ETIAS: Everything you need to know about the electronic travel authorization to visit the European Union

From 2025, visa-exempt travelers visiting the European Union (EU) will need to obtain an electronic travel authorization before departure. The new system, called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will enhance border security.

If you’re a Canadian citizen planning a European getaway in the summer of 2025, here’s everything you need to know about ETIAS: how to get it, how much it costs, how long it’s valid and more.

ETIAS is a new entry requirement for nationals of visa-exempt countries wishing to travel to the EU’s Schengen area. This is an electronic travel authorization that can be applied for online before departure for Europe. For low-risk travellers, the application is processed in just a few minutes.

There are many similarities with ESTA, the US electronic travel authorization system, and eTA in Canada.

ETIAS was set up for several reasons. Firstly, it aims to reinforce security by enabling European authorities to better check travelers’ backgrounds. This will make Europe even safer for visitors.

What’s more, this system simplifies the entry process, avoiding long queues at border checkpoints. It complements visa waiver policies for citizens of 61 countries (including Canada). Finally, ETIAS enables the control of immigration and limit irregular migration.

The ETIAS is not a visa, but an electronic travel authorization. This system is designed to reinforce security at the European Union‘s borders and centralize the control of travel documents.

Canadians visiting the Schengen area for tourism, business or transit do not need a visa if their stay is less than 90 days. If your trip requires a visa (for study or work, for example), you’ll still need to obtain one. The ETIAS does not replace a visa for the Schengen area.

Although procedures to introduce ETIAS began in 2016, there is no official launch date yet. The website simply states that the program should be in place by 2025. We’ll keep you informed of developments.

Obtaining an ETIAS travel authorization is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

ETIAS costs €7 for adults. It is free for people under 18 and over 70. Family members of European citizens are exempt from the fee.

Several payment options will be available, including credit card payment.

Most requests will be processed within minutes, with a maximum turnaround time of 96 hours. You will receive your ETIAS at the e-mail address provided.

However, in some cases, applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documents, or even be invited to an interview with the national authorities, which could extend the processing time by up to 30 days.

It is advisable to obtain ETIAS even before you buy your plane tickets to Europe.

The ETIAS will be valid for three years from the date of issue, unless your passport expires earlier. In this case, the ETIAS will expire on the same date as the passport. You can therefore use the same ETIAS for other stays in Europe during the validity period.

ETIAS is applicable toSchengen countries plus a few other European countries. You can use a single authorization to travel to any country within its period of validity. A total of 33 countries will require ETIAS when it will be introduced:

ETIAS is an important measure introduced by the European Union to strengthen border security while making travel easier for visitors. It takes just a few minutes to apply online, costs €7 and is valid for 3 years. Make sure you apply in advance to avoid any last-minute inconveniences and make the most of your trip to Europe.