ETIAS for Canadian Citizens - Your Complete Guide for 2026
Canadians currently visit Europe visa-free. That is not changing, but starting late 2026, you will need to apply for ETIAS before you travel. If you have used Canada's eTA system, this will feel familiar.
Get Notified When ETIAS Opens
Join 12,000+ travellers. We will email you the moment Canadian citizens can apply.
What It Means for You
What ETIAS means for Canadian travellers
Canada was one of the first countries to introduce an electronic travel authorisation system (the eTA) in 2016. Now the EU is doing the same. If you hold a Canadian passport, you are among the millions of Canadians who visit Europe each year. ETIAS will add a quick pre-travel registration step, but your visa-free access stays the same.
Not a Visa
ETIAS does not replace your visa-free access to Europe. Your Canadian passport still qualifies for visa-free short stays. ETIAS is a pre-registration that screens travellers before they arrive.
Linked to Your Passport
Once approved, your ETIAS is digitally linked to your Canadian passport. No stickers, no stamps, no paper documents. Just travel with the same passport you used to apply.
Three Years, Unlimited Trips
One ETIAS covers unlimited trips to any of the 30 Schengen countries for three years, or until your passport expires. No need to reapply for each trip.
Minutes to Apply
The application is entirely online. Enter your details, answer a short set of background questions, and most approvals come through within minutes.
Canadian-Specific Details
What Canadian passport holders need to know
You already know how this works
Canada's eTA has required visitors from visa-exempt countries to pre-register since 2016. ETIAS is the EU's equivalent. The process is almost identical: fill in a form online, pay a small fee, and receive approval electronically linked to your passport.
Dual citizens with an EU passport
If you hold both a Canadian passport and an EU member state passport (common among Canadians with Italian, Portuguese, Polish, or other European heritage), you do not need ETIAS. Enter Europe using your EU passport instead.
NEXUS and trusted traveller programmes
ETIAS is separate from NEXUS, Global Entry, or any other trusted traveller programme. Having NEXUS does not affect your ETIAS application. You will need to apply for ETIAS independently through the EU's official portal.
Applying from Canada
You can apply for ETIAS from anywhere. There is no requirement to apply from Canadian soil. The application is entirely online and does not require a visit to any embassy, consulate, or visa application centre.
Payment
The fee is paid online with any major credit or debit card. Your bank may apply a small foreign transaction fee depending on your card issuer.
Comparison
ETIAS vs Canada eTA - how they compare
Canadians are already familiar with the eTA system that visitors use to enter Canada. Here is how the EU's ETIAS compares to the system you already know.
| Feature | EU ETIAS | Canada eTA |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | Small one-time fee | CAD $7 |
| Validity | 3 years | 5 years |
| Max stay | 90 days / 180-day period | 6 months per visit |
| Countries covered | 30 Schengen countries | Canada only |
| Application time | ~5 minutes online | ~5 minutes online |
| Approval speed | Usually minutes, up to 30 days | Usually minutes |
| Biometrics required | No | No |
| Linked to passport | Yes | Yes |
Step by Step
How Canadian citizens apply for ETIAS
The process is entirely online. No embassy visit, no interview, no biometrics.
Confirm you need ETIAS
As a Canadian passport holder who currently visits Europe visa-free, you will need ETIAS once it launches. If you also hold an EU passport, you do not need one.
Complete the online form
Enter your personal details, passport information, employment history, and answer a short set of security and health questions. The form takes around 5 minutes.
Pay the application fee
A small fee is paid online by debit or credit card at the time of application. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Fee waivers apply for certain age groups.
Receive your approval
Most applications are approved within minutes. You will receive an email confirmation. Your ETIAS is digitally linked to your passport. No printing needed.
Travel to Europe
Present your passport at the border. Your ETIAS is checked automatically. It covers unlimited trips for three years across all 30 Schengen countries.
Questions from Canadian Travellers
ETIAS FAQ for Canadian citizens
The most common questions Canadian travellers are asking about ETIAS.
Other Guides
ETIAS guides for other nationalities
Don't get caught out when ETIAS launches
Join 12,000+ travellers on our early access list. We'll add you to our ETIAS PORTAL mailing list.