ETIAS Check

ETIAS for Canadian Citizens: Complete Guide for Canadians Traveling to Europe

Starting in 2024, Canadian citizens will need ETIAS authorization to visit the Schengen Area. This new requirement mirrors Canada's own eTA system that Europeans must use to fly to Canada. While this represents a change for Canadian travelers who have enjoyed visa-free access to Europe for decades, the ETIAS process is designed to be straightforward, affordable, and quick.

Quick Facts for Canadians:

Why Do Canadians Need ETIAS?

The ETIAS requirement for Canadians is part of a reciprocal arrangement between Europe and Canada. Just as Europeans need Canada's eTA to fly to Canada, Canadians will need ETIAS to visit Europe. This creates balanced security measures while maintaining visa-free travel for legitimate visitors.

ETIAS vs Canada eTA: The Comparison

Canadian travelers will find ETIAS very familiar if they've helped European friends apply for eTA to visit Canada:

ETIAS is actually slightly more expensive but the application process is nearly identical to what Canadians already know from eTA.

How Canadians Apply for ETIAS

The application process is entirely online and takes 10-20 minutes:

What You Need:

Application Steps:

  1. Visit official ETIAS website
  2. Enter personal information matching your passport
  3. Provide Canadian passport details
  4. Answer security questions
  5. Pay €7 fee
  6. Receive authorization via email (typically within minutes)

For detailed instructions, see our complete application guide.

Dual Canadian Citizens

Many Canadians hold dual citizenship. Here's how ETIAS works:

Common Questions from Canadians

Do I need ETIAS for connecting flights through Europe?

Yes, even for airport transit without leaving the terminal. This applies whether you're connecting to another European city or flying to a destination outside Europe.

How long can I stay in Europe?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Multiple visits count toward this total. The 180-day window is rolling, not a fixed 6-month period.

Can I work in Europe with ETIAS?

No, ETIAS is only for tourism, business meetings, conferences, and similar short-term activities. Employment requires a work visa from the specific country.

What if I have a criminal record?

Minor past offenses may not affect your application. Serious crimes (especially violent offenses, DUI, or drug-related convictions) may result in denial. Always answer honestly—the system checks international databases.

ETIAS for Canadian Children and Families

Children need their own ETIAS:

Tips for Canadian Travelers

Apply in Advance

While most applications are approved quickly, apply at least a week before your trip. Since ETIAS is valid for 3 years, you can apply months ahead.

Check Your Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Europe. Consider timing passport renewals to maximize ETIAS validity.

Save Your Confirmation

ETIAS is stored electronically, but save the approval email on your phone for reference.

Understanding the 90/180 Rule

Important for frequent travelers to Europe:

Example: If you spend 30 days in Europe in January, you can spend 60 more days over the next 5 months. After those 90 days total, you must wait until enough time has passed that your rolling 180-day window has fewer than 90 days in Europe.

Cost Analysis for Canadians

ETIAS offers excellent value:

For Canadians who travel to Europe regularly, ETIAS is very affordable compared to traditional visa costs.

Quebec Residents and French Citizens

Some Quebecers hold French citizenship due to ancestry. If you have French (or any EU) citizenship:

Additional Resources