ETIAS Italy for Canadian citizens

Canadians travelling to Italy will soon need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). ETIAS will be available from 2026.

Canadian citizens will need to complete an ETIAS application for Italy before arrival. Fortunately, this will be a straightforward process. The application is 100% online and quick to complete.

What is the ETIAS Italy for Canadians?

ETIAS is a new travel authorisation for the Schengen Area. It will be an entry requirement for Canadian tourists and other short-stay visitors travelling to Italy.

ETIAS is linked to the traveller’s passport and verified at an external Schengen border. The same ETIAS is valid to travel to Italy and other countries in the Schengen zone.

ETIAS is not a visa. It is a travel authorisation similar to the ESTA for the United States. Canadians can continue travelling to Italy short-term without a visa, but they will need to register for ETIAS.

The only time Canadian travellers need a visa for Italy is if they intend to stay for a long period of time, or visit for a reason not covered by visa-free travel—like to work or study. In this case, visitors should check Italy’s visa policy to see which visa type they need.

Key information about travelling from Canada to Italy with ETIAS

This is the most important information for Canadians travelling to Italy with ETIAS:

Why will Canadians need ETIAS for Italy?

ETIAS will increase security and improve border management in Italy and the rest of the Schengen Area.

How ETIAS for Italy increases security

Travellers from visa-exempt non-EU countries can travel to Italy without pre-travel safety checks. This makes it difficult to detect health or security risks.

ETIAS closes this information gap by pre-screening visa-exempt travellers. The applicant’s data will be checked against international security databases to detect potential health and safety threats.

Once ETIAS is operational, all non-EU nationals will undergo pre-travel security checks, not just those who require a visa.

How ETIAS for Italy improves border management

ETIAS improves border management by carrying out checks before travellers depart their country of origin.

Border officers will verify a passenger’s ETIAS at the border, but the relevant checks will already have taken place. This will streamline the border-crossing experience for Canadians and other visa-exempt visitors.

Note that ETIAS does not guarantee automatic entry to Italy. Border officials check passengers arriving from Canada meet the entry requirements.

How can Canadians apply for an ETIAS visa waiver to visit Italy?

Canadians will be able to apply for the ETIAS visa waiver for Italy by completing an application form online. Applicants will need to provide:

1. Personal information

Name
Date of birth
Nationality

2. Passport details

Issue date
Expiry date
Passport number

3. Other information

Arrival country
Health and security information

What you need to apply for ETIAS Italy from Canada

Just a few items are required to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation for Canadians.

Travelling to Italy from Canada with the ETIAS visa waiver

Italian ports of entry for Canadian ETIAS holders

ETIAS is valid to enter Italy by air, land, and sea. Most Canadians travel to Italy by plane. There are several direct flights available.

Rome: from Toronto, Montreal and Calgary
Venice: from Montreal and Toronto
Milan: from Montreal
Lamezia Terme: from Toronto

Tourist information for Canadians going to Italy

Italy has more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country in the world. Whether you want to see spectacular scenery such as the Italian Alps, masterpieces from the likes of Michelangelo and da Vinci, or just enjoy Italian culture and lifestyle, there is something for everyone.

Rome is the best place to see the ruins and relics from the days of the empire. Favourite sites such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum are visited by thousands of tourists each year. Venice, the city built on water, is one of the prettiest places and perfect for a weekend trip.

Florence is a captivating city and is ideal for those who want to experience Italian culture. It is the capital of Tuscany and home to numerous masterpieces of art and architecture. Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture and Duomo, the city’s cathedral, are some of the highlights.

Italy also has an incredible range of landscapes. The Alps are ideal for a skiing holiday and Italy has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. There are also over 450 islands and world-class vineyards to discover.

Health information for travellers to Italy

The standard of healthcare is high throughout Italy. Canadians should make sure they take out a comprehensive insurance policy to cover any emergency medical costs. For minor illnesses and injuries, a range of over-the-counter medication is available from pharmacies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following routine vaccinations: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B
If taking medications, bring them in its clearly labelled original packaging
The number to call an ambulance and contact the police is 112
Tap water is safe to drink

Canadian embassies and consulates in Italy

Embassy of Canada in Rome

Address: Via Zara 30, Rome, 00198
Telephone: +39 06-85444-1

Consulate of Canada in Milan

Address: 3, Piazza Cavour, 6th floor, Milan, 20121
Telephone: +39 02 6269-4238

Entering Italy from Canada with ETIAS