Planning a Europe trip for 2025? There’s a new travel fee for Canadians

Attention, globe trotters! If you’re already starting to plan your Europe trip for 2025 some new travel fees are coming that you should make note of. Whether you’re taking a solo trip, a getaway with friends or a romantic escape, several countries will soon introduce a European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS) and here’s what Canadians need to know.

What is ETIAS?

The European Union breaks it down.

According to their website, “Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorization to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.”

The point of ETIAS is to reduce procedures and wait times, as well as address security concerns.

The program is meant to ensure that those who live in Canada (and several other countries) have been given further clearance before entering one of the following countries:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Applying for ETIAS

When the time comes, you can fill out the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application.

Applying will cost 7 Euros (10.47 CAD). According to the official site, most applications are processed within minutes but if yours does take longer you will receive a decision within four days.

You will receive an email confirming the submission of your application which will include your personal ETIAS application number. Make sure you keep the number for future reference!

When you get your ETIAS travel authorization double-check check all the information on it is correct, otherwise, you may be denied at the border.

If your application is refused, you will get an email that will provide the reasons for the decision and any information on how to appeal the decision.

Your travel authorization “is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires – whichever comes first.”

This application process should take no more than 10 minutes so make sure you have a valid passport on hand and all the personal information of whoever is travelling (applicants must be over the age of 18).

Have more questions? Head to the official ETIAS information hub here.

Keep an eye out for the ETIAS start date, Canadians!

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