Canada Visa RequirementsFor France passport holders
French citizens must obtain a Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before flying to Canada. It costs CAD 7 and is applied for online at canada.ca.
France passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
Apply online at canada.ca/eta before purchasing your flight. You will need your passport, email address, and a credit or debit card for the CAD 7 fee. Most applications are approved within minutes but some take longer: apply at least 72 hours before travel. The eTA is only required for air arrivals, not land or sea crossings.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
France to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for French citizens travelling by air. The eTA is not a visa: it is a simple electronic authorisation that must be obtained before boarding a flight to Canada. The eTA costs CAD 7 (approximately EUR 5), is linked to your passport, and is valid for five years or until your passport expires.
Importantly, the Canadian eTA is only required for air travel. French citizens arriving in Canada by land (from the US) or by sea do not need an eTA, though they do need a valid passport.
The eTA does not guarantee entry: Canadian border officers make the final decision. Most applications are approved within minutes. French citizens can stay in Canada for up to 180 days per visit.
Practical Tips
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). Quebec is predominantly French-speaking: French visitors will find it especially welcoming. Canada is one of the world's largest countries: flying between regions is often necessary. Healthcare is not free for visitors: comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French citizens need a visa for Canada?
French citizens travelling to Canada by air need a Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). It is not a full visa: it costs CAD 7, is applied for online at canada.ca/eta, and is valid for five years.
How do French citizens apply for the Canadian eTA?
Apply online at canada.ca/eta. You will need your French passport, email address, and a credit or debit card for the CAD 7 fee. Most applications are approved within minutes. The eTA is linked to your passport electronically.
Is the Canadian eTA required for land or sea entry?
No. The eTA is only required when flying to Canada. French citizens entering Canada by land from the US or by cruise ship do not need an eTA, though a valid passport is required.
Is French spoken in Canada?
Yes. Quebec is predominantly French-speaking, and French is one of Canada's two official languages. New Brunswick is also officially bilingual. French visitors will find Quebec City and Montreal especially welcoming.