canada travel europe permit

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?

• Highway 401
• Local Change location
• Entertainment
• Perspectives

TV Programs

• Global National
• The Morning Show
• Video Centre
• More…
• Email alerts
• Breaking News Alerts from Global News
• License Content
• New Brunswick
• Peterborough

Close Local

Your local region.

• All event types

Quick Search

Trending now.

Add Global News to Home Screen Close

Instructions:

• Press the share icon on your browser
• Select Add to Home Screen

Comments Close comments menu

Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.

Canadians visiting Europe will soon need a permit — not a visa. What to know

If you get Global News from Instagram or Facebook - that will be changing. Find out how you can still connect with us .

Canadians planning to visit Europe next year will have to pay for a travel authorization — not a visa — as the European Union looks to strengthen its border security measures.

Starting in 2024, Canadian passport holders will be required to apply online for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) if they plan to stay in any of these 30 European countries  for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Currently, Canadian citizens can enter Europe without any travel permit or visa and stay for up to three months.

However, if their stay exceeds 90 days, a visa is required.

From next year, Canadian travellers will have to fill out a form with their personal information, travel document details, level of education and current occupation, details about the intended stay, as well as any criminal convictions.

The fee to apply for ETIAS is $10.

Children under the age of 18 and seniors above 70 are exempt from paying the fee. Family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals who can freely move throughout the European Union are also exempt from incurring this cost.

While most applicants will be able to get the permit fairly quickly, it might take longer for others.

“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,” the EU has warned on the official ETIAS website.

Applications may also be rejected and reasons communicated in an email, the EU says, but unsuccessful applicants can appeal the decision.

The new programme, which was adopted by the European Council in 2018 , will affect nearly 1.4 billion travellers from more than 60 countries that are exempt from getting a visa to enter Europe.

The ETIAS travel authorization will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires – whichever comes sooner.

“ETIAS will further strengthen Europe’s internal security by carrying pre-travel screening of visa-free travellers to determine whether they pose a security, illegal immigration, or public health risk,” Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, says on its website .

Since its approval, the rollout of the ETIAS has been delayed multiple times. For now, it is expected to launch in 2024.

• As Loblaw boycott begins, what to know about all the company’s brands
• Is ‘wacko’ an unparliamentary word? A look at the rules on decorum
• Poilievre allowed back in House of Commons after getting kicked out Tuesday
• Toxic metals in vapes may pose major health risks for youth, study finds

Welcome to the official ETIAS website

• ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are collected at this point.

The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.

Find out which European countries require an ETIAS travel authorisation, who needs to apply and who is exempt.

Learn about when to request an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity and what implications it has for your travel.

Find out what travel documents can be used to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Learn about what information needs to be included in the application form and how much it costs to apply.

Learn how to authorise someone to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation on your behalf and what to be careful about.

Find out how to appeal against a decision related to your ETIAS travel authorisation or data protection rights.

Be aware of possible abusive and fraudulent practices by commercial intermediaries and learn how to report them.

Find answers to the most common questions about ETIAS including how to apply, how much it costs and how long it will be valid for.

Find the latest updates and facts about ETIAS.

Share this page

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

• 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

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning drivers to "be prepared" to give a breath sample if you're pulled over for any reason in the Greater Toronto Area, even if they don't suspect you've been drinking. In...

A Toronto South Detention Centre inmate has died of his injuries sustained during an alleged assault by another inmate last week. Toronto police say on April 21, an inmate was allegedly assault by...

Canada’s most wanted fugitive has been captured. According to Toronto police, Michael Bebee was taken into custody Tuesday night in Prince Edward Island. Charlottetown police said they were...

A pedestrian has been taken to hospital after being injured in a collision in Brampton. Peel police say they were called to Fernforest Drive and Peter Robertson Boulevard just after 7 p.m. to collision...

Most Watched Today

Police are on the hunt for a suspect following a stabbing at a low-rise apartment in Brampton. Shauna Hunt has the latest.

Residents in one Mississauga neighbourhood say they’re being kept up all night. The source of the noise causing them to lose sleep is right in their backyards. Pat Taney reports.

An infant and their grandparents are among 4 killed in a multi-vehicle collision following a wrong-way police chase down Hwy 401 in Whitby. Erica Natividad reports.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims & Canadian Civil Liberties Association are asking the Supreme Court to rule on Bill 21 – Quebec’s ban on religious symbols in public life.

An infant and their grandparents are among 4 killed in a multi-vehicle collision following a wrong-way police chase down Hwy 401. Erica Natividad reports.

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

Canada's most wanted fugitive arrested in P.E.I. in connection with Toronto homicide

Protestors set up tent encampment on campus, Western University says

McGill offers 'forum' with protesters after judge dismisses injunction request

London Drugs stores remain closed for 4th straight day after 'cybersecurity incident'

Lawyers for alleged serial killer to argue he is not criminally responsible

Ont. woman who faked pregnancy to defraud doulas arrested again on similar charges

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.

Liberal MP says she's leaving politics over disrespectful dialogue, threats, misogyny

Concerns about Plexiglass prompt inspections at some Loblaws locations in Ottawa

Federal employees will be required to spend 3 days a week in the office

OPP officer said 'someone's going to get hurt' before wrong-way Hwy. 401 crash

Five human skeletons, missing hands and feet, found outside house of Nazi leader Hermann Göring

Poilievre returns to House unrepentant for calling Trudeau 'wacko,' Speaker not resigning

'My boy': Former TSN broadcaster call's son's MLB debut game

WATCH: Wild video shows bear attack moving vehicle in Japan

Truck plows through fence in wild chase in Massachusetts

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.

• Entertainment
• Photo Galleries
• Commuter Centre
• Border Crossings
• Ask A Lawyer
• Hot Property
• Wellness Wednesdays
• Human Interest
• Real Estate
• Top Social Stories
• CP24 Supports
• Newsletters
• Skip to Main Content

CP24 BREAKING NEWS IN TORONTO AND BEYOND

Advertisement

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

Tourists eat in a traditional restaurant in Plaka district of Athens on Thursday, Oct.13, 2022. Canadians eyeing a trip to certain European countries next year will need to obtain a permit first. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Petros Giannakouris

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

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.

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.

'Someone's going to get hurt': OPP

Canada's most wanted fugitive arrested

TPS on arrest of Canada's most wanted

Dispatch audio reveals new details in fatal wrong-way police chase crash on Hwy. 401

• Inmate charged in death of another inmate assaulted at Toronto South Detention Centre

'I am destroyed': Widow of slain GTA soccer ref pleads for info to husband's unsolved murder

Police response to the Uvalde shooting was riddled with failures, new DOJ report says

• Pakistani retaliatory strikes in Iran kill at least 9, raising tensions along border
• In Davos, Israel's president calls ties with Saudi Arabia key to ending war in Gaza

Real Estate News

'Wallet-bursting' housing costs have some Torontonians ditching the city for cheaper pastures

• New condo sales in the Toronto area hit low not seen since financial crisis
• Rent in Toronto is on the decline for the third month in a row: report

Sports News

Toronto clinches top spot in PWHL with 4-1 win over Minnesota

• Michael Massey powers Royals past Blue Jays 6-1; Toronto drops back-to-back games
• Rookie goaltender Joseph Woll stands tall, gives Maple Leafs life against Bruins

Entertainment News

Ex-Nickelodeon producer Schneider sues 'Quiet on Set' makers for defamation, sex abuse implications

• Prosecutors seek September retrial for Harvey Weinstein after rape conviction was tossed
• Music Review: Sia soars with first solo album in 8 years, ‘Reasonable Woman’

Lifestyle News

Want to spend the night in a Paris museum or a house owned by Prince? Airbnb plans to list them

• Scientists reveal the face of a Neanderthal who lived 75,000 years ago
• Ottawa's dental care program accepting claims for 1 million seniors

Canada's most wanted fugitive arrested in P.E.I. in connection with Toronto homicide

OPP begin mandatory alcohol screenings during traffic stops in GTA

Ontario woman surprised after 20-year-old fines suddenly tank credit score

Most watched.

Toronto Maple Leafs win in OT

Audio reveals new details in wrong-way crash

WATCH: Bear attacks vehicle in Japan

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

Maximize Your Tax Refund with TurboTax Canada!

Simplify tax season with this user-friendly software. Get step-by-step guidance, maximize deductions, and file with confidence. Trusted by millions, TurboTax Canada ensures accuracy and peace of mind. Start your taxes today and get the refund you deserve

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.

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

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.

When your budget's not travel-friendly, take a trip in your own home

8 ways to save on pet care costs

Caring for your human (and fur) babies in job loss.

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.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Canada.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from Canada, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. 

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through Canada, most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization ( eTA ) – not both.

Check if you need a visa or an eTA online .

You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to 6 months). You may need an eTA instead.

You do not need an eTA , if you are:

• arriving by land and sea – you must have acceptable travel documents and ID
• a British-Canadian dual national – you must have a valid Canadian passport

See Canada’s entry requirements for full details of eTA and visa requirements.

Contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.

Checks at border control

Canadian border officials may ask you to show a return or onward ticket and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.

Visas for permanent residence, study or work

See information on visas for permanent residence, study or work in Canada .  

Transiting through Canada

If you are travelling through Canada (transiting) by air, you must have an eTA or a transit visa.     

If you have questions, contact:

• your airline
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate

Find out more about transiting Canada .

Visa and eTA scams

Some unauthorised websites charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Canadian government.

You can check your eTA status online with the Canadian government . If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received confirmation of your application, complete an enquiry form .   

Travelling with children

If a child travels alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parents or guardians. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.

For more information, check with the Canadian High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Canada guide . 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be taken into and out of Canada . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

The Canadian authorities will confiscate banned food products and you could get a fine. For more information, see importing food, plants or animals to Canada .

If you visit a farm or have contact with wild animals before entering Canada, and plan to visit a farm during your stay, you must declare this on your Customs Declaration Card. For more information, see biosecurity at the Canadian border .

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Language selection

• Français fr

Other documents you may need

Letter of explanation.

This letter helps the visa officer to understand you and your goals. It explains

• why you want to study in Canada
• that you understand your responsibilities as a student

You should include this letter if you decide to apply for a study permit, even if you don’t have to get a study permit for your program.

Medical exam

You may need a medical exam if any of these situations apply to you:

• You plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months.
• You recently spent time in certain countries.
• You plan to work in certain jobs where public health must be protected.

Find out who needs a medical exam .

Custodian declaration (minor children)

If the minor requires a custodian , you must include the  Custodianship Declaration form (PDF, 1.02 MB) with your application. It has 2 pages that must be notarized (certified by a notary) and then included with your study permit application.

The custodian in Canada must sign the first page, and the parents or legal guardians of the minor child in the child’s home country must sign the second page.

Other supporting documents

Check the visa office instructions for your country or region for local requirements.

If you aren't currently in your home country, you may have to prove your immigration status in the country you apply from.

If the government that issued your passport or travel document needs you to have a re-entry permit, you must get one before you apply for a Canadian visa. You may also need other documents.

Find out what to do if we asked you to provide a supporting document for your application .

Page details

• Skip to main content
• Skip to site information

Language selection

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

Travel documents

Know which documents you need and where to get them to make your travel quick and easy.

Identification documents

Canadian passports.

A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel identification document and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada 

Canadian Travel Number

Avoid delays at the airport because your name is the same as, or similar to, that of someone on the No Fly List ( Secure Air Travel Act list)

NEXUS                                                  

If you travel between Canada and the United States often, a NEXUS card will save you time at the border

Permanent resident card

Permanent residents of Canada need a permanent resident card to re-enter Canada

Pre-boarding identification requirements

Information on the identification documents you need to bring to the airport

Travel documents for non-Canadians

Travel documents for convention refugees, protected persons or stateless persons living in Canada

Permits and certificates

Find out whether you need a visa for your destination and get it well in advance of your trip

Certificate of Canadian citizenship

A Canadian citizenship certificate is not a valid travel document

CITES permits

Information on permits to transport, import or export a listed wildlife species or items made from listed wildlife species

International Driving Permit

Your Canadian driver's licence may not be valid in your destination country

Travelling outside Canada with your vehicle

You may need a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) to travel outside Canada with your vehicle.

International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis

Some countries may require you to show proof of vaccination  

Your pets need travel documents to enter another country

CANPASS - Private aircraft

CANPASS cards allow private aircraft to clear customs and immigration quickly and securely

More information

Consent letter for children travelling abroad.

A consent letter helps children travelling without both parents to enter foreign countries and re-enter Canada

Marriage outside Canada

Information on the legal issues involved in getting married abroad 

Notarial services

Information about getting notarial services while you are outside Canada

Travelling as a dual citizen

Information for Canadian dual citizens who are travelling to another country where they have citizenship

Travel insurance

Buy travel insurance before you travel outside Canada. Bring your insurance information with you. You may need to prove you have travel insurance to enter some countries

Mobile Passport Control app

Travellers can shorten the entry process to the U.S. by submitting their passport and customs declaration information through this app

What we are doing

Policies, acts and regulations.

• Canadian Passport Order
• Citizenship Act
• Identity Screening Regulations

Publications

• Bon voyage, but... Essential information for Canadian travellers
• Travelling with children

All related publications

• Apply online for a visa, study or work permit
• Steps to complete a passport application
• Nexus application
• CANPASS application
• CITES permit application forms

Find helpful information on health and safety, travel documents, baggage, airport security, country advice and more.

Information on a recommended consent letter for Canadian children travelling abroad.

You need a valid Canadian passport to board a flight to Canada.