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In 2025, the process for visiting France and other Schengen countries will change for Canadian citizens and citizens of the 60 other Schengen visa-exempt countries. The new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS for France) will become mandatory for all travellers from Canada as soon as it’s rolled out in 2025
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Travel to France
Perhaps you’re French Canadian (Quebecois? C’est bon!), or perhaps you’d like to dust off those fundamental French skills you learned in elementary school (Bonjour! Au revoir!), or maybe you don’t speak a word of French, and you’d just like to see something new. Regardless, there’s something for everyone in France. From the landmark Eiffel Tower in Paris to the beautiful architecture of Lyon, the dreamy beaches in Nice, to the breathtaking wine country of Bordeaux – France is really a world-class wonder. With direct flights from across the country, including Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and even Halifax, France is a popular destination for Canadian tourists. Whatever kind of vacation you’re looking for, you can find it in France. If you want a fun, action-packed vacation in a bustling city, Paris is a fantastic option. Prefer something a little more laid-back? Perhaps Antibes or Bordeaux are more your style. If you plan to drive in France and your Canadian driver’s license wasn’t issued in Quebec, you’ll need to bring along a notarized translation and keep it with your license. The French drive on the right side of the road, like we do in Canada. If you’d prefer not to drive, France has an extensive and high-quality rail system. And in fact, even if you do plan to drive in France, the rail system is a great way to see part of France you may miss if you’re behind the wheel.
If everything about you and your travel plans is typical, you should only need your valid biometric passport (expiring no sooner than 3 months from your scheduled arrival date) to apply for ETIAS for france authorization. Canadian passports are biometric and have been since 2013, so unless you have a 10-year passport that’s expiring in 2025, then your valid Canadian passport is certainly biometric and meets ETIAS standards. Keep in mind that your ETIAS authorization will be linked to you via your Canadian passport. Should your passport expire during your ETIAS authorization period (typically 3 years from the initial date of issuing), your ETIAS authorization will expire as well. In that case, you’ll need to re-apply for ETIAS France authorization when you receive your new passport. That’s not a major concern, though, as the application process is quick and easy. The online ETIAS for France application process will take about 10 minutes to complete. You’ll need your biometric passport handy (you’ll need to refer to it as you go through the application form), and aside from passport details, everything should be straightforward – you’ll need to provide your name and date of birth, contact information, and some details about past travel history and criminal activity (if applicable).
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Yes, Canadian citizens who intend to travel to France in 2025 or later will need to apply for travel pre-authorization through the online ETIAS for France application portal. While there will be a 6-month grace period to allow travellers and border agents plenty of time to adjust to the new procedure, we highly recommend submitting an ETIAS France application, even if you’ll be travelling during the grace period. Once the grace period comes to an end, an ETIAS approval will be mandatory for all Canadian citizens planning to travel to or through France or any other Schengen country.
It’s essential you know that ETIAS authorization does not guarantee your admission to France. You will be assessed at the border, and if the border agent feels something’s off or you pose a threat to other travellers or residents, they are entitled to deny you entry. That won’t be a common occurrence, though, and in most cases, if something’s unclear, the border agent will request more information, like:
Overall, ETIAS is an additional tool to help prevent threats from entering the Schengen area. It’s meant to protect tourists and residents.
COVID-19 protocols are separate from ETIAS, and things like test results and vaccination status won’t need to be disclosed to gain ETIAS authorization, but you may need to present information about your COVID-19 risk at the border. Check the appropriate government website for the most current information on pandemic responses and regulations, as they tend to change with little notice.
While children aren’t expected to fill out their own ETIAS application form, they will need ETIAS for France authorization 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. Note that a minor should never fill out an ETIAS Visa Waiver for France. These applications are stringently reviewed, and any minor discrepancies may result in lengthy delays or even a rejection.
To travel from Canada from France as a Canadian citizen, you’ll need to submit an application through the online ETIAS application portal. The entire process will take about 10 minutes, and the only travel document you’ll need on hand is your valid biometric passport. You cannot submit an application without a valid email address, so if you don’t have one, you should sign up for an email account before starting your application.
The ETIAS application is fairly standard. You’ll provide basic information, including your name, date of birth, and address, and you’ll answer some personal questions to help the reviewing border agent assess the level of threat you pose. The questions aren’t of a sensitive nature – they cover topics like travel habits and criminal history.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll likely receive a decision notification by email within 24 hours. If something about your application is atypical, the reviewing agent may request additional information, another travel document, or occasionally, a sit-down interview.
The ETIAS for France application process is simple, but you should prepare for the unexpected. We strongly recommend you submit your application no later than 8 days before your scheduled departure. Your ETIAS authorization will remain valid for 3 years (unless your passport expires), so there’s no need to delay – your authorization will still be valid if your trip is delayed by a few days, weeks, or even months.
The ETIAS authorization system is in no way a substitute for the traditional visa process. On the contrary, the ETIAS process and the visa process are aimed at two distinct groups of people.
ETIAS for France is suitable for tourists from visa-exempt countries who wish to stay in the Schengen zone for 3 months or less, and who don’t intend to work or study while they’re there.
If you wish to work, study, or stay long-term in France, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
If you overstay, work, or study in France while you’re there with ETIAS authorization, your authorization may be revoked, you’ll be deported, and you may face legal consequences.