The Canada eTA for French passport holders, also known as the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization, is a digital visa waiver. It allows citizens of France to enter Canada visa-free through a simplified online application process.
Introduced in 2015, citizens of more than 50 visa-exempt countries are eligible to apply for the Canada eTA, including those from France.
The eTA for Canada can be obtained by French travelers by completing a simple and straightforward online application form. The system is user-friendly and the form usually takes no more than 15 minutes to complete.
French nationals are allowed to use their Canadian eTA for tourism, business, visiting family, or transiting onward through Canada. If travelers wish to obtain employment or move permanently to Canada, they must contact their local embassy and apply for a different type of visa.
Benefits of the Canada eTA from France
The Canada eTA has many benefits. The first is that French citizens can stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months at a time with their Canadian eTA.
The Canada Visa for French Citizens is valid for 5 years, or until the traveler’s passport expires (whichever occurs first).
The Canada travel authorization is a multiple-entry visa waiver and allows French travelers to enter and exit Canada as many times as they wish during the validity period.
The entire process is done online, and applicants from France are not required to visit their nearest Canadian embassy, collect piles of paperwork, find a sponsor, or have an in-person interview, as is the case with a visa.
Canada eTA Requirements for French Citizens
The process of obtaining a Canada eTA for French passport holders is very easy. Travelers will only need three simple items, which are noted below:
- A valid and up-to-date French passport
- A means of payment for the application fee, such as a credit or debit card
- A current email address to which the approved Canada eTA will be sent
All 3 of these items are needed to complete the online Canada eTA application form. French travelers should ensure that they have them to hand before starting.
How to Apply for a Canada Visa Waiver from France
In order to obtain a Canada eTA for French citizens, travelers will need to start by filling out the online application form.
This form can be accessed through any device with an internet connection, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, and should take most applicants around 15 minutes to complete.
French applicants must submit basic information about themselves, as well as their passport details and contact information. Here is a sample of what information is required on the Canada eTA application form:
- The applicant’s full name
- Date of birth
- Country and city of birth
- Gender
- Contact details (including residential address and email)
- Passport identification number
- Issue and expiration date of the passport
- Nationality
- Employer information (company, position, title)
French citizens applying for the Canadian eTA must also answer a few questions about their previous travels to Canada (if applicable), their upcoming visit to Canada, criminal record (if any), and health history.
Applicants are advised to go through their application and double-check all of the answers to make sure that everything is correct. Typos, errors, or incorrect information can cause delays or even a rejection of the eTA application, and the French national will need to re-apply.
After the form is complete, travelers will be asked to pay the Canada eTA application fee. Applicants can do so by paying with a valid debit or credit card.
What Is the Processing Time for a Canada eTA for French Citizens?
French applicants can expect to receive their Canadian eTA approval email within 24 hours. Many cases are approved even sooner, some almost instantly. In rare cases, it may take a little longer (in case of delays or further inspections).
Due to this, it is strongly advised that all French travelers apply for their Canada Visa for German Citizens at least one week before their scheduled trip in order to avoid delays and stress.
The eTA for Canada is electronically linked to the traveler’s French passport that was used in the original application. This means that the passport should be presented at Canadian border control and the eTA will be read by the system. It is recommended that travelers print a copy of their eTA in case of the unlikely event of an error in the electronic system.
It is important to note that if the applicant’s French passport is lost, stolen, damaged, or expires before the trip, he or she must reapply for the Canadian eTA with their new passport.
Do French Citizens Need a Visa for Canada?
No, citizens of France do not require a visa to visit Canada. Instead, they must register online with the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization system.
With an approved eTA, they may enter Canada and stay for up to 60 days.
Trips for the following purposes are permitted visa-free with an eTA for French citizens:
- Tourism
- Leisure
- Visiting family
- Business
French passengers can also use an eTA to transit through Canada en route to a third country.
The eTA is quick and easy to obtain by applying online. This avoids having to go all the way to an embassy or consulate to apply for a visa. It is considered the most convenient way of obtaining authorization to enter Canada.
If the trip to Canada does not meet the criteria, the French traveler may need a type of Canadian visa. For example, visas are required to live and/or work in the country.
Do EU citizens need an eTA for Canada (including citizens of France)?
Yes, all European Union citizens must apply for a Canada eTA to visit the country, including French nationals.
The entire EU enjoys visa exemption for Canada and travelers from any country in the bloc (such as France) must register online before a trip.
Do French citizens need a visa to work in Canada?
Yes, French citizens must apply for a Canada visa at a diplomatic mission. They might also need to obtain a work permit. For more information, consult the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.