Canadians visiting Europe will soon need a permit — not a visa. What to know
Global News
Starting in 2024, Canadian passport holders will be required to apply online and pay a fee if they plan to stay short term in 30 European countries.
Canadians planning to visit Europe next year will have to pay for a travel authorization — not a visa — as the European Union looks to strengthen its border security measures.
Starting in 2024, Canadian passport holders will be required to apply online for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) if they plan to stay in any of these 30 EU countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Currently, Canadian citizens can enter Europe without any travel permit or visa and stay for at least three months.
However, if their stay exceeds 90 days, a visa is required.
From next year, Canadian travellers will have to fill out a form with their personal information, travel document details, level of education and current occupation, details about the intended stay, as well as any criminal convictions.
The fee to apply for ETIAS is $10.
Children under the age of 18 and seniors above 70 are exempt from paying the fee. Family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals who can freely move throughout the European Union are also exempt from incurring this cost.
While most applicants will be able to get the permit fairly quickly, it might take longer for others.