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🇫🇷 Does a French need a visa for Canada 🇨🇦?
No visa, but an ETA. French passport holders do not need a visa for Canada, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.
Checked against Wikipedia's list of visa requirements for French citizens on 2026-10-04. Entry rules change: confirm with the embassy of Canada or its official government website before you travel.
What this means for your trip
An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is not a visa: it is an online pre-screening that airlines check before boarding.
It is normally approved within minutes to a few days; apply before you book non-refundable travel.
Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.
Canada at a glance
Capital: Ottawa · Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD, $) · Official languages: English, French · Calling code: +1
U.S. State Department travel advisory for Canada: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (updated 11 June 2025). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.
Plugs and voltage
You need a travel adapter: Canada uses plug types A, B, France uses C, E. Mains voltage differs (Canada: 120 V; France: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.
Your embassy in Canada
If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in Canada, contact the embassy of France:
- Embassy of France, Ottawa · 42 Sussex Drive · ca.ambafrance.org
- Consulate General of France in Québec · quebec.consulfrance.org
- Consulate General of France in Toronto · consulfrance-toronto.org
- Consulate General of France in Vancouver · consulfrance-vancouver.org
Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.
Easier destinations near Canada for French passport holders
- 🇲🇽 Mexico — Visa-free 180 days
- 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda — Visa-free 180 days
- 🇦🇷 Argentina — Visa-free 90 days
- 🇧🇸 Bahamas — Visa-free 90 days
- 🇧🇧 Barbados — Visa-free 90 days
- 🇧🇿 Belize — Visa-free
- 🇧🇴 Bolivia — Visa-free 90 days
- 🇧🇷 Brazil — Visa-free 90 days
The other way round
🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders visiting France: Canadian passport holders can visit France without a visa for up to 90 days.
The French passport at a glance
All destinations for France passport holders → · Who needs a visa for Canada →
Questions
Do French citizens need a visa for Canada?
French passport holders do not need a visa for Canada, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.
Does a Canadian need a visa for France?
Canadian passport holders can visit France without a visa for up to 90 days.