If Europe is on your travel bucket list this year, you might want to brush up on some new rules before booking that flight. From updated entry requirements to little-known passport rules that could catch you off guard, there are a few changes that could make or break your dream trip.
The last thing you want is to show up at the airport, all excited for your Parisian getaway or Mediterranean beach escape, only to be turned away because of a small paperwork mistake.
Whether you're a travel pro or planning your first big Euro adventure, some important updates are coming for Canadians heading overseas.
From tourism tax to government travel advisories, here's what Montrealers need to keep in mind before packing their bags for Europe in 2025.
The ETIAS is coming, but not just yet
Montrealers heading to Europe this winter can breathe a sigh of relief — there's no need for extra paperwork just yet. The much-talked-about European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) was originally set to launch last year, but delays have pushed it back to mid-2025.
That means, for now, all you need is your Canadian passport to explore Europe's Schengen Area for up to 90 days, no special permit required.
If you're not sure what the Schengen Area is, it's a massive border-free zone that includes 30 countries, from France and Spain to Germany, Italy, and even non-EU destinations like Switzerland and Norway. No visa hassles, no passport stamps between countries — just smooth, stress-free travel.
But don't get too comfy, because the ETIAS is coming. Once it's in place, travellers will need to complete a quick online application before heading to Europe. It's not a visa but more of a pre-screening system for security reasons. The process is expected to take about 20 minutes, cost around 7 euros (roughly CA$10.50), and, once approved, will be valid for three years.
If you've got a summer or late-2025 trip planned, keep an eye on updates. By then, ETIAS will likely be mandatory, and you don't want to find out last minute that you need to apply.
Check government travel advisories
Before you get going, take a minute to check the latest travel advisories from the Government of Canada. Several European countries, including France, Germany, and the U.K., currently have terrorism warnings in place.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't go. It just means you should stay aware, especially in busy tourist areas or during major holidays. These advisories are usually more about keeping travellers informed rather than stopping trips altogether.
If you're heading somewhere under an active advisory, double-check that your travel insurance still applies. Some policies won't cover you in certain situations, and the last thing you want is to be caught off guard if something goes sideways.
Check your passport's expiry date
Before you start hunting for cheap flights, do yourself a favour and check your passport's expiration date. A lot of European countries have a rule that requires your passport to be valid for at least six months after you return home. Miss this detail, and your dream trip could end before it even begins.
Even if you've got a valid ticket and hotel reservation, you could still be denied entry if your passport is too close to expiring. Airlines won't even let you board in some cases, so this isn't the kind of mistake you want to make.
If your passport is nearing its expiry date, renew it as soon as possible.
Pay to visit the U.K.
Planning to swing by London, Edinburgh, or anywhere in the U.K. during your Eurotrip? There's a new requirement you can't skip.
Since January 8, 2025, Canadians need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the U.K., even if you're just passing through on a layover.
The process is quick and done online, but make sure you apply with the same passport you'll be using for travel. Otherwise, you might run into issues at the border.
Budget for tourism tax
Don't be shocked if your hotel or Airbnb asks for a little extra cash when you check in — tourism taxes are pretty common across Europe, and they're not usually included in your initial booking price.
Cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Amsterdam have had hotel taxes for years, and now places like Venice are even charging day-tripper fees for visitors who aren't staying overnight. The cost varies depending on where you are, but it's usually a small fee per night or per stay.
It's not a huge expense, but it's still worth checking ahead so you're not caught off guard when you arrive. No one likes surprise charges, especially when you're just trying to drop your bags and start exploring!
Don't forget travel insurance
Skipping travel insurance might seem like an easy way to save money, but if something goes wrong in Europe, you could end up with a huge bill. Hospital visits can cost thousands, and in some places, they won't even admit you without proof of insurance.
It's one of those things you hope you'll never need, but if you do, you'll be so glad you have it.
The Canadian government strongly recommends a policy covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and emergency evacuations. If you're heading to a country with a travel advisory, double-check the fine print—some policies won't cover you in higher-risk destinations.
Whatever your Eurotrip involves, don't forget to stay on top of passport rules, keep an eye on the ETIAS updates, and make sure you're covered with the right insurance.
Do that, and you'll be sipping espresso in Italy or hiking through the Swiss Alps with zero stress—except maybe deciding where to go next!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
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