Can a Canadian Permanent Resident Travel Without Visa to Countries in Europe?

If you’re a Canadian permanent resident, you can travel without a visa to several countries in Europe. But you will need to meet certain entry requirements in some of those countries, so it’s important to know what they are before you leave.

There are many benefits to being a Canadian permanent resident. For example, you can enjoy a high standard of living, good tax concessions, and access to monetary help after retirement.

1. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, formerly known as the British Empire, is one of the world’s major powers and a nuclear power. It maintains a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, is a member of the G8, NATO and the Commonwealth of Nations.

The country is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy comprised of four constituent countries (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). King Charles III is head of state.

The United Kingdom has a diverse ethnic population with substantial immigrant communities from the Caribbean, Indian sub-continent and Africa. While many citizens identify as Christian, large numbers of people practice other faiths.

2. Germany

Germany is a Western European country that borders Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands to the west. It is known for its advanced infrastructure, economic strength and high standard of living.

As a member state of the Schengen Area, German citizens can enter and stay in other Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a six-month period. However, some non-Canadian citizens may need a Germany visa for longer stays.

3. France

France is one of the top travel destinations in Europe, renowned for its medieval cities, alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches. This Western European country is also home to a plethora of classical art museums, monuments like the Louvre and historic sites such as Lascaux’s ancient cave drawings.

French citizens, including Canadian passport holders, can visit France visa-free for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, from November 2023 all travellers will be required to pre-register their trip with the European travel authorization system (ETIAS) before departure.

ETIAS is similar to the ETA that Canada uses, but it will require travelers to apply online and pay additional fees before their trip begins. This process is designed to improve border security.

4. Spain

Spain is a European country that’s famous for its culture and food. Its cosmopolitan cities and charming villages make it a popular choice for tourists.

Spaniards are proud of their heritage and place a high value on family and traditions. They also value education and work hard to secure a good future for their children.

Traditionally, women were the homemakers and men provided for their families. However, in the last two decades more women have enrolled in university studies and are entering professions formerly dominated by men.

Spanish people are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. They like to talk and are happy to share their knowledge of the country.

5. Italy

Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula that juts out of southern Europe into the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Mediterranean Sea. The country is a popular tourist destination, home to historic cities and some of the world’s best cuisine.

The northern part of the country is covered by the Alps and their snow-covered mountains. Descend to the foothills and you’ll find beautiful lakes, from Lake Como in the north to Lake Garda in the south.

Italians are a proud and socially aware people, who value their family and cultural traditions. They have a deep love for their food and are well known for the iconic pizza Margherita and super-tasty tiramisu.

The Italian government has opened up entry for Canadian citizens, but you’ll need to get a Special Travel Authorization before you travel (called an Italy Self-Declaration) in order to visit. You can apply for this visa online.

6. Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country located in northwest Europe, and is known for its flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. It also has the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII.

The country is divided into 12 provinces that each have their own capital and self-rule. Each region has its own culture, traditions and sphere of life.

The Netherlands is a highly developed economy with many industrial and agricultural sectors. It is one of the highest-rated countries in terms of GDP per capita.

7. Portugal

Portugal is a member of the European Union (EU). Its population is about 3 million people and it has a long history of democracy and freedom.

Citizens of Canada and other countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal as a tourist. However, you must have a valid passport to enter the country.

Travellers with a Canadian passport can travel to Portugal under the Schengen visa-free travel agreement, which allows them to visit any other Schengen area country for up to 90 days in a half year.

Tourism is the economy’s primary industry and Portugal remains a popular destination for travelers. The country boasts 300 days of sunshine a year and offers some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe.

8. Switzerland

Switzerland can be a great place to visit if you’re looking for a peaceful country that is easy to get around. It has excellent train transportation, a diverse culture, and beautiful scenery.

Swiss citizens have a long tradition of defending neutrality in international affairs, and this ethos remains an important part of the nation’s foreign policy. It is also reflected in Swiss bilateral and multilateral diplomatic activity, assistance to developing countries, and support for the extension of international law.

The political system in Switzerland is characterized by a strong national parliament, the Federal Assembly, and a decentralized system of cantonal government. Cantons are subordinate to the federal government but maintain their autonomy in implementing federal laws.

9. Norway

Norway is a country in northern Europe, which borders Sweden and Finland. Its long coastline on the North Sea and Norwegian Sea is home to stunning scenery, including mountains, glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, and the Northern Lights.

The capital city, Oslo, features museums and green spaces. It’s also home to preserved 9th-century Viking ships, which are displayed at the Viking Ship Museum.

Norway has a combination of a market economy and a Nordic welfare model. It’s a world leader in renewable energy and has set a goal to be completely carbon-neutral by 2030.

10. Iceland

Iceland is one of the most unique countries in the world, and its many natural wonders make it an ideal destination for tourists. From watching the Northern Lights to exploring glaciers, volcanoes, mountains and hot springs it’s a place that will take your breath away.

This Nordic island country was founded by Norse seafarers during the Viking Age of exploration. It became a major center for Scandinavian civilization, with a mixed population of Norse and Celtic stock.

Its location in the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean has helped maintain a close connection with Europe for centuries. It is now an EEA member, and its citizens can travel freely across the EU’s Schengen area without border checks.