Schengen Tourist Visa from Canada 2026
Non-Canadian citizens residing in Canada — permanent residents, work permit holders, international students on study permits — need a Schengen visa to visit Europe for tourism. Canadian passport holders are exempt and can enter Schengen visa-free for up to 90 days. This guide explains where to apply in Canada, what documents you need, how to show financial proof in CAD, and the specific considerations for Canadian residents with non-Canadian passports.
Your PR card, work permit, or study permit is a mandatory document. It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date from Europe. Ensure it will not expire during or shortly after your trip.
In this guide
Key Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | €90 (~CAD 130) adults · €45 children (6–11) |
| VFS Service Fee | ~CAD 50–70 (varies by centre and country) |
| Processing Time | 15 calendar days (up to 45 during peak season) |
| Financial Requirement | €50–€95/day depending on destination country |
| Application Channel | VFS Global Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa) |
| Who needs this | Non-Canadian citizens legally residing in Canada |
Which Schengen Embassy to Apply At
Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most nights. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at your first Schengen port of entry. Most Schengen countries process Canada-based applications through VFS Global.
Key exception: France uses TLScontact (not VFS) in Canada. If your main destination is France, book through TLScontact Canada.
Financial Requirements from Canada
Each Schengen country sets its own daily requirement — typically €50–€95 per day. Canadian bank statements in CAD are accepted. You do not need to hold euros in your account.
| Trip Length | Min (€50/day) | Approx CAD | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | €350 | ~CAD 520 | CAD 800+ |
| 10 days | €500 | ~CAD 740 | CAD 1,100+ |
| 14 days | €700 | ~CAD 1,040 | CAD 1,500+ |
| 21 days | €1,050 | ~CAD 1,560 | CAD 2,200+ |
CAD amounts approximate — use current exchange rate when calculating.
Canadian bank statements should cover 3 months, be signed/stamped by the bank, and show regular income rather than a single large recent deposit. See our bank balance requirements guide.
Document Checklist — Schengen Tourist Visa from Canada
Core Documents (All Applicants)
- Visa application form — from the destination country's VFS portal or embassy, signed and dated
- Valid passport — 3+ months validity after return date, at least 2 blank pages. Include old passports with prior travel stamps.
- Canadian status document — PR card, work permit, or study permit (valid 3+ months after return)
- 2 passport photos — 35×45 mm, white background, taken within 6 months
- travel insurance — minimum €30,000 medical coverage, Schengen-wide. See our travel insurance guide
- Flight reservation — round-trip itinerary with dates (not a paid ticket)
- Accommodation proof — hotel bookings with free cancellation for every night of your stay
- Bank statements — last 3 months in CAD, bank-stamped, showing sufficient funds
- Cover letter — explaining your itinerary, travel purpose, and why you will return to Canada
Employment / Income Proof
- employment letter from your Canadian employer confirming your position, salary, and approved leave
- Last 3 months' pay stubs
- For self-employed: Canadian business registration, latest tax assessment (NOA), business bank statements
- For students: enrolment letter, study permit, sponsor's (parents') bank statements and employment letter
Return Ties to Canada
Show you have strong reasons to return to Canada after your Europe trip:
- Valid Canadian work or study permit with expiry well after your return
- Canadian employer letter confirming your job is held on return
- Lease or mortgage documents in Canada
- Family members in Canada (especially if applying as a single traveller)
VFS Global Centres in Canada
Most Schengen countries use VFS Global Canada. Confirm your destination country's centre at the VFS Global website:
- Toronto — handles most Schengen countries; the busiest centre in Canada
- Vancouver — serves BC and Alberta applicants for major Schengen countries
- Montreal — serves Quebec residents
- Calgary — handles select countries
- Ottawa — some embassies accept direct applications
Special Consideration: Temporary Status in Canada
If you are on a Canadian work permit or study permit (not a PR card holder), consular officers pay extra attention to your return intent. A temporary permit that expires within a few months of your planned return from Europe raises questions. Make sure your permit has ample validity remaining, and have your employer or institution confirm your ongoing status in Canada.
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
- What documents do I need?
- How do I write a cover letter?
- How much bank balance to show?
- What travel insurance do I need?
- How do I book a visa appointment?
- How long does processing take?
- Which country approves easiest?
- Why do visas get rejected?
- How to get a flight reservation?
- Which insurance plan is best?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- Where do I start as a first timer?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadian citizens need a Schengen visa for tourism?
No. Canadian passport holders have visa-free access to Schengen for up to 90 days. This guide is for non-Canadian citizens residing in Canada — permanent residents, work permit holders, international students — who need a Schengen visa.
How much money do I need to show for a Schengen tourist visa from Canada?
Typically €50–€95 per day depending on destination. For a 10-day trip, show at least CAD 740–1,040 (€500–€700). Canadian bank statements in CAD are accepted — you do not need to hold euros.
Which VFS Global centre in Canada should I use?
It depends on your destination country and province. Toronto handles most Schengen countries and is the largest centre. Check the VFS Global Canada website for your specific destination embassy's centre locations.
Do I need to show my Canadian PR card or work permit?
Yes. Your Canadian immigration status document is a required document — it proves you are a legal resident with reason to return. Ensure it is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return from Europe.
How far in advance should I apply from Canada?
Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel. For summer trips (June–August), apply 8–10 weeks in advance — VFS slots in Toronto and Vancouver fill quickly and processing takes longer during peak season.