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From November 2025, the EU will launch the ETIAS system, meaning that all Canadian citizens traveling to France will need to apply for a pre-issued digital permit before crossing the French border.
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Welcome to Europe
With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant, world-influencing culture, it’s no wonder that France is the most-visited country in the world. Each year, about 89 million travellers visit France – more than Spain, which draws 82 million visitors annually, and the USA, which welcomes 87 million travellers each year. You don’t need to speak French to visit Paris (so don’t worry if your only experience in the French world is cheering for the Habs as they hit the ice), but it does help to know basic words. There are plenty of apps to help you learn. Paris, in particular, is the most-visited city in all of the European Union. France has long been a favourite European travel destination for Canadian citizens because of Canada’s historical and cultural ties to France. France has something to offer all sorts of tourists. Those seeking delicious and diverse cuisine will enjoy France’s many restaurants, including hundreds with at least one Michelin star. Some of the world’s most famous wine regions are located in France, including Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, the Loire Valley, and the Rhone Valley.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the dozens of world heritage sites, from the world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Gardens of Versailles to more remote sites such as the prehistoric painting in the Caves of Lascaux and the medieval town of Provins. The French Alps, the Pyrenees, and other national parks boast breathtaking views for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. While some of the country’s most famous art museums and pieces of architecture are in Paris, such as the Louvre and the Notre Dame Cathedral, other cities and towns are home to incredible museums and charming castles of their own. From the fast-paced fashion center of Paris to the luxuries of the French Riviera to the charming countryside of Provence, France is sure to delight travellers seeking any kind of experience. France is connected both geographically and through the Schengen Agreement with many other beautiful countries, making it remarkably easy to travel throughout those that surround France, including Spain and Italy. There are high-speed trains to carry passengers (at speeds up to 270 km/h!) from France to both Spain and Italy. It’s a great way to see the sights, and we highly recommend it. Because you won’t need to file any additional paperwork to travel within the Schengen zone, you’re free to plan a last-minute excursion to any of the Schengen countries.
A new electronic visa waiver system called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will become mandatory for all travellers from visa-free countries who plan to travel to France. Applying for travel authorization through ETIAS France isn’t a complex or arduous process, and the new requirement will offer an extra layer of protection against crime, terrorism, and illegal immigration – issues that affect both tourists and residents.
Your ETIAS application will take about 10 minutes to complete. You’ll likely receive a decision by email within 24 hours (unless the reviewing agent requires more information), and once approved, you’re free to enjoy the Schengen area for up to 90 consecutive days. It’s a method for improving tourist assessment and traceability without adding the hassle of going through the traditional visa process.
To apply for authorization to travel through the ETIAS portal, you’ll only need your valid biometric passport. Before you start your application, ensure your passport expires no sooner than 3 months after your intended departure date. If your passport expires sooner than that, you’ll need to renew it before you travel. Note that your ETIAS approval is connected to you by way of your passport identifier, so if your passport expires within your ETIAS information authorization’s validity period, you’ll need to reapply through ETIAS. It is not possible to transfer your ETIAS status from your old passport to a new one. The ETIAS application portal is fully online. You’ll need to dedicate about 10 minutes to completing and submitting your form.
The application will ask for some basic personal information, such as first and last name, date of birth, nationality information, and email address. In the second section, you’ll need to provide details about your travel history, criminal involvement, and history of connection to terrorist groups. At the end of the application, before you submit, you’ll pay the processing fee – visa and debit are both accepted. To prevent issues, we recommend submitting your ETIAS application no later than 8 days before your intended departure date. While you should receive a decision by email within 24 hours of submitting your application, it’s possible that the reviewing border official may require more information. If that’s the case, you’ll be glad you left plenty of time for follow-up. Once you receive approval to travel through ETIAS, you’re free to visit France (or any other Schengen country) for up to 90 consecutive days.
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Yes. Canadians will need to apply for authorization to travel to the Schengen zone through ETIAS once the portal launches in 2025. There will be a short grace period to prevent delays at the border as travellers and border agents get comfortable with the new process, but we strongly recommend applying for ETIAS authorization if you’re travelling to the Schengen area during the grace period. Ideally, you should apply no later than 8 days before your scheduled departure date.
es. An ETIAS application will be mandatory for children and minors travelling from Canada to France or other Schengen area countries. Beginning in 2025, all travellers, including minors, who are citizens of a visa-exempt country (there’s a comprehensive list below for your convenience) must have a valid ETIAS authorization to enter any country within the Schengen area. An ETIAS application for a minor should be completed by the child’s parent or legal guardian.
As a Canadian citizen travelling to France, you’ll need to ensure you’re prepared before you begin filling out your ETIAS application. Specifically, you’ll need a valid biometric passport that expires no sooner than 3 months after your intended date of departure, a valid email address to receive the decision notification, and a credit or debit card to pay the processing fee. Note that all passports issued in Canada from 2013 onward are biometric, so unless you hold a 10-year passport that expires in 2023, your valid Canadian passport is also biometric.
When you fill out the ETIAS application, you’ll need to disclose your name, address, and other basic personal information. You’ll be required to answer a series of security-related questions concerning your travel habits and criminal history. In most cases, after an application has been submitted, the reviewing border agent will process it and send a notification of approval within 24 hours. Occasionally, if the reviewing agent feels something isn’t quite right, he or she may request additional information or documentation. Rarely, they may request an in-person meeting. The vast majority of Canadian travellers will proceed through the application process without issues or delays.
From beginning to end, the application process should take no more than 10 minutes. It’s hosted within an online portal, so you needn’t worry about going out of your way to apply in person. Most applicants will receive an approval notification by email within 24 hours. Again, if the border agent spots anything suspicious, there may be delays, so be sure to apply early – ideally, at least 8 days before your planned departure.
No. ETIAS authorization is not a substitute for a traditional visa. ETIAS is intended for short stays up to 90 days, and applicants who are granted entry through ETIAS are not permitted to work or study during their visit. Should you wish to work, study, or live in France, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate type of visa.