Canadians with plans to travel to Europe next year may need to make extra preparations and get a new travel permit.
As of 2024, Canadians passport holders must apply to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) if they plan to visit any of the 30 countries across the continent’s Schengen Area for a short-term stay. This includes countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, among others.
Travellers can apply for the permit through the official ETIAS website or mobile app. It will cost seven euros which equals to about $10.25 CAD.
Currently, Canadian citizens can enter Europe without a travel permit or visa and only a valid passport is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visits that exceed this period require a visa.
The new permit is valid for three years or until the passport used in the application expires. The permit allows short-term stays for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
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Those exempt from the payment include travellers under 18 and older than 70, family members of European Union (EU) citizens and non-EU nationals who can move freely through the EU.
The EU’s website says the application form will ask travellers to provide personal information, inquire about past travel and have them state their current travel plans for Europe.
The EU encourages travellers to apply for the permit well in advance before buying a plane ticket or booking hotel accommodations.
The application process is expected to be fast, however there is a possibility that it can take at least four days.
“Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview,” EU’s official website read.
In addition to Canada, these new measures will affect 59 other countries, includingthe United States, United Kingdom, and Japan.
