According to a recent update by the European Commission, ETIAS for Canadian citizens will be mandatory for those looking to visit any of the EU countries in the Schengen Area.
This update is set to go into motion by November 2023. As you may already know, Canadians do not need a visa to visit Schengen countries if they want to stay there for 90 days or less. The visa waiver benefits still stand, but they will require ETIAS visa waiver approval before embarking on the trip. If they intend to stay for more than 90 days, they will need to apply for a visa.
The entry requirements for someone with a Canadian passport applying for visas will depend on the particular country they wish to visit, but the details for ETIAS are the same for all Schengen countries. Keep reading to know more about this new development.
What Is ETIAS For Canadian Citizens?
The move towards a secured Europe started on November 16th, 2016, when the European Commission announced that it was working on an integrated security system called the European Travel Information and Authorization System. The system was conceived to improve the security of Schengen countries and those in the process of joining the Schengen zone.
ETIAS will screen the information provided by applicants against independent security databases such as Interpol, EUROCOP, SLS, and others to ensure that whoever is coming into the Zone has a clean record and poses no threat to member states. Aside from that, the system will also track movement and update the personal records of anyone coming into Europe, so the authorities will know where they visit, when, and for how long.
ETIAS is for Canadians seeking a short stay in any Schengen country or a host of countries for not more than 90 days within 180 days. The Commission says that the authorization will be for multiple entries and valid for three years.
Will ETIAS Be A Visa?
ETIAS will not be a visa but more like a travel permit. The visa free benefits Canadians currently enjoy will still be in place. They will not have to visit any European embassy in Canada to apply for it; the application can be done from the comfort of their home using their smartphones or computers. Background information will be required, so all applicants are advised to provide honest and accurate information so their application will be approved.
What ETIAS Hopes To Achieve?
The Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System are designed to achieve the following.
Save Time: Rather than spend hours waiting in lines at the embassy, the system is online-based and can be accessed from any internet-connected device. Approval will be swift and will take minutes.
Border management & Security: The System will enhance border security and management. It will ease the workload of border agents.
Complement EU Policy: The EU'S liberal open border policies will be strengthened once ETIAS comes into force. Schengen countries in Europe will still be able to practice their borderless policies as usual without compromising their internal security.
Prevention Irregular/Illegal Migration: ETIAS will prevent Illegal or irregular migration that places many EU countries at risk.
Safer Countries: Overall, this new system will make EU countries safer by preventing criminals from compromising their national security.
Success Rate of ETIAS For Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens will have no issues getting approval for ETIAS. In fact, the possibility of getting the authorization is about 98%, but there are exceptions where an applicant may be denied.
If the applicant has a criminal background or may pose a threat to the society
Individuals on the terrorist watchlist
Applicants who provide fraudulent information
Those traveling to the Schengen Area from countries with an epidemic or pandemic
Documents For ETIAS
All the applicant needs is a valid Canadian passport that is not older than ten years. The passport must have at least three months' validity from the date they plan to depart the country they've visited.
Applying Online
If you want to apply for ETIAS as a Canadian citizen, you can do so online by using VisaHQ's platform to submit your details.
Visit VisaHQ
Select the Schengen country as your destination
Select Canada as your citizenship
Choose ETIAS
Complete the application form
Pay the application fee with a credit or debit card
Submit for approval
ETIAS approval takes only minutes, but if your information triggers a system alert, your details will be forwarded to the manual unit for further checks. Further checks may take up to two weeks. If your application is rejected, you can appeal the ruling.
ETIAS Fee
The non refundable application fee is €7 but is only charged for applicants between 18-70 years. Those outside this age bracket will not pay the fee for ETIAS for Canadian citizens.