The fine art of closing the sale on a client’s booking can be challenging enough without visa requirements and fees getting in the way. No wonder there are cheers from suppliers and retailers alike when the news broke that yes, Canadians (starting June 17) would no longer require a Visa to travel to Brazil.

In fact, it’s not just Canadians, but the USA, Japan, and Australia as well!

Canadian visitors will be able to stay in Brazil for 90 days from the date of first entry in the country, extendable for an equal period, provided that it does not exceed 180 days, every 12 months, counted from the date of the first entry into the country.

 

 

New Visa Waiver for entry into Europe

Another situation is brewing for travel to Europe. The EU’s ETIAS includes a visa waiver for Canadians travelling to Europe. It is a waiver, but there will be an application process, and a fee involved.

The last thing this industry needs is a reason for clients to say ‘no thanks’ to booking a trip - especially when the destination is ever-popular Europe.

 

 

ETIAS 

Starting in 2021, Canadians travelling to Europe will need to apply for the ETIAS visa waiver in order to enter any of the 26 European Schengen Area countries that don’t already require a visa.

The Schengen Zone includes France, Germany, Italy and 23 more top destinations for Europe-bound clients. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is the EU’s initiative aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration and safeguarding against terrorist attacks.

 

 

Online Application

Canadians will apply for their ETIAS visa waiver online. The European Commission has promised that filling in the application should not take more than 10 minutes and not require any documentation beyond a travel document.

The validity of the travel authorization will be 3 years, or until the expiry date of the travel document registered in the application. Applications will be checked against EU and Interpol databases and the like.

In just about all cases, authorization will be issued automatically.

 

 

Visa Fees

Canadians must also pay a fee of 7 Euros in advance via a secure credit card or debit card, for all applicants above the age of 18. Once approved, the ETIAS travel authorization will be sent via email.

 

New Zealand Visa Waiver

Anyone who sells New Zealand should know that Canadians travelling to that country are facing a visa waiver situation as well. eTA New Zealand comes into effect this July and will be obligatory for citizens of visa waiver countries (including Canada) by October.

New Zealand’s eTA will be online, and will require a processing fee. The eTA will be valid for 2 years but will be required even if a client is just transiting through New Zealand.

 

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