Can’t find the information you’re looking for?
No problem! Our Customer Support team will be happy to help.
Starting in 2025, the travel process for Canadian citizens visiting Spain and other Schengen countries will have some changes. The process will also change for citizens of 59 other countries that are currently permitted visa-free travel throughout Europe.
Get Notified when ETIAS Goes Live
Start your ETIAS Application
Receive your ETIAS Decisions
Travel to Spain
The new European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS for Spain, will become mandatory for citizens of these visa-exempt countries planning to enter any Schengen country, including Spain. Spain is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, attracting a variety of tourists to its rich culture. Whether you hope to immerse yourself in history, explore the arts, enjoy delicious meals, or explore nature, Spain has something for you. In Spain you can find numerous historical landmarks, including ancient castles and churches. You can take in the craftsmanship and creativity built into these older buildings, or you can visit a number of museums to learn more about the stories behind these locations and other places in Spain. You will also have the option to explore different types of art from the past to present to gain a better understanding of how Spanish culture has evolved over time. Spain also offers many opportunities to immerse yourself directly in this culture by participating in festivals or simply trying new foods. If you are looking for a quiet, contemplative journey, you can also explore a variety of mountains and lakes that will remind you how beautiful nature is. Canadian tourists have enjoyed all that Spain has to offer for decades, and they know that it is well worth the trip. Starting in 2025, Canadian travelers will need to complete an ETIAS Spain Application and receive authorization before entering Spain, butcomplying with this simple process is completely worth it to visit such a wonderful nation.
The only document you will need to complete an ETIAS application is a valid biometric passport that will expire no sooner than 3 months from your date of arrival in the Schengen Area. Canadian passports need to be renewed every 10 years, and Canada started issuing biometric passports in July of 2013, meaning that if you have a valid Canadian passport, it is most likely biometric and will meet ETIAS for Spain standards. It’s important to keep in mind that your ETIAS approval will be linked to the passport you complete your application with and can only ever be linked to one travel passport. When your passport expires, your ETIAS Spain cannot be moved to a new passport, meaning you will have to apply for ETIAS approval again. This is also why each traveler will need to apply for ETIAS approval, including minors. Your ETIAS authorization can only be linked to you and your travel document. Completing an online ETIAS application should take no more than 10 minutes, and in most cases, you will only be asked to provide details about your biometric passport, some standard personal information, and answers to security questions. These questions will address your background and history to help border officials detect any potential legal issues.
Can’t find the information you’re looking for?
No problem! Our Customer Support team will be happy to help.
Yes, for trips taking place in 2025 or later, Canadian citizens will need to submit an ETIAS for Spain application and gain approval before entering the Schengen Area. While there will be a 6-month grace period to help both travelers and border officials adjust to the new system, you should still apply for ETIAS once the system goes live. When it is fully implemented, Canadian travelers won’t be allowed to enter Spain or any other Schengen country without gaining ETIAS approval.
Please note that gaining ETIAS Visa Spain approval is not an automatic guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Spain or the Schengen Area. Spanish border officials always make the final decision, and they have the right to ask that you provide more information than your ETIAS approval. They may ask for proof of:
Asking for these types of information can help prevent terrorism and illegal immigrated by confirming that travelers entering the Schengen Area are being honest about their intentions.
It’s also important to remember that ETIAS won’t replace any required COVID-19 documents that border officials may ask for. You should stay up to date on Spain’s current requirements and check for any policy changes that may occur before leaving for your trip.
Yes, a minor’s parent or legal guardian should submit an ETIAS application form on the child’s behalf before they depart. Minors will not be exempt from the ETIAS for Spain process, and they will be help to the same standards as adults, meaning they must have their own ETIAS linked to their own travel document. That said, only legal adults should complete an ETIAS application form, so a minor’s form should be completed by their parent or legal guardian.
You will need to complete an ETIAS application form online and receive pre-approval before traveling from Canada to any Schengen country, including Spain. To complete the process, you will online need a valid biometric passport and email address (where a notification of your application’s approval or rejection will be sent). You will also need to pay an ETIAS fee for processing.
The ETIAS for Spain application will ask you to provide standard personal information (including your legal name and address) along with some other personal details. You will need to answer questions about your travel history and any background of criminal or terrorist activity. These questions will increase border security by detecting potential threats before people even depart for the Schengen Area.
Normally, the application process will take no more than 10 minutes, and you should receive an email notification of your application’s status within 24 hours. Occasionally, border officials may find an application suspicious and will request additional information or documents before making their final decision. In rare cases, they may request an in-person interview.
While this process is designed to be simple and quick, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to submit an application. You should start your ETIAS application no later than 8 days before your intended date of departure. Because your approved ETIAS for Spain will remain valid for 3 years following its date of issue, you won’t need to worry about it expiring before your trip.
No, ETIAS for Spain will not replace or function as a traditional visa, as it is intended only for short-term tourist trips to the Schengen Area that last no longer than 90 days within a 180-day period. If you wish to stay long-term (more than 90 days in a 180-day period), work, or study in Spain, you will still need to apply for the appropriate visa. If you attempt to work, study, or overstay in Spain while using ETIAS, your ETIAS can be cancelled, and you will face legal consequences.
Disclaimer: This website is owned and operated by a private agency. We provide information, application requirements, updates, and news about ETIAS (the European Travel and Information Authorization System). We are not affiliated with the European Union or any other government agency.