Eligibility of ETIAS 

  • Canada will be amongst the first countries to join the ETIAS travel authorisation program.
  • In 2025, Canadian citizens will be eligible to apply for ETIAS.
  • Canadians can take advantage of the convenience and streamlined process of applying for ETIAS via an online application system.

Other Requirements for ETIAS

  • Canadian citizens are able to submit their application for an ETIAS visa electronically.
  • ETIAS allows travellers to enter Europe through air, sea, or land routes.
  • Many countries require travellers to have an e-passport that is capable of being read by machines in order to gain entry.
  • Non-EU citizens travelling to Europe for business, tourism, transit or medical purposes must obtain an ETIAS visa
  • Applicants within the age range of 18 and 70 must pay the fee for their ETIAS, while those under 18 or over 70 can obtain it at no cost.

Starting in 2025, Canadian citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation to visit European countries for short stays of up to 90 days. This new procedure is designed to enhance security measures as a response to global terrorism threats and applies when travelling for general travel, commerce, medical or transit purposes.

The ETIAS program is a security measure implemented by the European Union in order to strengthen security at external borders, by screening travellers from overseas that intend to enter EU countries. This initiative will help protect citizens, as well as visitors, ensuring their safety and security while travelling around Europe.

The ETIAS system will be integrated into the existing European immigration computer networks, and this means that it may be possible for travellers to complete their application for an ETIAS visa waiver in advance of a planned journey.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been designed to help streamline travel procedures for Canadians entering Europe. It was approved in 2016 and is expected to take four years for the necessary systems to be built. Once completed, ETIAS will link with immigration databases, security data and more to create a seamless new screening tool across participating European countries.

In 2025, Canadians embarking on their journey within Europe by plane, boat or bus must have applied and been approved for an ETIAS visa waiver. This also applies to those only transiting the continent before reaching their intended destination. To simplify this process, the ETIAS system will be connected to existing immigration computer networks, allowing travellers more options when obtaining visas in advance of their trip.

Aside from providing a better screening process, one of the main advantages of ETIAS is that it will help to improve security in Europe by allowing authorities to track who is entering and leaving the continent. This could potentially reduce incidents of terrorism and crime, making the area a safer place for citizens and visitors alike. 

In addition, ETIAS should also make certain paperwork processes more straightforward, such as customs declarations and border crossings. This should help to speed up the movement of people within Europe, which in turn may improve economic opportunities and provide a more efficient travel experience. 

Ultimately, ETIAS is designed to make it easier for Canadians to visit European countries while also protecting the safety and security of citizens both in Europe and elsewhere. Travellers should take note of the ETIAS visa waiver requirements to ensure a smooth journey.  

Canadian citizens should ensure they have all the necessary documents, such as a valid passport and other paperwork, ready before starting their application. Further information can be found by visiting the ETIAS documentation page.

For Canadian travellers to access Europe, they must apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. This document allows Canadians to remain in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days over a 180-day period. The application process is simple, and Canadians can start by visiting https://etias.co.uk/. This website contains all the necessary information regarding the requirements and documents needed when applying for an ETIAS visa waiver.

It is recommended that Canadian citizens apply for their ETIAS visa waiver at least 4 days before entering Europe. This can be easily done by visiting the ETIAS website and reviewing both the requirements page and the ETIAS FAQs. Furthermore, Canadian travellers should make sure to have all the necessary documents ready for their application in order to avoid any delays or a possible refusal of their ETIAS visa waiver. Comprehensive information about the needed documents can be found on the ETIAS documentation page. Once all the requirements have been fulfilled, Canadian citizens will be able to access Europe easily with their ETIAS visa waiver.

The European Union has imposed the requirement of being a full Canadian citizen to apply for ETIAS due in part to security reasons. The intention is that all travellers entering the Schengen Area have been through the full citizenship process and can be identified as people who have had their background, identity and purpose of visit thoroughly vetted by authorities.

From 2025 onwards, it will be necessary to hold full Canadian citizenship in order to apply for an ETIAS. This means that travellers who do not possess a passport or other travel document with this status may require a Schengen visa instead of the ETIAS. 

Canadian travellers can anticipate a speedy response to their ETIAS application, as it is generally approved within minutes. This authorisation will be sent by email as a PDF document, so no physical documents are required. The ETIAS authorisation is electronically linked with the passport details in the European Immigration database for easy retrieval.  This makes the process of crossing borders much smoother and faster for Canadian citizens.  No need to worry about extra paperwork or printing – ETIAS has got you covered! 

The ETIAS program is designed as a security measure, allowing travellers to enter Europe for short stays without requiring a full visa application. The cost of the ETIAS application is €7.00, and is valid for 3 years or until the passport expires.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • ETIAS is valid for a period of three years after being issued.
  • This tool can be employed for several entries over a 90-day period.
  • This tool can be employed for several entries over a 90-day period.
  • The application can be made on a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device.  ​

Application Advice for ETIAS

  • Be sure to apply for your travel documents at least 96 hours (4 days) prior to departure. 
  • If a visa application is not successful, visitors can still apply for a full travel visa.
  • ETIAS does not guarantee entry to Europe as the ultimate decision lies with border security officials of the destination European country.