European Travel Information and Authorization System
Latest ETIAS News

Canada to France Travel Guide 2023

Etias Visa Waiver
Etias Europe
cheapest beach towns in France

Are you looking for Canada to France travel tips? Look no further. This article contains all the important information about your trip.

Paris is widely considered one of the most romantic cities on the planet, and it’s one of the reasons why France is a top choice for Canadians. It’s no surprise that France is the most visited country in Europe by Canadians. France’s exceptional tourism and cultural heritage are outstanding. It’s a mix of cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles.

France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It boasts 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The country is known for its exceptional cuisine, which is listed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is also the fifth-largest country in the world, possessing a wealth of knowledge base that spans many areas, including handicrafts, high-tech, fashion, and food. But there are also charming bistros, wineries, historic sites, and all year-round tourist attractions.

Can a Canadian go to France?

According to the Blue Cross, France is Canada’s most popular European destination. The data tells it all. In 2018, 1,188.500 Canadian tourists traveled to France. These numbers have been rising again after a substantial drop in international travel in recent years. The Canadian traveler spent 11.808,500 nights in Canada that same year. This accounts for an average of 9,93 nights per visitor. Canadian tourists to France spent EUR930.775.890 on average in 2018. This translated into EUR783.15 per tourist. This number slightly decreased to EUR790.871.010 in 2019.

The country exudes a powerful allure to Canadians specifically. That’s because it provides travelers with world-class destinations and experiences. There are also flexible and varied travel options and accommodations to accommodate any kind of request or special need. This makes it possible for Canadians to plan a memorable vacation that suits their budget and meets their needs.

Essential tips for your Canada to France trip

It is crucial to book travel plans in advance, especially for long-distance travel. However, 26% of Canadian travelers plan to book their trip to Europe and France less than six weeks prior to their departure date.19 This could be partly due to last-minute deals being offered or uncertainty about their travel plans. These are some important considerations when planning your vacation to France.

Tips before visiting France

  • Check with travel document requirements: Canadian travelers must have a valid passport in order to enter Canada. However, a travel visa for stays of up to 90 days is not required. France is part of the Schengen Area, which is a group that includes 26 countries sharing visa rules. This allows you to travel to other European countries without needing additional documentation.
  • Book your trip for spring (April to June) or fall (September to Nov) to get the best time to travel to France. Summer is a busy time with many people and booked accommodations. July and August are the busiest months of the year. October through December is the rainy season. September is beautiful with mild weather and fewer airfares. There are also cultural events planned for summer vacation. Fodor’s Travel also recommends late spring as a good time to travel. This is when the sun sets at 9 pm, and the cafes are buzzing.”
  • You can improve your communication skills and interact with locals by brushing up your French conversational skills, even though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Tips for tourists while in France

  • Stay in smaller towns: To avoid crowds and save money on accommodation, you might consider staying in smaller French hotels and bed and breakfasts.
  • Visit multiple regions of France: There are many regions in France that you should consider including on your travel itinerary. Instead of staying at one place for 7-10 days, you can break up your trip into several two- or three-day adventures. You might consider visiting Chateaux de La Loire, Bordeaux wine country, and Arles and Provence.
  • Train travel is the most efficient way of traveling in France. A France Rail Pass can be purchased for travel for up to nine days and unlimited train travel. Renting a car is the best way to explore remote parts of France. To avoid crowds and beat the rush, you should arrive early for significant tourist attractions. If you are looking to avoid crowds, some attractions remain open later than others.
  • Reserve a table at a restaurant: Reservations are highly recommended, especially in large cities or tourist areas. Be aware of the dress code. You should also be aware that there are two types of restaurants: service comprise (tip included) or service non-compris (“tip not included”).
  • Before you travel, check travel advisories: Before booking your trip or departing on your journey to France, it is important to visit the Government of Canada website to verify if there are any travel advisories. You can find information on travel risks, weather warnings, and security information in travel advisories.

Canada to France Flights

Are you looking for information about Canada to France flight? Air Canada and Air France offer many affordable options and multiple direct flights between the main cities of the two countries. How far is Canada to France? Apparently, not much. Consider the following direct routes offered by Air Canada:

  • Montreal (YUL) to Paris (CDG) takes 7 hours.
  • Toronto (YYZ) to Paris (CDG) takes 7 and a half hours.
  • Vancouver (YVR) to Paris (CDG) takes 13 hours.
  • Montreal (YUL) to Lyon takes 10 hours.

There are dozens of destinations offered by the two companies, and many more offered by alternative airlines with even lower fares (even though this may also mean fewer benefits and comfort during your journey).

Canada to France Entry Requirements

Canada to France entry requirements are pretty straightforward. France is part of the Schengen region. Canadian citizens don’t need visas to travel to Schengen countries; therefore, as a Canadian, you can currently travel to France for up to 90 days without applying for a visa. Keep in mind that you must have a valid passport whose expiration date is at least three months away from your date of leaving France.

A Schengen visa will be required if you intend to stay for longer periods of time in the Schengen region. In case you wish to move or study in Canada, you will need to apply for the relevant national visa. Moreover, from 2025, the new ETIAS visa waiver system will apply to Canadians as well. International travelers from Canada will have to apply for an ETIAS and present one at the border official before they are granted entry into the country.

Is Covid test required to enter France from Canada?

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether one must present a Covid test to enter France from Canada. The answer is no: one is not required to present a negative COVID test to enter France. The “vaccine pass,” which was required in France since 14 March 2022, has been removed in all areas (cultural and leisure venues as well as professional trade shows).

Do I need a Covid test to enter France?

The COVID certificate has been withdrawn as of August 20, 222. Mask requirements have also been lifted, though it is recommended to wear one in hospitals and retirement homes to protect people at risk.

Other Requirements for Canada to France entry

Canada to France money requirements are also important to note. The Canada to France travel money requirements are less specific. It’s sometimes required for you to prove to border officers that you have financial means for the entire length of your trip. Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:

  • A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 3 last months)
  • Credit card
  • Cash
  • Traveler’s cheques
  • Pay slips
  • Proof of employment
  • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
  • Proof of prepaid accommodation
  • Document about accommodation in private
  • Proof of prepaid transport
  • Other

Generally, it should be enough to provide evidence of accommodation and transport. If there is no proof of prepaid accommodation, it’s usually required to possess the daily money amount of 120EUR. The 65EUR/day applies to the period covered by a prepaid hotel. The 120EUR rest of the amount is applicable. The amount drops to 32.25 EUR/day if the applicant presents evidence of cheaper accommodation.

Moving from Canada to France

Moving from Canada to France is not easy. France offers a high quality of life and many business opportunities to international entrepreneurs who want to grow in this region of Europe. It is one of the strongest economies in the world. A stable, skilled economy and the opportunity to develop in the innovation sector are just some of the benefits that foreigners have. They can set up branches or subsidiaries and also enjoy the protection and encouragement offered by the French government. These facts and figures are useful for anyone looking to move from Canada to France:

  • The Paris area has the largest concentration of multinational headquarters.
  • Canada, Belgium, and Germany were the top investors in France in 2019.
  • According to the 2020 Doing Business report by the World Bank, France is 32nd among the 190 global economies.
  • The total FDI stock in France for 2018 was more than USD 824 000 million.

Relocating to France from Canada is possible. However, it is important to be aware of the following:

  • If you plan to stay for more than 3 months, make sure that you apply for the correct visa
  • Start the visa application process on time
  • Once the visa has been approved, you must obtain the residence permits for France.

After a period of time in France, or if a Canadian citizen marries a French national in France, they may be interested in French citizenship. This is a great goal for anyone who has decided to move to France from Canada. Hopefully this answered all your questions about moving from Canada to France.

New travel regulations

As mentioned above, ETIAS will be launching in November 2025, European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be a primary requirement for all Canadian travelers visiting France and the rest of the Schengen Zone.

From November 2025, as a Canadian citizen, you’ll have to check ETIAS requirements and authorize before traveling to France or any other EU/Schengen Area country.

Applying for the ETIAS authorization is simple. Fill out the application form, upload your biometric passport and submit them after paying the application fee.

Is Canada close France?

How far is Canada to France? Paris is 2,700 miles away to the east of Canada. The eight small French islands of St. Pierre, Miquelon, which are French possessions and the last vestiges of France’s colonial empire in North America lie 16 miles from the Canadian coast.

Travel insurance for your Canada to France trip

One of the most asked questions when it comes to international travel is whether medical coverage is required. The answer depends on your citizenship, travel purpose, type of visa, etc. However, it’s strongly recommended that you obtain travel insurance for your trip to France.

Canadian travelers can save money on travel insurance by purchasing vacation travel insurance. This can help them avoid having to pay out of pocket for medical treatment or alternative travel plans in the event of trip interruptions or delays. If you don’t have emergency medical coverage, your health could be at risk.

A few hundred dollars can get you deluxe travel insurance, which will save you lots of money if you become seriously ill or need medical attention. By providing coverage and assistance for common travel risks such as:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Trip cancellation and interruption
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Lost or stolen baggage

Travel insurance also includes 24/7 assistance if you require it. Travel insurance can help you to lower your personal financial risks when you travel and give you peace of mind knowing that you will have assistance if you need it.

How can I get assistance in France as a Canadian?

In case you need assistance during your Canada to France travel, remember that the Canadian government can help. The Embassy is located in Paris, and there are also two Consulates serving the southern part of France: one in Toulouse (near the border with Spain) and one in Niece (close to Italy). Embassies and Consulates can help you in case you have been the victim of a crime or if you have lost your travel documents and need immediate support in getting new ones.

  • Embassy of Canada in France

Address: 130, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris

  • Consulate of Canada in Nice

Directions: 10, rue Lamartine, 06000 Nice

  • Consulate of Canada in Toulouse

Address: 10, Jules-de-Rességuier Street, 31000 Toulouse