You may need a visa to travel

European visa requirements for Canadian citizens

Before you travel from Canada to Europe, it's important to understand the visa rules. Having the right visa is essential for a smooth entry into Europe. Here, you'll find information on travel documents, visa types, and health requirements for Canadian citizens visiting Europe.

Europe visa requirements for Canadian citizens

Countries requiring visas for Canadian citizens

Schengen Area Countries: Canadian citizens need to obtain a Schengen visa to visit the 27 Schengen Area countries for tourism, business, or family visits. The Schengen visa allows travel to multiple countries within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These countries include:
- Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

A Schengen visa is typically issued by the consulate of the country you plan to spend the most time in or where you first enter.

Non-Schengen EU Countries: Canadian citizens also need a visa to visit Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania. These countries are not part of the Schengen Area, so a separate visa application is required for each, even if you hold a Schengen visa.

Russia: A visa is required for Canadian citizens to enter Russia.
Belarus: Canadian citizens need a visa to visit Belarus.
Turkey: Canadian citizens must have an eVisa or a visa to enter Turkey, depending on the purpose and length of stay.
Ukraine: A visa is required for Canadian citizens to visit Ukraine.
United Kingdom: Canadian citizens need a visa to visit the UK, which is outside the Schengen Area.

Upcoming changes

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): While ETIAS is being introduced in 2025 for visa-exempt countries, Canadian citizens will still need a Schengen visa, as ETIAS does not replace the need for visas for nationals who are already required to have them.

It’s important to apply for visas in advance and ensure all necessary documents are prepared for each destination, as visa processing times may vary between countries. Always check with the consulate or embassy of the country you're visiting for the latest entry requirements.

European visa requirements for Canadian citizens

Europe visa requirements for Canadian citizens

Countries requiring visas for Canadian citizens

Upcoming changes

Exploring more visa-free destinations for Canadian citizens

Colombia

Dominica

Brunei

Barbados

South Korea

Spain

Panama

Chile

Uzbekistan

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Mauritius

United Kingdom

Philippines

Malaysia

Taiwan

Singapore

Romania

Latvia

China

Switzerland

Bolivia

Belgium

El Salvador

Curacao

Aruba

Zambia

Peru

Guatemala

United States

Sweden

Puerto Rico

Japan

Bermuda

Mexico

Luxembourg

Kazakhstan

Italy

Croatia

Czechia

Uruguay

Sint Maarten

Honduras

Denmark

Antigua and Barbuda

Thailand

Ecuador

Bosnia and Herzegovina

South Africa

Ireland

Türkiye (Turkey)

Hong Kong

Hungary

Finland

Netherlands

Greece

Portugal

Norway

Montenegro

Jamaica

Austria

Malta

Gibraltar

Belize

Iceland

Bulgaria

Australia

Tajikistan

Seychelles

British Virgin Islands

Morocco

Georgia

Vanuatu

Qatar

Cayman Islands

Albania