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Do Canadians need a visa for France?

What Canadians need to enter France: visa, ETIAS and Schengen rules.

Allowed, with conditions

Yes, Canadians need ETIAS from late 2026

Canadians can visit France visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From late 2026 an ETIAS travel authorization is required before boarding any Schengen-bound flight.

Cost €20
Validity 3 years or until passport expires
Apply for ETIAS

From Canada to France

Flying from Ottawa to France, here's what to expect:

Direct flight time
7h 30m
Distance
5,632 km
Currency
1 EUR ≈ 2 CAD

Flight times vary by airline and routing. Most travelers connect via a regional hub airport.

Entering France: what you need to know

France applies the common Schengen 90/180 rule: you can stay in France (and across the entire Schengen Area combined) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period as a tourist. Days spent in any Schengen country, including France's overseas integrated regions in Europe, all share the same quota.

French border control at Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice and other airports stamps passports on entry and exit. Once EES is fully operational, biometric entry/exit will be automatic. Carry proof of return tickets, accommodation bookings and the Schengen-required travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage).

Tips for Canadians traveling to Schengen

Canadian passport holders travel visa-free to the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days per 180-day period). From late 2026, ETIAS authorization (€20, 3-year validity, applied online) is required before any Schengen-bound flight.

Practical notes for Canadians traveling to Schengen:

  • Direct flights are plentiful: Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Halifax (YHZ) connect to most Schengen capitals. Air Canada, KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, Iberia, ITA Airways, LOT, Swiss and Austrian all operate the corridor. Seasonal direct service is common
  • Proof of funds at entry — €100/day indicative. Canadian credit cards (RBC, TD, Scotia, BMO, CIBC) work universally. Notify your bank of international travel; many cards now feature no FX fees (Scotiabank Passport, HSBC Premier)
  • Travel insurance with €30,000 medical coverage is Schengen-mandated. Manulife, Allianz Canada, Blue Cross, Sun Life all offer Schengen-compliant policies. Don't rely on provincial health (OHIP, RAMQ) — coverage abroad is minimal
  • Working Holiday Visa (IEC) — Canada has IEC agreements with 14 Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia) allowing 12-24 month work-travel for 18-35 year olds
  • Dual citizenship — Italian, Irish (via UK route), Polish, Ukrainian, Portuguese and German ancestry routes are widely used among Canadians for EU citizenship

Top Schengen destinations are France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Netherlands. Long-stay options include the French Talent Passport, Italian Digital Nomad, Portuguese D7 and Spanish DNV.

Passport rule: Canadian passports must be valid at least 3 months beyond your intended Schengen departure date. The Canadian biometric ePassport (10-year validity for adults) is universally accepted. Renew via Service Canada — 4–6 weeks regular, expedited options available at Passport Canada offices.

Must-see cities in France

Explore all of France
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Essentials for your trip to France

The basics Canadians should sort before travelling to France.

  • Travel insurance

    Medical and trip cover for Europe, compared. The €30,000 minimum applies to visa applicants.

    Compare cover

  • Mobile data eSIM

    Stay connected in France and across Europe, no roaming bills.

    Check plans
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    Travel VPN

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  • 90/180 day tracker

    Plan your stay within the Schengen 90 days in 180 limit.

    Open calculator

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Frequently asked questions about visiting France

How long can Canadians stay in France?

Up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area, whether you travel visa-free or on a short-stay Schengen visa.

What is ETIAS, and will Canadians need it?

ETIAS is a €20 online travel authorization for visa-free visitors to the Schengen Area, expected from Q4 2026. It is not a visa. Visa-required nationalities apply for a Schengen visa instead. Check the answer box above to see which applies to Canadians.

How long does a Schengen visa take to process?

Most short-stay Schengen visa decisions take around 15-45 days. You can apply up to six months before travel, so apply early in peak season.

Can Canadians stay longer than 90 days in France?

Not as a tourist. Beyond 90 days you need a national long-stay visa or residence permit. If you work remotely, France may offer a Digital Nomad Visa worth checking.

Plan the rest of your France trip

Explore France

Top cities, must-see attractions and things to do across the country.

Schengen 90/180 calculator

Work out exactly how many days you can stay across the Schengen Area.

ETIAS travel authorisation

What it costs, who needs it and when the new EU system starts.

Travel insurance for Europe

Medical, cancellation and baggage cover compared before you book.

90 / 180 rule

180-day rolling window

Or stay longer

12 European countries offer a Digital Nomad Visa

Each one unlocks 12 to 60 months of legal stay — without touching your Schengen 90/180 days.

Compare all 12 DNVs

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