Canada Schengen Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Every day, millions of people travel to the Schengen areas for work, study, or to visit family members. In most cases, they must apply for a visa, fill out paperwork, and wait a long time to get approved.

Canadian passport holders don’t need a Canada Schengen visa. They can visit these countries without a visa or a residence permit up to 90 days per 180-day period. However, for more extended stays and permanent residents, other rules apply. This guide explains Schengen visa applications and what Canadian travelers need to apply for to visit a Schengen zone.

Keep reading to learn about:

• Schengen Countries
• Visa application process
• Visa requirements for Canadian travelers

What is a Canada Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is an entry permit for non-EU nationals. Many foreigners need a visa to stay in the Schengen Area for business, travel, or to visit family members. Canadian citizens don’t need a tourist visa or a Canada

Schengen visa. Schengen visas have three different forms:

• Single-entry visa — It permits a one-time entry, usually for short trips.
• Multiple-entry visa — It allows multiple visits to Schengen countries, as long as the visa is valid.
• Airport transit visa — It lets you change planes at an airport in the Schengen Area. But you cannot leave the airport’s international transit zone.

Canadian passport holders can stay in the Schengen territory for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer, Canadian citizens must apply for a national visa or a residence permit. Their passport must be valid before they decide to visit Europe.

Canadian permanent residents do not automatically receive visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Your eligibility and visa-free access depend on your nationality, not your Canadian permanent resident (PR) status.

Schengen Countries

The Schengen Area in Europe includes a total of 29 countries, 25 of which are members of the European Union. The Schengen Agreement also includes members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Canadian travelers can visit all Schengen states, like these following countries: Belgium, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Norway, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Poland, Sweden, Estonia, Malta, and Italy.

Canada Schengen Visa Application Process

Canadian citizens with a valid Canadian passport don’t need a Canada Schengen visa to visit Europe. However, Canadian permanent residents (PRs) often need to apply for a visa. Their visa-free access depends on their nationality, not their PR status. Below are the Schengen visa requirements for Canadian permanent residents, including the entire application process.

Select a Schengen country

Determine the European countries you plan to visit or spend the most time in, as you’ll need to apply to that country’s consulate or embassy.

Check the visa requirements

Check the Schengen visa policy before you submit your application. The visa requirements are based on your passport nationality, not your Canadian PR status.

Many foreign nationals from Africa, the Middle East, or Asia often need a Schengen visa. Visit the Official EU Website of the selected country’s consulate or embassy to check the specific visa requirements, as they may vary slightly between European countries. Ensure that the Consular Office near you will accept visa applications.

Gather the required documents

They usually include the following:

• A completed Schengen visa application form
• A valid passport or a visa
• Proof of residence in Canada
• Travel itinerary (hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.)
• Round-trip flight reservation
• Travel insurance (covering at least €30,000 for medical expenses)
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, employment letter, etc.)
• Cover letter explaining the purpose of your stay in the Schengen zone

Book an appointment

Visa applicants have to schedule an appointment with the consulate or visa center of the chosen Schengen country. Some countries offer online appointment booking.

Attend the visa interview

Depending on the Schengen country and your application type, you may need to attend an in-person interview at the consulate or visa center. Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and provide additional information if requested.

Pay the fee

Pay the Schengen visa fee, which varies depending on your age, visa type, and other factors. Payment methods may include credit/debit cards or bank drafts.

Submit your application

Submit your visa application, along with all required documents, like travel insurance, at the consulate or visa application center.

Biometric data collection

In some cases, you may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).

Schengen Visa Requirements for Canadians

Although Canadian citizens don’t need a Schengen visa for short trips, they must meet the entry requirements for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This pre-travel authorization system helps authorities assess travelers prior to their departure.

Canadian passport holders must complete the ETIAS application process before leaving Canada. To meet the requirements for the travel authorization system, Canadian citizens traveling to Schengen zones must:

• Apply online — Fill out a form with travel details and individual passport information.
• Pay the ETIAS fee — ETIAS often requires a €7 payment. Applicants under 18 or over 70, or family members of European Unition citizens with the right of free movement in the European Union, are exempt from paying.
• Wait for processing — Most applicants receive an approval in minutes. However, in some cases where supporting documents or any security-related questions are necessary, processing can take up to 30 days.
• Receive your response — After travel authorization is approved, your ETIAS are electronically linked to your Canadian passport.
• Get ready to travel — You can visit a Schengen zone at any time. Border control can check your ETIAS before you enter the new country.

What is the cost of Schengen visa from Canada?

The costs for a Schengen visa have increased since 11 June 2024. The fee for adults went up from €80 to €90, and from €40 to €45 for children aged six to 11. The fees are non-refundable even if the application is withdrawn or denied. The table below provides a list of costs for visa applications at the Consulate General of Toronto.

Note: For citizens of Macedonia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Albania, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Serbia, Cape Verde Islands, and Belarus, different fees apply. For further details, consult with a local embassy or consulate.