ETIAS—A New Requirement for Canadians Visiting Europe

Do Canadian Passport Holders Need a Schengen Visa?

Canadian citizens and passport holders do not need a Schengen visa to stay for up to 90 days when entering several European countries. This means that if they are travelling to Europe for up to 90 days, they just need to show their Canadian passport to immigration authorities upon their arrival.

The Schengen zone comprises European Union Countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Four non-European Union countries, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, are also included.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

Starting mid-2025, Canadian passport holders will need an approved waiver through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before entering European countries.

The ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals going to any of these 30 European countries for a short-term stay (up to 90 days) in any 180 days:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Note: Having an ETIAS does not guarantee entry into your European country destination. Upon arrival, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents to confirm that you meet the entry requirements.

Why is ETIAS Required?

Requiring ETIAS before entering European countries is a practical way to identify potential security threats, making Europe safer for residents and travelers. The information the applicant provides during the ETIAS application process will be checked against different security databases.

ETIAS Requirement and Application for Canadian Citizens

For Canadian citizens planning to travel to Europe with ETIAS, you will need these requirements:

• Valid Canadian passport
• Valid credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee
• Current email address where the approved ETIAS will be sent

Note: During the ETIAS application process, the applicant should use the same passport that they will later use to travel to the Schengen Area since the European visa waiver is electronically linked to an individual passport.

Information Required for the ETIAS Application:

• Full name
• Gender
• Current address
• Contact number
• Birthplace
• Nationality
• Passport number and expiry/issue date
• The Schengen country the applicant wishes to enter first
• Details about education and current employment

For security purposes, the ETIAS form will also cover topics such as:

• Prior travel to Schengen Area
• History of criminal convictions
• Previous travel to conflict areas

Cost of ETIAS

The ETIAS is priced at EUR 7 (around 10.37 CAD). There are different online payment options for paying the fee. The following are exempted from paying this fee:

• Applicants under 18 or above 70 years old.
• Family members of EU Citizens or non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely around the European Union.

Validity and Use of ETIAS for Canadians

• Validity: An ETIAS granted to an applicant is valid for three (3) years from the approval date or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first.
• Multiple Entries: With an ETIAS, a Canadian citizen is granted multiple entries into the Schengen Area during its validity.
• Purpose of Visit: Covers tourism, business, transit, or short medical visits.

Note: The ETIAS authorisation is linked to a specific passport. It cannot be transferred to a new one.

For Canadians Who Need to Stay Longer in Europe

Canadians who plan to stay longer than 90 consecutive days in Europe or work or study there will be required to apply for a visa from the embassy or consulate. Unlike the ETIAS, the Schengen visa is issued for one specific Schengen country only.

Requirements for a Schengen Visa:

• Completed Schengen country visa application for Canadians
• Valid Canadian passport
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Europe

Note: Canadian citizens should submit the visa application at least 15 days before their intended entry date to Europe.

RemitBee’s eSIM: Keeping You Connected Wherever You Travel

Apart from your ETIAS, make sure that you get RemitBee’s eSIM to stay connected wherever you are when you go abroad. We offer unlimited data packages, pay-as-you-go options, and more.

Get your RemitBee eSIM today.