| Key Facts : France for Canadian Citizens | |
|---|---|
| Visa Required | No : Visa Free |
| Max Stay | 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Visa Fee | Visa fee: None for eligible visa-exempt short stays |
| Processing Time | Visa processing: No visa application required |
| Apply At | travel-europe.europa.eu (when required) |
Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa for France?
No. Canadian passport holders can enter France and the entire Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, family visits, and short business trips.
ETIAS is not yet in operation. No ETIAS travel-authorisation applications are currently being accepted. The European Union will announce the exact start date several months before launch. Until ETIAS becomes operational, eligible visa-exempt travellers do not need an ETIAS authorisation for a short stay. Once the system starts, the official ETIAS application fee is expected to be €20, subject to the official EU rules in force at that time.
Schengen Visa Requirements for Canadian Citizens
While no visa is required, travellers should carry: a valid Canadian passport (min. 3 months validity beyond departure), confirmed accommodation details, return ticket, travel insurance with €30,000 minimum coverage, and proof of sufficient funds (~€120/day).
Required Documents at the Border
- Valid Canadian passport
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel/health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds
Last updated: March 2026. Always verify current requirements at france-visas.gouv.fr before travel.
Related Visa Guides
France Visa Overview France for US Citizens France for Australians France for UK Citizens All Destinations →Cost & Validity for Canadian Travellers
Canadian citizens pay no visa fee to enter France for tourism. The permitted stay is 90 days in any 180-day period, granted automatically on arrival with a valid passport. Because entry is visa-free, there is no application form, no embassy appointment and no processing wait : entry is granted at the border.
Length of Stay & Overstaying France
The standard tourist stay for Canadian citizens is 90 days in any 180-day period. Overstaying this limit in France can lead to fines, deportation and a temporary re-entry ban, so track your permitted days carefully. If you need longer, enquire about an extension or a different visa category with France’s immigration authority before your authorised stay expires.