid for three years or until the expiration of the passport.

ETIAS requirements and documents for Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens can apply for visa waivers from any part of the world.
Canadians can register for ETIAS to enter the Schengen Area if they meet the ETIAS requirements of non-EU citizens, including:

  • Valid passport issued by an ETIAS-eligible country. Canadian citizens who travel to Europe with multiple passports must ensure that their passports are issued by countries that allow them to waive the visa requirement.
  • You must have a valid credit or debit card to pay the application fee.
  • A valid email address. You must have an email address. The status of your application will be sent via email, and the final decision and appeals will be sent via email.

Complete the ETIAS application accurately.

Canadians only need a valid passport and a card to apply online for permission to travel to Europe. Depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances, additional documents may be required. Canadian citizens do not have to visit an embassy or consulate in Canada. The application process is not done online. Canadians planning to travel to Europe can plan their trip anywhere in the world, including at home. Although the application is quick and easy to complete, the applicant should ensure that it is thoroughly reviewed before being submitted. Any incorrect information, even if entered in error, can result in rejection or delay your application.
Canadian citizens applying for ETIAS must provide additional information:

  • You can provide personal information such as your full name, birth date, birthplace, gender, and other details.
  • Contact information such as a current address, phone number, and email.
  • Matching passport details with the Schengen Area passport they intend to use. These details include the passport number, place of issue, and date.
  • A rough itinerary or travel plan for their trip to Europe. Travelers must include the port of entry to the Schengen Area.
  • Additional information applicants should expect to provide their criminal records and health history.

The information is automatically compared against the Schengen security database. Most cases will not be flagged up, and the request will usually be approved within minutes. If there is an exception, the European authorities will manually examine the application before making a decision. European authorities anticipate an acceptance rate of approximately 95% for ETIAS applicants. The applicant can appeal to any Schengen Area member if the application is rejected. Visitors who intend to enter Europe from Madrid can appeal to Spain.

Why is ETIAS essential?

ETIAS can seem unnecessary to many travelers. This is not true. ETIAS was created for Canadian citizens with safety in mind. Canada will be a safer destination in Europe if it can prevent potentially dangerous people from crossing the border illegally. ETIAS is not a guarantee of entry, but Canadians who travel to Europe can be granted access by border control and will be allowed to travel unrestricted across all Schengen Area borders.