A Canadian citizen or a permanent citizen of Canada from outside the European Union will need a valid visa to travel to the Schengen Area for more than 90 days. The Schengen Visa is the best visa to enjoy staying in Europe for whichever purpose, be it travel, business, or visiting family and friends.
In this article, we’ll give an overview of everything you need to know about the Canada Schengen Visa, how to apply for a visa, and how long it is valid, as well as anything you should look out for when applying for this important travel document.
Although a Canadian passport ranks highly in terms of mobility, Canadian citizens or permanent residents don’t have visa-free entry to all countries and still need a visa for some destinations.
A Canada Schengen Visa is not a specific visa category; rather, it refers to the visa requirements for Canadian citizens or residents who wish to travel to the Schengen Area in Europe. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing for seamless travel within the region with a single visa.
Canadians do not need a visa to travel to countries within the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For any longer stays, Canadian passport holders are typically required to apply for a Schengen Visa if they plan to visit any of the Schengen countries for tourism, business, or other purposes.
If you’re coming to the Schengen zone for work, you’ll also need an employment letter from your new employer and a work permit. Depending on your length of stay, you may be able to apply for a residence permit in the Schengen country you’re working in.
The visa allows entry into all Schengen member states, making it convenient for travelers exploring multiple countries during their trip.
To obtain a Schengen Visa from Canada, applicants must submit their applications to the consulate or embassy of the Schengen country they intend to visit first or spend the most time in. The application process involves providing necessary documentation, attending an interview if required, and paying a visa fee.
All non-Canadian citizens who need a visa to enter the Schengen Area must hold a valid permanent resident card or valid visa for Canada valid for at least three months after the intended return date from Europe. Please note that from 2024, Canadians will need to have an approved ETIAS visa waiver, which aims to make the whole visa process easier.
The Schengen Agreement is a treaty signed by 26 countries, allowing for the elimination of internal border controls and the creation of a single, borderless zone known as the Schengen Area. Travelers can move freely within this area with a single visa, promoting ease of travel and commerce.
The following countries are part of the Schengen Area: 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, and Switzerland.
In the following section, we outline the application process.
Identify the purpose of your trip, such as tourism, business, family visit, or other reasons.
Determine the primary Schengen country you plan to visit or spend the most time in, as you’ll apply to that country’s consulate or embassy.
Visit the official website of the selected Schengen country’s consulate or embassy to check the specific visa requirements, as they may vary slightly between countries. Ensure that the Consular Office near you will accept visa applications. You can also check the official EU website for more information on individual countries.
They usually include the following:
Visa applicants have to schedule an appointment with the consulate or visa center of the chosen Schengen country. Some countries offer online appointment booking.
Depending on the Schengen country and your application type, you may need to attend an in-person interview at the consulate or visa center. Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and provide additional information if requested.
Pay the Schengen Visa fee, which varies depending on your age, visa type, and other factors. Payment methods may include credit/debit cards or bank drafts.
Submit your visa application, along with all required documents, at the consulate or visa center during your appointment.
In some cases, you may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) as part of the application process.
While not mandatory, it’s advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance for your entire trip to cover unexpected events and emergencies.
Canadian citizens wishing to travel to Schengen Area countries in Europe must meet specific requirements to obtain a Schengen Visa:
The Canada Schengen Visa typically allows Canadian travelers to stay within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is valid for a duration that matches your intended stay, and it usually grants single or multiple entries, depending on your application and purpose of travel.
Getting a Schengen Visa is essential for Canadians who wish to travel to or through the Schengen zone for more than 90 days. The process to get a Canada Schengen Visa is relatively straightforward if you follow the guidelines and the application process. For further information on Schengen Visa applications, visit the Official EU Website or the Schengen Visa Website.
No, Canada is not part of the Schengen zone. The Schengen Area consists of 26 countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders, but Canada is not included in this agreement.
The Schengen Visa covers 26 countries: 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, and Switzerland.
Yes, you may still need a Schengen Visa even if you have a Canadian visa. While having a Canadian visa can facilitate travel, it does not grant automatic access to the Schengen Area, as they are separate immigration agreements with different requirements.
The processing time for a Schengen Visa from Canada can vary depending on factors such as the country you’re applying to, your individual circumstances, and the time of year. It generally takes approximately 15 days to several weeks for processing.
The cost of a Canada Schengen Visa varies depending on your age, the type of visa (e.g., tourist, business), and other factors. Typically, the fee ranges from around $48 to $92 (64 CAD to 124 CAD)for adults, with reduced fees for children.
To apply for a Schengen Transit Visa from Canada, visit the consulate or embassy of the Schengen country you’ll transit through. Complete the application form, provide required documents (e.g., flight itinerary, visa cost), attend an interview if necessary, and await a decision.
More Info
More Info
More Info
More Info
Table of Contents
LinkedIn Facebook Instagram YouTube Medium
