If you’re steadily saving for that big, dream trip to Europe, keep in mind that in the coming years, you’ll be required to pay a fee to enter nations in the Schengen Zone. Possibly by Spring 2025, travellers from Canada, the United States and 57 other visa exempt nations must register on the European Travel and Information Authorization system and pay a €7 fee before visiting the European Union, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. ETIAS was previously scheduled for a November 2023 roll out.
The wait is due to delays in building a new IT structure in Europe, the Entry/Exit System, which will replace stamping passports manually, according to the European Commission. EU member states are also behind in adapting the equipment necessary to use EES at their borders. ETIAS is a security measure for border management and preventing cross border crime and terrorism.
Fortunately, the ETIAS process isn’t expected to require as much time as obtaining a visa – it takes about 20 minutes to complete – and it isn’t as expensive. Most travellers should receive ETIAS approval within minutes of registration and confirmation will be emailed.
There’s a small chance that approval could take up to 30 days. If denied approval, applicants may submit an appeal, a memo issued by the EU says. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of your planned arrival in Europe before logging onto ETIAS.
There are a couple important details to keep in mind before logging onto ETIAS:
- Currently, Canadians and third-party nationals can’t stay in the EU for more than 90 days within every 180-day period: The rule will still apply under ETIAS. But the authorization is valid for an unlimited number of entries over three years. ETIAS approval alone won’t permit you to be employed or work in the Schengen Zone.
- Travellers from Canada who wish to stay in the Schengen Area for longer than 90 consecutive days, or to travel for purposes other than those permitted with ETIAS, such as to work or study, are required to apply for a visa from the embassy or consulate of the country they plan to visit. Be sure to inquire with the embassy or consulate about the documents required for your visa application.
Here's what you need to complete an ETIAS application:
- Name and surname
- Nationality
- Date, place, and country of birth
- Current address
- Contact phone number
- Email address
- Passport number
- Passport issue/expiry date
Some people are exempt from the ETIAS fee but must still register with ETIAS.
If you have a Canadian passport but are under 18 years of age or over 70 years of age, you won’t have to pay a fee. Also exempt are family members of EU citizens and family members of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union.
Speaking of Spring 2025, if you need the next two years to save for your European bucket list trip — consider visiting Paris in the Spring!
Did you know that France is the number one European destination for Canadians? Spring is arguably the most enjoyable time to visit Paris, after the chill of winter and before summer brings the crowds. Some of the great places to see in the spring are Paris’ beautifully landscaped gardens and flowering trees. Be sure to take a stroll through the Trocadero Gardens, the Parc du Champ-de-Mars by the Eiffel Tower and Square Jean XXIII by Notre Dame Cathedral. Happy travels!