ETIAS for Canadians: What Canadian Citizens Need to Know
Canadian citizens have been able to travel to Europe without a visa for many years, thanks to the visa waiver agreement between Canada and the European Union. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2026, this arrangement will remain in place—but a new step will be added: obtaining an ETIAS authorization before departure. This is not a visa. ETIAS is an electronic pre-travel authorization comparable to the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) that Canada requires of visa-exempt foreign nationals wishing to visit Canada. The process is entirely online, quick, and inexpensive.
Essential information for Canadian travelers
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Who is affected | All Canadian passport holders, including minors |
| Price | €20 (~$30 CAD) — free for those under 18 and over 70 |
| Validity | 3 years or until the passport expires |
| Permitted stay | Up to 90 days per 180-day period — same as current rules |
| Procedure | 100% online — similar to the Canadian eTA that foreign nationals must obtain to visit Canada |
| Processing time | A few minutes in most cases |
| Destinations covered | 30 countries in the Schengen Area—France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and 25 others |
ETIAS vs. the Canadian eTA: Two Comparable Systems
Canada introduced the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) in 2015 for nationals of visa-exempt countries wishing to enter Canada by air. The European ETIAS is the equivalent of this system, with a few differences:
| Criteria | ETIAS (Europe → for Canadians) | eTA (Canada → for foreign nationals) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €20 (~$30 CAD) | $7 CAD |
| Validity | 3 years | 5 years or until the passport expires |
| Destinations | 30 Schengen countries | Canada only |
| Max. stay | 90 days / 180 days (cumulative across the entire Schengen area) | 6 months per stay |
| Procedure | Online, in just a few minutes | Online, in just a few minutes |
| Modes of entry | Air, land, sea | Air only |
For Canadians accustomed to the eTA, the ETIAS process will feel very familiar. The main difference is the slightly higher cost (€20 vs. CAD $7), offset by coverage for 30 countries with a single document.
Special case: French Canadians and dual nationals
Many Canadians hold dual citizenship—particularly Quebecers and French-Canadians who hold both Canadian and French citizenship. The rule is clear: ETIAS applies to the passport presented at the border. A French-Canadian traveling with their French passport (or any EU passport) does not need ETIAS—they enter Europe as an EU citizen. If they travel with their Canadian passport, ETIAS will be required.
This is exactly the same logic that applies to entering Canada: a French-Canadian can only enter Canada by presenting their Canadian passport; they cannot use the eTA on their French passport. The choice of passport determines the applicable formalities. The French authorities and the Consulate General of France in Montreal have clarified this point in their official communications regarding ETIAS.
Top Destinations for Canadians in the Schengen Area of Europe
France has traditionally been the top European destination for Canadians, particularly for Quebecers, who have strong cultural and family ties to France. A single ETIAS covers the entire trip:
| Destination | Schengen country? | ETIAS required? | Dedicated guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris, Lyon, Provence, French Riviera | France ✓ | Yes | ETIAS France |
| Rome, Florence, Venice, Amalfi | Italy ✓ | Yes | ETIAS Italy |
| Barcelona, Madrid, Seville | Spain ✓ | Yes | ETIAS Spain |
| Lisbon, Porto, Algarve | Portugal ✓ | Yes | ETIAS Portugal |
| Athens, Santorini, Crete | Greece ✓ | Yes | ETIAS Greece |
| Amsterdam | Netherlands ✓ | Yes | ETIAS Netherlands |
| London, Edinburgh | United Kingdom ✗ (non-Schengen) | No — ETA UK required separately (£20) | — |
Please note: The United Kingdom is not a member of the Schengen Area. Many Canadians combine a stay in London with a trip to continental Europe—in this case, two separate authorizations are required: the ETIAS for Schengen countries and the UK ETA (£20) for the United Kingdom.
What Canadians Need to Prepare Before Leaving
| Document / Procedure | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Canadian passport | Valid for at least 3 months after the scheduled return date and issued within the last 10 years. See our page on passports for travel in Europe |
| ETIAS Authorization | Must be obtained before departure on the official ETIAS website — €20, valid for 3 years |
| Travel Insurance | Highly recommended — medical costs in Europe can be high for non-residents |
| Proof of financial resources | Border officials may verify that you have sufficient funds for your stay |
| Return Ticket | Border authorities may request proof of a return ticket to Canada or to a destination outside the Schengen Area |
Official sources for Canadian citizens
| Organization | Role | Official link |
|---|---|---|
| Government of Canada — Travel Advice (Europe) | Official advice from the Canadian government for travel to Europe | travel.gc.ca ↗ |
| Consulate General of France in Montreal — ETIAS | Official Update on the EES and ETIAS for Travelers from Canada | ca.diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗ |
| Official ETIAS Website (EU) | Official portal for ETIAS authorization applications | travel-europe.europa.eu ↗ |
Frequently Asked Questions from Canadian Citizens About ETIAS
I’m from Quebec—do I need an ETIAS to travel to France?
Yes, if you are traveling with your Canadian passport. ETIAS applies to the passport presented at the border. If you are solely a Canadian citizen, ETIAS will be required to enter France. If you are a dual French-Canadian citizen and are traveling with your French passport, you enter France as an EU citizen—without ETIAS or any other formalities.
Does my minor child who is a Canadian citizen need an ETIAS?
Yes. All Canadian citizens, including minors, will need to obtain their own ETIAS authorization. However, the €20 fee is waived for those under 18. Each child must have their own valid Canadian passport. Visit our ETIAS for Children page for practical details.
Do Canadians living in Europe need an ETIAS?
No, not if they hold a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Area country. Holders of a valid residence card or residence permit are exempt from the ETIAS requirement. ETIAS applies only to transit travelers—not to foreign residents legally established in Europe.
Can I take a long trip around Europe and the United Kingdom with just one document?
No. The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Area and has its own system—the UK ETA (£20). If your itinerary includes both Schengen countries and the United Kingdom, you will need two separate authorizations: the ETIAS for the Schengen Area and the UK ETA for the United Kingdom. Both applications must be submitted online separately.
How can you avoid fraudulent ETIAS websites?
Many third-party websites claim to process ETIAS applications for an additional fee. Some of these are fraudulent. The Canadian government warns against these practices. The official application can only be submitted through the European Union portal. Visit our page on the official ETIAS website to access the correct platform directly.
Does ETIAS allow me to work in France or another European country?
No. ETIAS applies only to tourist visits, business trips (meetings, conferences), and transit—for stays of less than 90 days. It does not allow for long-term work or study in a Schengen country. To work in Europe, you need a work visa or a residence permit issued by the relevant country.
