The truth on travel costs to Europe

Contrary to what has been reported by several media, a visa will not be required to travel in Europe. On the other hand, as of January 2021, Canadians will have to meet an additional requirement and must first obtain an authorization under the European Travel Information System (ETIAS). “). This new system will apply to visitors from 60 visa-free countries, including Canada and, justified by the EU, is being put in place to “strengthen security controls on visa-free visitors to Canada”. EU “. For now, Canadians can continue to travel in the Schengen area – 22 EU countries and 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) – without a visa, as long as the stay does not exceed 90 days. Described as very easy to use, ETIAS will be an “automated computer system” that will provide access to the online application form as mentioned on the EU website. So, “the ETIAS travel authorization is not a visa, because it is part of a visa-free program, and differs from the latter in several ways.” For example, ETIAS will only take a few minutes over the internet while a visa application can take 15 to 30 days of processing. In addition, the traveler will not have to give his passport to a consulate or embassy as is the case for visa applications.

Another factor that should not be overlooked, the ETIAS will cost only 7 euros, unlike a visa that amounts to 60 euros for adults. The ETIAS authorization will be valid for a period of three (3) years and will allow an unlimited number of entries into the Schengen area.

Schengen Area Countries

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Slovenia , Sweden and Switzerland.

From an article published on March 11, 2019 – Radio Canada

If you are planning a trip to Europe, contact our travel agents.