Canada eTA (Visa-Exempt)
Electronic Travel Authorization · For France citizens
Planning a trip to Canada as a French citizen? You are visa-exempt and only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying. The eTA costs CAD $7, is approved within minutes, and allows stays up to 6 months. With a 96% approval rate, the process is straightforward for French travelers.
Canada Entry Requirements for French Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For France citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your planned stay in Canada
Complete the online eTA application through the official Government of Canada website
Credit or debit card to pay the CAD $7 application fee
Email address to receive your eTA confirmation
Recommended (Optional)
Evidence that you will leave Canada within the allowed stay period
Evidence of where you will stay during your visit
Ability to support yourself during your stay
Evidence of strong reasons to return to France
eTA Requirement for French Citizens
French citizens are visa-exempt for Canada, meaning you do not need a traditional visitor visa.1 However, if you are flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before your trip.2
The eTA is a simple online authorization that costs CAD $7 and is typically approved within minutes.3 It is electronically linked to your passport and valid for 5 years, allowing multiple visits to Canada during this period.4
When you need an eTA:
- Flying to Canada from France or any other country
- Transiting through a Canadian airport to another destination
When you do NOT need an eTA:
- Arriving by land from the United States (car, bus, train)
- Arriving by sea (cruise ship, ferry)
Application Process
Applying for a Canadian eTA takes only a few minutes.3 Follow these steps:
1. Go to the official website
Only apply through the official Government of Canada website at canada.ca.3 The application is available in French. Avoid third-party websites that charge inflated fees for the same service.
2. Complete the online form
You will need to provide:3
- Personal details (name exactly as shown in passport, date of birth)
- Passport information (number, country of issue, expiry date)
- Employment and travel information
- Background questions about health and criminal history
3. Pay the fee
The eTA costs CAD $7, payable by credit or debit card.3 Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and UnionPay. The fee is non-refundable.
4. Receive your approval
Most applications are approved within minutes and you receive confirmation by email.4 Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport. There is no stamp or document to print, though keeping the confirmation email is recommended.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA Application | CAD $7 |
There are no additional fees. The CAD $7 covers the entire application. Unlike traditional visas, there are no biometric fees, service center fees, or premium processing options.
Important: The official eTA costs only CAD $7. Websites charging more are unauthorized third parties. Always use canada.ca.
What You Need at the Border
Your eTA grants authorization to travel to Canada, but final entry is determined by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer upon arrival.4 At the border, officers may ask about:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must match your eTA application |
| Purpose of visit | Tourism, visiting family, business meetings |
| Length of stay | Up to 6 months |
| Accommodation | Where you will stay |
| Return travel | How you will leave Canada |
| Financial means | Ability to support yourself |
Practical tip: Most French travelers pass through with minimal questions. Have your passport ready, be prepared to briefly explain your visit, and you should clear customs quickly.
Processing Times
| Application Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Standard eTA | Minutes (automated approval) |
| Manual review required | Hours to days |
The vast majority of eTA applications from French citizens are approved automatically within minutes of submission.4 Some applications may be flagged for manual review if:
- Information triggers security screening
- Background questions require further assessment
- Passport details need verification
If your application requires additional processing, you will receive an email explaining the delay. Most manual reviews are completed within 72 hours, but some may take longer.4
Recommendation: Apply for your eTA before booking flights. While most approvals are instant, having your authorization confirmed beforehand avoids any last-minute issues.
After Arrival in Canada
Once in Canada, remember:
Duration of stay:
- The officer stamps your passport with an entry date
- You can typically stay up to 6 months
- The exact duration is at the officer’s discretion
What you can do:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting friends and family
- Attending business meetings, conferences, or trade shows
- Taking short courses (not degree programs)
What you cannot do:
- Work (paid or unpaid)
- Study full-time (requires a study permit)
- Live permanently in Canada
Extending your stay: If you wish to stay beyond 6 months, you can apply to extend your stay as a visitor from within Canada.1 Apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.
Criminal Inadmissibility
Canada takes criminal inadmissibility seriously, and this affects French travelers with any criminal history.5
DUI and impaired driving: Unlike many countries, Canada treats DUI offenses as serious crimes equivalent to indictable offenses. A single DUI conviction, even from years ago, can make you inadmissible.
Other offenses: Various criminal convictions can result in inadmissibility, including:
- Theft and fraud
- Assault
- Drug offenses
- Any offense with a maximum prison sentence of 10+ years
Options if inadmissible:
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): For urgent travel needs despite inadmissibility
- Criminal Rehabilitation: Permanent solution available 5+ years after completing sentence
- Deemed Rehabilitation: Automatic for minor offenses 10+ years after completion
If you have any criminal history, consult a Canadian immigration lawyer before applying for an eTA or traveling.
If Your eTA is Refused
eTA refusals for French citizens are uncommon (approval rate is 96%), but they can happen.6
If refused:
- Do NOT attempt to fly to Canada. Airlines will not allow you to board.
- Review the refusal reasons in your notification
- Address the specific issues identified
- Reapply only after resolving the problems
- For complex cases, consult an immigration lawyer
Common reasons for refusal:
- Criminal inadmissibility (especially DUI)
- Passport reported lost or stolen
- Security screening flags
- Previous immigration violations
- Misrepresentation in application
No appeal process: There is no formal appeal for eTA refusals. You can reapply with corrected information or apply for a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) instead, which allows you to submit more detailed documentation.
Transiting Through Canada
French citizens need an eTA to transit through a Canadian airport, even if you are only connecting to another international flight and not leaving the secure transit area.1
Transit requirements:
- Valid eTA (same CAD $7 application)
- Valid passport
- Valid visa or entry authorization for your final destination
- Confirmed onward travel
Transit note: Many flights between France and destinations in Asia, South America, or the Caribbean transit through Canadian airports (Vancouver, Toronto). Ensure you have your eTA even for transit-only trips.
Comparison: eTA vs. Visitor Visa
| Feature | eTA | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Visa-exempt countries (France) | Visa-required countries |
| Cost | CAD $7 | CAD $100 + biometrics |
| Processing time | Minutes | Weeks to months |
| Application | Online only | Online with document upload |
| Biometrics | Not required | Required |
| Validity | 5 years | Up to 10 years |
| Max stay per visit | 6 months | 6 months |
As a French citizen, you benefit from the streamlined eTA process. Travelers from visa-required countries face a more extensive visitor visa application.
French-Canadian Connection
As a French speaker, you have a special connection to Canada’s bilingual heritage:
Quebec province: French is the official language of Quebec, where over 7 million people speak French as their primary language. Montreal and Quebec City are popular destinations for French tourists.
Federal bilingualism: Canada is officially bilingual at the federal level. You can receive services in French at federal institutions, airports, and border crossings throughout the country.
Language advantage: Your French language skills are an asset when visiting Canada. Many Canadians, particularly in Quebec, New Brunswick, and parts of Ontario, speak French.
Important Reminders
Official website only: Apply exclusively through canada.ca. Many scam websites charge CAD $50-100 for the same eTA that officially costs CAD $7.
Passport-linked: Your eTA is linked to a specific passport. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
No guarantee of entry: An approved eTA authorizes you to travel to Canada, but the border officer makes the final entry decision.
Keep records: Save your eTA confirmation email. While there is no physical document, having the confirmation number can help resolve any issues.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Criminal Inadmissibility
Certain criminal convictions can make you inadmissible to Canada, including DUI offenses which are treated as serious crimes under Canadian law
How to avoid: If you have any criminal history, even minor offenses, consult an immigration lawyer before applying. DUI convictions may require a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation.
Passport Issues
Passport number reported lost or stolen, passport expired, or information mismatch between application and passport
How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid and has not been reported lost. Double-check all passport details match exactly when applying.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying, deportation, or unauthorized work in Canada or other countries
How to avoid: If you have previous immigration violations, address them honestly in your application. Consider consulting an immigration professional.
Security Concerns
Involvement with organizations or activities that raise security flags, or name matches in security databases
How to avoid: If your application requires additional processing due to security screening, provide any requested information promptly and honestly.
Medical Inadmissibility
Certain health conditions that could endanger public health or cause excessive demand on health services
How to avoid: Most short-term visitors are not subject to medical screening, but serious communicable diseases may affect your application.
Misrepresentation
Providing false information or withholding relevant details in the application
How to avoid: Always be truthful in your application. Misrepresentation can result in a 5-year ban from Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French citizens need a visa to visit Canada?
No. French citizens are visa-exempt and only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying to or transiting through Canada. The eTA costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes. No eTA is needed if arriving by land or sea from the United States.
What is a Canadian eTA?
An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to your passport, valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple entries for short stays up to 6 months each.
How long does eTA approval take?
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes of submission. Some applications may require additional processing time if manual review is needed. You should apply before booking flights, though last-minute applications are often processed quickly.
How long can French citizens stay in Canada?
French citizens can stay in Canada for up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration may be determined by the border services officer upon entry. You cannot live in Canada through repeated visits or work during your stay.
Do I need an eTA if I am driving to Canada from the USA?
No. French citizens do not need an eTA when arriving in Canada by land or sea. The eTA is only required for air travel. However, you still need a valid passport and may be asked standard border questions.
What happens if my eTA is refused?
If your eTA is refused, you should not attempt to fly to Canada as you will be denied boarding. Review the refusal reasons carefully, address any issues, and consider reapplying. For complex cases involving criminal inadmissibility, consult an immigration lawyer.
Can I work in Canada with an eTA?
No. The eTA only permits tourism, visiting family or friends, business activities (meetings, conferences), and short courses. Any paid or unpaid employment requires a work permit applied for separately.
How long is the eTA valid?
An eTA is valid for 5 years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries to Canada during this period. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
What if I have a DUI conviction?
Canada treats DUI and impaired driving as serious offenses. A DUI conviction may make you criminally inadmissible. You may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation depending on when the offense occurred. Consult an immigration lawyer before traveling.
Can I transit through Canada with an eTA?
Yes. French citizens need an eTA to transit through a Canadian airport, even if not leaving the secure transit area. The same CAD $7 fee and application process applies. Transit passengers are also subject to Canadian admissibility requirements.
Is the eTA application available in French?
Yes. The official Government of Canada eTA application and help documentation are fully available in French. Canada is a bilingual country, so French speakers can complete the entire process in their native language.