Canada visa for citizens of France
The Canada visa for citizens of France is now available for French passport holders. The electronic travel authorization visa is easy to apply for and takes less than 72 hours to be approved. If you are interested in visiting Canada anytime soon, kindly read this post to learn more.
Traveling To Canada
Canada has a strong historical connection with France, with the French authorities having administrative offices in parts of the country during colonial times. In parts of the country like Quebec, the french language is the lingua franca, and a significant number of Canadians are multi lingua who speak English and French either as a first or second language.
Furthermore, there is a significant number of French citizens of Frenchmen and women with dual citizenship. Till date, many French citizens who visit North America make Canada their first or second destination of choice.
Traveling to Canada from France is made easy with the introduction of the special electronic travel authorization visa, or ETA, as it is popularly called. It is a valid re entry permit that allows the holder to enter Canada multiple times.
What Is The Electronic Travel Authorization?
Electronic travel authorization or ETA is a travel document issued to foreign nationals who want to visit and stay in Canada for a short time. This document is not a visa per se but functions like one. It was introduced and opened to French citizens in 2016. ETA applications are down online, so applicants don’t have to visit the Canadian embassy in Paris or any of their consular offices to apply directly for a conventional visa.
The electronic travel authorization is valid for 5 years and allows the holder to stay in Canada for up to 180 days per visit and not a day more. Rather than visit the embassy and undergo a lengthy and protracted application and interview process, an applicant can simply complete the application online and attach the relevant documents. Submission is also done online, and the valid visitor visa will be forwarded to the email address they provide within 3 days or less.
Electronic travel authorization or ETA is a travel document issued to foreign nationals who want to visit and stay in Canada for a short time. This document is not a visa per se but functions like one. It was introduced and opened to French citizens in 2016. ETA applications are down online, so applicants don’t have to visit the Canadian embassy in Paris or any of their consular offices to apply directly for a conventional visa.
Special Exceptions For Citizens of St Pierre and Miquelon
There is a special exception for citizens and residents of St Pierre & Miquelon. They don’t need an ETA if they plan to visit Canada by air from the South of Newfoundland off the French archipelago. However, they need an ETA if they plan to return to the island from a country besides Canada. The exception does not cover non Canadian flights.
ETA Validity
ETA is valid for 5 years but with a twist. Your ETA is only as valid for as long as the passport is valid. This means that this travel document expires as soon as your passport expires, even if the Canada eta still has a few more years left. To avoid wasting extra time and resources applying for a new eta soon after, it is best to use a new passport.
Online Application Form Requirements for Canada Visa For Citizens Of France
French passport holders can apply for eta from the comfort of their homes. To expedite the process, consider gathering all the acceptable status documents you need in one place. Here are the requirements.
Biometric Passport
You need a valid passport. A biometric passport is a passport that is machine-readable. The passport must have at least 6 months left before it expires, and the date is counted starting from the day you intend to make the trip to Canada. Canda eta is a machine readable immigrant visa for short stays.
Email Address
The applicant must provide a valid email address. The authorities will send the eta to this address once approved, so ensure it is an email you can access.
Debit or Credit Card
A debit or credit card is required to pay the application fee. Endeavor to fund the card with sufficient balance to cover the application fee and transaction cost.
Note: Take your time to check for spelling mistake information before you submit the form.
Things To Take Note Of
Only For Air Travel
It is important to know that electronic travel authorization is only meant for air travel. French citizens traveling to Canada by sea or land should not apply for eta.
Biometric Passport
Only biometric passports are accepted for this online visa. ETAs are linked to the holder’s passport and read by electronic machines at the airport. Apply for a new French passport if your current one is not biometric.
Purpose
This passport is only for tourism, medical care, business, or a transit visa. For a visa for a longer stay, visit the Canadian embassy to apply for a normal visa
Do you want to apply for a Canada visa for citizens of France? Visit VisaHQ to complete the application form online.