Government Relations Report Ron Steeves First Vice-President Canadian travellers should be aware of upcoming changes to travel requirements for entry into 30 European nations next year. Beginning in 2024, Canadian citizens travelling to certain European countries will be required to obtain a permit known as a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorization. An ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries including France, Spain, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Finland, Germany and Portugal. A full list of all 30 countries can be accessed here, travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/ who-should-apply_en#ETIAS-countries. The ETIAS travel authorization is linked to a traveller’s passport and is valid for a threeyear period or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. When you obtain a new passport, you will be required to apply for a new ETIAS travel authorization. Please note that the ETIAS travel authorization is issued to only one person and is linked to their travel document. Other individuals, including family members, are required to have their own ETIAS travel authorizations. With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of these 30 European countries as often as you want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. That being said, the travel authorization does not guarantee entry. When you present yourself at a port of entry, the border officer will ask to see your passport and other documents in order to verify that you meet the entry requirements for that country. You can complete the application form for a travel authorization by using either the official ETIAS mobile application or the website – travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorization costs seven Euros (roughly CAD$10.30). The application form is available in all 24 official EU languages, including English and French. Applicants who are younger than 18 or older than 70 years of age are exempt from this payment, as are family members of EU citizens or of non-EU nationals, who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union. During the application process, you will be asked to provide the following information: ▶ Personal information including your name, date and place of birth, sex, nationality, home address, email address and phone number(s); ▶ Your parent(s)’ first name(s); ▶ Travel document details; ▶ Your level of education and current occupation; ▶ The country of your first intended stay and the address of your destination; and, ▶ Details about any past criminal convictions, past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been the subject of a return decision. While most applications are processed within minutes, it is possible that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview. This is why it is advised that you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance of your planned trip. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation which will include your unique ETIAS application number – make sure that you keep this number for future reference. Once your application has been processed, you will receive an additional email informing you about the outcome of your application. When you get your ETIAS travel authorization, you will need to ensure that your name, passport number and other information are accurate. Any discrepancy could result in your denial of entry. If your application is refused, the email will provide the reasons for this decision. It will also include information about how to appeal. As your ETIAS travel authorization is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document which you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS. You do not need to print your travel authorization, as the check-in staff of the carrier and border officers can access your travel authorization on their internal systems. You may, however, carry a printout for your own convenience. More information about what to expect when crossing EU borders is available on the official ETIAS website. At the time of printing, ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected at this point. The Canadian Snowbird Association will be providing members with updates regarding this new requirement through our email advisories as soon as more information becomes available. Judy and I wish you safe travels. CSANews | FALL 2023 | 11
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