Does Entering Canada Require A Visa For A French National?

French citizens are not required to apply for a visa for Canada for short stays (tourism) but must obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA or eVisa) before entering the country. The following travelers need an eTA to board their flight to Canada: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, and others.

For those entering by land or sea, such as driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, they do not need an eTA. However, when a sponsor receives the AOR for their permanent residence application, they can apply for a visitor visa. If eligible, their visitor visa application will automatically be processed.

Canada’s visa-free travel policy allows French citizens to stay in Canada for up to six months without a visa. This means that French passport holders can simply apply for a visa or eTA. However, any foreign citizen wishing to enter Canada must obtain a temporary resident visa from one of the Canadian diplomatic missions unless they hold a passport issued by one of the 53 Canadian diplomatic missions.

A Tourist Visa, also known as a Visitor Visa, allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a temporary stay, typically up to six months. It is a document placed in your passport and is a requirement for non-permanent or temporary residents of Canada. However, citizens of France do not have to obtain a Canada visa before traveling to Canada for tourism purposes.

Visa-exempt visitors entering Canada must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is an entry ticket for every French citizen traveling via air. There is no need to have a visa; they exclude US citizens, Green Card holders, and permanent citizens.

As of July 2024, French citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 192 countries and territories, ranking the French passport second in terms of travel.

Can EU citizens travel to Canada without visa?

EU nationals are visa-exempt for up to six months in Canada, but must complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before boarding their flights. The eTA is valid for five years or until the passport expires, and costs CAD$7. EU nationals do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea, including driving from the US to Canada or going to Canada on a cruise ship. Citizens from countries like Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, British citizens, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR passport holders, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico*, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania (must have an electronic passport), Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and Vatican City.

Which country can go Canada without visa?

Canada has added 13 more countries to its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program, allowing eligible travelers from these countries to apply for visa-free travel to Canada. The 13 countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, announced the addition of these countries to the eTA program, allowing travelers who have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa when travelling to Canada by air. This move aims to improve immigration programs and services, making them more efficient and equitable for people worldwide.

Can a French citizen live in Canada?

French citizens can move to Canada through work permits, permanent residency, and study permits. To move, they must assess eligibility, gather necessary documents, understand the application process, and submit a successful application. Wild Mountain Immigration, a Canadian immigration consulting firm founded by English immigrants, offers a comprehensive overview of these pathways, ensuring an informed decision for French citizens looking to make Canada their home.

What do Europeans need to enter Canada?

When traveling to Canada, ensure you have a letter of introduction, a valid passport or travel document, and a visa-required visa sticker. If you need an eTA and are flying to a Canadian airport, use the passport linked to your eTA. Canadian citizens, American-Canadians, Canadian permanent residents, and U. S. citizens must all have valid identification, including a valid passport, to enter Canada.

Which country can go to Canada without a visa?

Canada has added 13 more countries to its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program, allowing eligible travelers from these countries to apply for visa-free travel to Canada. The 13 countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, announced the addition of these countries to the eTA program, allowing travelers who have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa when travelling to Canada by air. This move aims to improve immigration programs and services, making them more efficient and equitable for people worldwide.

Does a French citizen need a visa for the UK?

EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens can visit the UK without a visa under the UK’s new points-based immigration system. They can stay for up to 6 months without a visa. Irish citizens can also enter and live in the UK. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can travel for holidays or short trips without a visa. Irish citizens can continue to enter and live in the UK. In other cases, a visa may be required. A valid passport is required to cross the UK border.

How long can I stay in Canada with a French passport?

French citizens can stay on a Canada Visa online for up to six months, with their departure date within six months of arrival. They must obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authority (Canada eTA) for a short duration of one day to six months. If they plan to stay longer, they should apply for a relevant Visa. The Canada eTA is valid for five years and can be extended up to six months or until authorized by a CBSA officer.

To extend their stay, they must apply for a Visitor Record, which includes a new expiry date before leaving Canada, extending the time limit of existing Visas or Canada eTAs. In exceptional circumstances, Canadian authorities will contact the applicant before a final decision on the eTA application.

Do French nationals need a visa for the USA?

France participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows the majority of its citizens to travel to the United States without a visa. For further details, please refer to the ESTA website, which is managed by the Department of Homeland Security.

Can French citizens travel to Canada without a visa?

French citizens need a travel authorization to visit Canada for business or tourism. Visa-exempt visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is linked to a passport and valid for up to five years. If a new passport is received, a new eTA must be applied for. A valid eTA is required to board a flight, and expired or incorrect eTAs will prevent boarding. Permanent residents of Canada or the United States do not need an eTA.

Most applications are approved within 15 minutes, but governments do not guarantee processing times. Upon approval, travelers will receive their Canadian eTA and will be contacted promptly if there are any issues.

Do I need a visa to go to Canada?

U. S. citizens do not need visas for tourist visits to Canada for less than 180 days, while other types require visas. For information, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If you have a criminal record, the IRCC website can help determine if you are inadmissible. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials determine entry based on Canadian law. Both U. S. and Canadian governments encourage frequent travelers to join the NEXUS trusted traveler program.