Canada Visa for French Citizens

What is Canada eTA for French citizens?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an automated system introduced by the Government of Canada to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries like France into Canada. Instead of obtaining a traditional visa, eligible travelers can apply for the ETA online, making the process quick and straightforward. The Canada eTA is linked electronically to the French passport and remains valid for upto 5 (five) years, allowing them to enter Canada multiple times during its validity.

Do French citizens Need to Apply for Canada eTA (Online Canada Visa)?

To enter Canada for short-term visits (up to six months) for purposes such as tourism, busienss, or transit, French citizens need to apply for and obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This mandatory travel document is designed to expedite the border clearance process and strengthen Canada's security measures. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.

Are Permanent Residents of France Eligible for a Canada eTA?

If you are a permanent resident of France, you cannot apply for a Canada eTA. Only French citizens with a valid French passport are eligible for this pre-travel authorization.

Strong cultural connection between France and Canada

Canada and France enjoy a deep and strong relationship, rooted in common history and language. Canada's two official languages are English and French. It is estimated that about 22% of Canada's total population have French heritage. These French Canadians are the majority of native French speakers in Canada. Majority of French Canadians reside in Quebec.

France is one of Canada’s closest allies. United through history and a deep relationship, France and Canada have a common world vision for the future. They are aligned on priorities like defending democracy and human rights, promoting francophone cultures and the French language. France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a founding member of the European Union is a key partner of Canada in several important organisations like the G7, the G20 and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Apart from cultural proximity, the two nations are significant trading partners. France is Canada's fourth largest export market in Europe. As far as diplomatic presence goes, there is a Canadian embassy in Paris, a consulate in Miquelon and Saint Pierre. On the other hand, France has an embassy in Ottawa and consulates Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver and Toronto.

What are requirements of Canada eTA for French citizens?

The requirements for French citizens to obtain a Canada eTA are straightforward:

Valid French Passport

French citizens must have a valid and current Passport to apply for a Canada eTA. French citizens with dual nationality should ensure they apply using the same passport they will travel with, as the Canada eTA will be linked to the passport used during the application process.

Online Payment

A credit or debit card is needed to pay for the Canada eTA application.

Working Email Address

Applicants must provide a valid email address to receive the eTA approval.

No Prior Criminal History

If you have previous criminal history or previous immigration issues, you are unlikely to be successful in obtaining Canada eTA approval. Instead you will need to apply for traditional Canada Visitor Visa.

How can I apply for a Canada eTA from France?

Canada eTA Application Process for French citizens:

How Long Can French citizens stay on Canada Visa Online?

French citizen's departure date must be within 6 months of arrival. French passport holders are required to obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authority (Canada eTA) even for a short duration of 1 day up to 6 months. If the French citizens intend to stay for a longer duration, then they should apply for a relevant Visa depending on their circumstances. Canada eTA is only valid for 5 years. French citizens can enter multiple times during the 5 year validity of the Canada eTA.

Can French citizens extend their stay in Canada on Canada eTA?

By law, Canada eTA allows you to visit Canada for upto six months or upto the date authorised by CBSA(Canada Border Security Agency) officer. You can extend your stay in Canada but you must apply to extend your stay using Visitor Record. It is important to note that a Visitor Record is not an Visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Visitor Record includes a new expiry date before which you must leave Canada, so it extends the time limit of existing Visa or Canada eTA. You must apply for it before the existing allowed stay period expires.

Applying Early for Canada eTA for French Citizens?

French citizens seeking to obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) are advised to submit their applications at least 72 hours (or three days) prior to their intended departure to Canada. While most eTAs are processed within 24 hours, allowing for a longer processing time can help mitigate potential delays.

It is important to note that Canada eTAs once issued are valid for up to five years (unless your Passport expires earlier). This allows for advance planning and application, even if flight details have not yet been confirmed. In rare instances, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may request additional documentation.

Additional documents could include:

• A Medical Examination - A medical examination, which may be required for certain individuals.
• Criminal record check - A criminal record check, if the applicant has a previous conviction. The Canadian Visa office will determine whether a police certificate is necessary based on the specific circumstances.

By adhering to above guidelines, French citizens can increase their likelihood of a successful eTA application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Canada eTA Application Form?

While Canada eTA Application process is extremely straightforward, it is worthwhile to understand the essential requirements and avoid common mistakes listed below.

• Passport numbers are almost always 8 to 11 characters. If you are entering a number that is too short or too long or outside of this range, it is quite likely that you are entering a wrong number.
• Enter information without hyphens, spaces, or special characters (like shown below in the image)
• Another common error is swapping letter O and number 0 or letter I and the number 1.
• Name related issue like
  • Full name: Name put in Canada eTA application must match the name exactly as given in the Passport. You can look at MRZ strip in your Passport information page to make sure you have entered the full name, including any middle-names.
  • Do not include previous names: Do not include any part of that name in brackets or previous names. Again, consult the MRZ strip.
  • Non-english name: Your name must be in English characters. Do not use non-English characters like Chinese/Hebrew/Greek alphabets to spell your name.
  • Learn more at How To Enter a Name On the Canada eTA Application

Enter passport number as shown without spaces and name as given on MRZ strip

Summary of Canada ETA for French Citizens

Canada ETA Visa for French Citizens is valid for the following reasons:

• Sightseeing
• Visiting Tourist Spots
• Business events and meetings
• Passing or Transit via Canadian Airport
• Medical treatment

Benefits of obtaining Canada eTA

• It can be filled entirely online and does not require you to get a stamp on the passport or visit Canadian Embassy
• Sent to your electronically by email instead of a stamp on passport
• It is valid for upto 5 Years
• It is a Multipe-Entry authorization and allows stays of upto 180 days per trip
• Valid for travel by Air

French citizens should take advantage of ArriveCAN app

For several Canadian international airports, the advanced declaration may be made online via the ArriveCAN service. The ArriveCAN app lets you submit your customs and immigration declaration electronically up to 3 days before your flight, so you can use the express lane and get through customs faster

French Embassy in Canada

Apply for Canada eTA at least 72 hours before your flight to Canada.