Documents Needed for Travel from Canada to the EU and Europe
I'm excited to be planning my first and second trips to Europe. In 2027, I'm headed to London, and in 2028, Ireland. The London trip is shorter, so we most likely will not leave England, but when we go to Ireland, we will be there longer and intend to jump around to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and possibly back to England, too. If I can fit it in and afford it, I'd like to travel to the Czech Republic and Germany, too, possibly even Poland. I've been researching the required paperwork I need to have in place.
Passport
UK ETA
ETIAS
Travelling to the UK from Canada requires a passport good for at least three months beyond the date of your departure. In Canada, passports are good for either five years or ten years, depending on which you purchase.
If this is the first time you have applied for a passport, you will need to fill out the application, will require a guarantor, two references, 2 identical passport photos, proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or citizenship certificate), and government issued photo id.
If you are renewing an existing passport, the process may be simpler since you won't need a guarantor, proof of citizenship, or identification. You must have been sixteen or older when the existing certificate was issued, it must have been issued for five or ten years, and must have been issued within fifteen years or less from when you are applying for the new passport. You will also need to surrender your previous passport at the time of renewal.
If your name has changed since you previously applied for a passport, or if it differs from the name on your birth certificate, you will need to submit copies of your divorce certificate with your application. If you don't have those any longer, you will need to apply for those prior to submitting your passport application.
Once you are ready to apply, you can either apply in person with an apointment or as a walk-in at your local passport office, can apply by mail, or if you are applying abroad, you an submit your application at the nearest Canadian government office. Standard processing times are between 10 and 20 business days.
If you are travelling to the UK you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) document. This is a travel permit rather than a visa. The ETA allows you to travel to the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man for six months. You will need this to cross through border control at airports.
You can apply for an ETA online for the cost of 20 pounds. You will need your passport, and email address, and your payment method in order to pay. Most likely, you will have a decision within a day, but it can take up to three business days for a reply. Your ETA is linked to your passport, so when you are travelling, you will only need to show your passport. Your ETA lasts for two years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System is not yet operational. It is expected to launch in 2027, and will permit visitors to travel through Europe for up to three months. If you are planning a trip to Europe in the near future, keep watching for the announcement of this document and be prepared to apply online if you to most European countries from a visa-not-required country.
Until the ETIAS, be prepared to show proof of return or onward travel, accomodation details and sufficient funds for your stay.
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