Canada eTA/Evisa requirements for French citizens in 2025

Canada has a reputation for having breathtaking natural beauty. It's easy to understand why, with Whistler's towering peaks, Niagara Falls' awe-inspiring drama, and the beautiful mystery of the Aurora Borealis.

The 'Great White North' is a hotspot for adventure travelers, with world-class snow sports, stunning national parks, tranquil hiking routes, and even city beaches. So, whether you're seeking for adrenaline-pumping activities or simply a beautiful vacation back to nature, Canada has it all.

French citizens do not need a Canadian visa to visit the country for tourism purposes, based on the country's visa policy. However, if you travel by air to Canada, you must apply for a Canada eTA in advance. To enter Canada legally, an eTA is required, and Canada Immigration Services can help you get one in as little as half an hour. This article will detail the Canadian eTA requirements for French citizens, the overall cost, and how to apply for a Canada visa from France. Let's read!

Canada eTA for French citizens

1. Do French citizens need a visa for Canada 

No, French nationals do not need a visa to visit Canada. Instead, individuals must enroll in the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization system online.

They can enter Canada and remain for up to 6 months with a valid eTA.

Trips to the following countries are visa-free with an eTA for French citizens:

• Tourism
• Leisure
• Visiting family
• Business

Passengers from France can also use an eTA to transit through Canada on their way to another country.

The eTA is quick and simple to get by applying online. This saves you the trouble of traveling to an embassy or consulate to apply for a visa. It is regarded as the most convenient method of acquiring entry authorization into Canada.

If the French traveler's journey to Canada does not match the conditions, he or she may require a Canadian visa. Visas, for example, are necessary to reside and/or work in the nation.

2. What is a Canada ETA for French citizens?

French citizens no longer need a traditional visa for short-term stays in Canada. Instead, they can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)—a fast and convenient entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers.

Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital entry permit linked to your passport. This permit allows you to fly to Canada without a visa and expires for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

You can enter Canada multiple times within the validity period, for up to six months each time you stay.

Do children need an ETA?

Yes. All passengers, regardless of age, must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to board flights to Canada. A parent or guardian can apply on behalf of their child.

Do I need to apply every time I travel?

No. Your ETA is valid for five years or until your passport expires. You can visit Canada multiple times during this period, as long as each visit lasts no longer than six months.

2. Check Canada ETA requirements for French citizens

In the process of applying for an Electronic Canadian travel authorization (eTA), French citizens are required to provide some important documents to ensure travel permits are issued.

The eTA Canada entry requirements for French citizens include:

• Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Canada.
• Email address: Your ETA Canada will be e-mailed to the email you provided.
• Recent color image: Request passport-size image, white background. The photo must be clear and the entire face of the applicant should be taken.
• Proof of travel: French citizens must provide a certified copy of their flight itinerary or flight tickets.
• Accommodation details: Evidence of accommodation arrangements in India, such as hotel reservations or invitations from landlords, should be provided.
• Method of payment (credit or debit card)

The French passport used in the online eTA application must be presented at Canadian border control on arrival.

If a registered passport is lost, damaged, stolen, or expires before travel, French citizens must reapply for a Canadian eTA and register a new passport. This is because the eTA is electronically linked to the specific passport used for the application.

Canada eTA requirements for French citizens

3. How to apply for a Canada ETA from France

Receiving a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is now a simple process, as the Canada visa application form can be completed in a few minutes. In comparison to the previous system of obtaining visas, we can now offer a brand new online application system that allows travelers to plan their trips as soon as possible.

Spend 15 minutes with Canada Immigration Services completing the following steps to receive a Canada eTA for French citizens:

• Step 1: You are required to complete the application form by entering all relevant personal data, such as your full name, nationality, and date of birth, as well as passport data. Check that all of the information you provided is correct before proceeding to the next step to avoid unnecessary delays in processing and approval.
• Step 2: Before proceeding to the stage where you make the payment, you must examine all of the data that was provided in the prior phase in Step 1. If there are any errors or informational gaps, your eTA application may be delayed. After that, in order for your application to be completed, you will need to pay the eTA fee.
• Step 3: A confirmation email stating that your eTA application has been received will now arrive in the mail. Your eTA application will be examined and approved online, after which it will be mailed to you.
• Step 4: Once approved, your eTA is electronically linked to your passport. Although printing is not mandatory, it is recommended to keep a copy of the confirmation email with you in case the airline requests it during check-in. No stamp or physical document is required upon arrival in Canada.

At Canada Immigration Services, the processing time for an eTA is limited to 72 hours. However, applications can be processed and approved in as little as 5 hours. Customers from France receive electronic visa application approval within 5 hours to 3 business days.

Please note: The Canadian government has sole authority over the approval of eTA applications. Travelers must ensure their passport is valid for the duration of their stay in Canada.

Canada ETA fees for French citizens

4. Canada eTA/ Evisa fees for French citizens

When applying for a Canada eTA for French citizens, you need to pay two kinds of Canada ETA fees including a Canada ETA service fee and a Government fee.

The processing period you choose for your eTA application will influence the amount of service fee you need to pay. When you compare prices, you can choose the most appropriate option while staying within your budget.

• Normal: You should choose the Normal processing option if you need a decision on your eTA within three business days. Your eTA can be approved earlier than you anticipate.
• Urgent: If you select urgent delivery for your service, your eTA for Canada should arrive in 24 business hours.
• Super urgent: This is our best pick to save you time. Canada eTa can be obtained in as little as 05 hours

The fees related to an eTA can be paid in a number of different methods, including using a debit or credit card, American Express, PayPal, or Wire Transfer to the Bank of Cyprus.

It is important for French tourists to buy Canadian health travel insurance prior to their trip. In addition to your eTA application, you must also provide Canada travel insurance proof in order for the Canadian government to process it. To ensure a fun and safe journey, Canada's health travel insurance is strongly recommended.

The Embassy of Canada in France:

If you register with the Canada Embassy in France, the Government of Canada will have access to the information that you have provided about yourself. The Canadian Embassy in France extends a warm welcome to tourists traveling from other countries as well as tourists from France who are visiting Canada temporarily.

5. Tips for Smooth Travel with a Canada eTA

Check passport validity: Your eTA will be electronically linked to your French passport. If you update your passport, you must reapply for a new eTA. ​​

• Keep a copy of the eTA approval: While not always necessary, carrying an electronic or printed copy would be very helpful.
• Understand your stay duration: Each visit is limited to a maximum of six months. Overstay can affect future travel.
• Advance accommodation booking: Immigration Canada may ask about your planned accommodation location.
• Early Application: Submit your application at least one week before departure to address unexpected delays.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with an incorrect passport number – even a small error invalidates your eTA.
• Assuming eTA equals guaranteed entry – final approval lies with border officers.
• Relying on travel agencies only – always cross-check with the official Canadian government website.

Canada Visa Requirements for France Citizens FAQs

What is the benefit of Canada's ETA from France?

• The Canada eTA offers several benefits. First, French citizens possessing a Canadian eTA can stay in Canada for six months.
• The Canada eTA for French citizens is valid for 5 years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first.
• The Canada travel permission is a multiple-entry visa waiver that permits French visitors to enter and depart the country as often as they choose within the validity term.
• The whole procedure is completed online, and candidates from France are not required to visit their local Canadian embassy, gather mountains of documentation, find a sponsor, or attend an in-person interview, as is the case with a visa.

 

Do French citizens need a visa for Canada?

No, French citizens do not need a visa to visit Canada. Instead, French citizens must enroll in the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization system online.

They can enter Canada and remain for up to 60 days with a valid eTA.

Trips to the following countries are visa-free with an eTA for French citizens:

• Tourism
• Leisure
• Visiting family
• Business

Passengers from France can also utilize an eTA to travel via Canada on their way to another country.

Applying for an eTA online is quick and straightforward. This eliminates the need to travel to an embassy or consulate to apply for a visa. It is regarded as the most convenient method of acquiring permission to enter Canada.

If the French traveler's journey to Canada does not match the conditions, he or she may require a form of Canadian visa. Visas, for example, are necessary in order to reside and/or work in the nation.

How long can a French citizen stay in Canada?

French citizens must have an authorized eTA to enter Canada by flight; the amount of time allowed varies on a number of criteria.

Although the specific length of stay varies, the majority of Singaporean nationals are permitted a maximum stay of six months.

Conveniently, the Canada eTA is multi-entry and valid for 5 years, or until the passport expires, allowing French citizens to make repeated short excursions to the nation with the same permission.

Even for brief layovers, French passport holders require an eTA to transit through a Canadian airport.

 

How much is an eTA for Canada from France?

The Canada ETA fees are paid using a debit or credit card to complete the Canada eTA request. Fees are charged to cover the expense of processing the application.

The Canada eTA for French citizens is much less costly than a Canadian visiting visa.

In addition, an authorized eTA is valid for 5 years from the date of issue and repeated entries. This implies that Irish people only have to pay eTA fees every five years.

There is no need to apply for a new eTA before each journey as long as the passport used to apply is still valid.

The application cost is non-refundable, even if your eTA application is denied or rejected. As a result, while applying for an eTA, you must ensure that you satisfy all eligibility conditions and provide correct information.

 

What are the restrictions of Canada's eTA?

The Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) permits visa-exempt tourists to enter Canada for leisure, business, or transit. While the eTA allows you authorization to go to Canada, it is not without restrictions and limits. Here are some essential points to consider:

• Length of Stay: You can stay in Canada for a maximum of six months for each visit with the eTA. You must follow the allotted length of your stay and leave Canada before your eTA expires. If you want to remain longer or for a different reason, you may need to apply for a different visa or permission.
• Purpose of Visit: The Canada eTA is solely for tourist, commercial, and transportation reasons. It does not entitle you to work or study in Canada. If your trip to Canada includes activities other than tourism, business meetings, or passing through as a transit passenger, you may need to apply for a visa or permission before you travel.
• Multiple Entries: The eTA permits numerous entries into Canada during its validity period, which is usually up to five years or until the expiration date of the passport, whichever comes first. You can enter and depart Canada as many times as your eTA and passport are valid.
• Expiration and Renewal: The validity of the eTA is generally connected to the expiration date of your passport or for a period of up to five years, whichever comes first. If your passport expires before your eTA, you must renew your passport and acquire a new eTA.

It's important to note that the eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. The final decision regarding entry is made by the immigration officers at the Canadian port of entry, who will assess your eligibility based on various factors.

 

How to travel to Canada from France?

There are many ways to get from France to Canada. Here are the popular ways to get to the beautiful country of Canada: 

• By Air: Flying is the most common and convenient way to travel from France to Canada. There are direct flights available from major French cities such as Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport) and sometimes from other airports like Nice or Lyon to major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver. You can check with various airlines for flight options and book your tickets accordingly.
• By Land: It is feasible to go from France to Canada on land if you wish, but it will take various types of transportation. You'd have to go through multiple nations, including those in Europe and North America, and take various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and boats. This approach takes time and may need many border crossings, so careful preparation and research are required.
• By Cruise: Another alternative is to take a cruise ship from France to Canada. Some cruise lines provide transatlantic cruises with stops in Canadian cities such as Halifax, Quebec City, and Montreal. This can be a picturesque and relaxing method to go to Canada, but it takes more time and may incur additional costs.

Do not forget to apply for an ETA to be able to enter Canada. You can choose our website to apply. A team of professional consultants will assist customers in completing the visa application process