Posted At: Aug 15, 2023 - 266 Views
As of January 2021, Canadians travelling to Europe will need to obtain a permit for certain countries in the Schengen Area. This is a direct result of the European Union’s recently-implemented ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). The ETIAS permit is an online travel authorization that will go into effect in late 2022 or early 2023, and will be required for Canadians and visa waiver-eligible citizens of other countries to enter Europe.
ETIAS is intended to help the EU protect the security of its borders by enabling it to better track who is entering and leaving the Schengen Area, and more easily identify people who may pose a security threat. It will also modernize and streamline the visa process, making it easier and faster for Canadians to travel to Europe.
When applying for an ETIAS permit, Canadians will need to provide personal information, such as their name, address, and date of birth. They will also need to answer a series of security questions and provide a valid passport. The application can be done online and is expected to take no more than 10 minutes, and the permit will be valid for three years.
Although ETIAS will require an extra step for Canadians travelling to Europe, it should make the visa process simpler and more efficient. It will help the EU protect its borders and keep its citizens safe, while allowing Canadians to travel to Europe with greater ease.
