Canadians Will Need to Obtain This Document When Travelling to Europe
Canadians have been able to go to most European countries without a visa for years. You only needed a valid Canadian passport to go on business trips, vacations, or family visits. But that will change soon.
Canadians will soon need a new document called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to get into Europe. This guide tells you what ETIAS is, when it starts, how to apply, how much it costs, who needs it, and how it will change your travel plans.
What Do Canadians Need to Obtain This Document When Travelling to Europe?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System is what ETIAS stands for. It’s not a visa, but it’s a required travel authorization for people from countries like Canada that don’t need a visa to visit Europe right now.
ETIAS was made by the European Union to make borders safer, stop illegal immigration, and make travel safer.
Canadians will need to get ETIAS approval before they can board a flight or ship to any country in the Schengen Zone once the system is up and running. It works like the American ESTA system, which checks travelers before they get there.
You won’t need any paper documents; your passport will be linked to your ETIAS approval electronically. But make sure your passport is good for at least three months after you plan to leave Europe.
When Canadians Will Need to Obtain This Document begin?
The EU was going to start ETIAS in 2024, but the start date has been pushed back to the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026.
Canadians can still go to most European countries without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period until then. You will have to apply online before you travel once ETIAS is required.
Who Needs ETIAS and Where It Works
Anyone with a Canadian passport who wants to go to Europe for business, vacation, medical reasons, or short-term studies will need ETIAS permission.
ETIAS covers 29 Schengen countries, such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Switzerland, and more.
You don’t need ETIAS to go to countries that aren’t in the Schengen Zone, like the UK, Ireland, or some Balkan countries. You need ETIAS for the Schengen part of your trip, though, if you are going to both Schengen and non-Schengen places.
How to Fill Out an ETIAS Application
It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to apply for ETIAS, which is quick and easy.
You’ll need this:
A Canadian passport that is still valid for at least three months after your planned departure
A credit or debit card to pay the fee of €7 (about CAD $10)
An email address that works for confirmation and updates
Steps for applying:
When the official ETIAS website goes live, go there.
- Fill out your passport and personal information.
- Answer a few questions about your background and security.
- Pay the €7 fee over the Internet.
- Wait for an email to confirm.
Most applications are approved in a matter of minutes. It might take a few days to get approval if more checks are needed.
Your ETIAS authorization will be good for three years or until your passport runs out, whichever comes first.
How Long You Can Stay with ETIAS
Canadians can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period if they have an approved ETIAS.
You can go on one long trip or a number of shorter ones, as long as you don’t stay longer than 90 days. ETIAS also lets people enter more than once, so people who travel a lot don’t have to apply again each time.
You do have to apply for a new ETIAS if you get a new passport, though.
What Canadians can get out of ETIAS
ETIAS adds an extra step before you travel, but it has a lot of benefits:
Better security: ETIAS checks travelers before they enter Europe, which stops people from entering illegally.
Convenience: You don’t have to go to the embassy or have an interview; everything is done online.
Long validity: ETIAS is good for up to three years after it is approved.
You can travel to any of the 29 Schengen countries as many times as you want during that time.
Quick approval: Most applications are looked at and approved in a matter of minutes.
Important Tips for People Traveling to Canada
- Only apply through the official ETIAS website; do not use fake or third-party sites.
- Apply as soon as possible, at least a few weeks before your trip.
- Check your information again. Your ETIAS information must be exactly the same as what’s on your passport.
- Keep an eye on how long you stay. If you stay for more than 90 days in 180 days, you could get a fine or be banned from traveling.
- You should have a copy of your ETIAS approval on your phone and in print.
Questions That Are Often Asked for Canadians Will Need to Obtain This Document
1. Do Canadians need ETIAS right now?
No. For short visits, you can still go to most European countries without ETIAS. The requirement will probably start in 2026.
2. Is ETIAS a visa?
No. ETIAS is not a visa; it’s an electronic travel authorization for people who don’t need one.
3. What is the cost of ETIAS?
The cost to apply for ETIAS is €7 (about CAD $10). When you apply, you’ll pay this online.
4. What is the expiration date of ETIAS?
ETIAS is good for three years or until your passport runs out, whichever comes first.
5. What happens if I go on a trip without ETIAS when I need it?
You might not be able to get on your flight or into the Schengen Area.
6. Do kids need ETIAS?
Yes. All travelers, even kids, need to have an approved ETIAS. Parents or guardians can fill out the application for their kids.
Last Thoughts
ETIAS is a big change in how Europe handles visa-free travel, but the process is easy, safe, and digital. When it’s active, your ETIAS authorization will be just as important for traveling in Europe as your passport.
Plan ahead if you’re going to Paris for work, Italy for a family trip, or Spain to see the sights. To make sure your trip to Europe goes smoothly, safely, and without stress, keep your passport up to date and apply for ETIAS early.
