Wander logo

Can Canadians Travel to Europe?

Canadians were just removed from the European Union’s ‘safe-list’ after a spike in coronavirus cases, when will Canadians be able to travel to Europe again?

By Kate WilliamsPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
Like
Canadians Travel to Europe?

In normal times, Canadians are able to enter the European Union’s Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days.

As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has rendered these times anything but normal. Due to the ease of transmission with which the disease spreads, government officials across the globe, including those in Europe, shut down their borders back in March of 2020 in order to stem the spread of the virus.

The shutdown of passport control was not limited to the Schengen Area as an entity. Individual countries within the European Union also closed their ports of entry, even to their neighbors and other member-states who typically enjoy borderless travel.

This meant that even if a Canadian was already living in, say, France or Austria, they could not have crossed international lines into Germany. However, things looked as if they were improving by summer as Canadians were added to a list of people who were considered to be low-risk international travelers.

However, as the year has worn on, the virus has continued to rage, and the answer to the question can Canadians enter Germany or any other European Union country began to change by the day.

Are Canadians on the European Union’s Safe-List?

When the European Union decided to close its borders back in March to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, it did so without knowing when its member-states would be able to resume allowing travelers to enter.

Months later, the governing body of the European Union recognized that without the money that its members rely on from tourism, the economic situation would worsen. In response to that need, officials created a “safe-list” of countries who they deemed to be relatively low-risk and allowed for their citizens to enter into the Schengen Area.

At the start of July, a few select countries who had successfully suppressed the first wave of the coronavirus were placed on the safe-list meaning their citizens would be able to travel to the 26 countries of the Schengen Area. Canada was among those countries, and travelers who felt safe doing so, flocked to Europe to try to squeeze in a vacation.

Due to the restrictions, Canadian travelers were forced to streamline their trips, packing lighter and operating only in the areas of their destinations that the governments deemed safe, but at least they were among the lucky few who could travel at all.

Unfortunately, the stay on the European Union safe-list was not long for Canadian passport holders. In late October, Canada was removed from the list because of the increase in coronavirus cases the country was experiencing. This meant that Canadians were no longer able to travel to Europe for non-essential reasons.

Might Canadians Be Allowed Back in Europe?

After a brief stay on the safe-list, Canadians will no doubt be eager to resume traveling. A trip to Europe, whether for a first-time traveler or an experienced hand, is always a popular choice among Canadians, but the current reality is that it could be a while before they are placed back onto the approved list.

First and foremost, in order for any country at all to be included on a safe-list, the European Union needs to be comfortable with the current caseload already within its borders. Should there be widespread lockdowns across the continent like there were in March, then no outside travelers would be allowed to enter.

In conjunction with that, the next step is for European officials to review the transmission numbers in Canada and decide if they are comfortable with opening their borders to Canadian citizens. Should the numbers continue to rise, then it is all but guaranteed that Canada would remain off of the safe-list.

The good news is that the entire community of global health experts is working on a vaccine. A viable COVID-19 vaccination coming to market is the most secure way to guarantee that Canadians will be allowed to enter Europe.

Anyone who is itching to get back on the road can take solace in the fact that scientists are making progress daily towards an effective vaccine that would protect citizens from both continents who wish to resume free movement.

Fortunately, once travel begins again, the same beautiful beaches and stone cathedrals of the Spanish and Italian coasts will be awaiting Canadians in the summertime, as will the snowy, rugged mountains of France and Austria. In the meantime, potential backpackers and honeymooners can begin planning their ultimate vacation for once the restrictions are eased.

europe
Like

About the Creator

Kate Williams

Hello,

Live the passion of content writer. Kate specializes in the Travel and tourism niche. When she's not writing about tech she enjoys walking her two chihuahua-poodle mixes, Ginger and Pepper.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.