In recent years, Canada had permitted Mexicans to travel to Canada visa free. They would, as most other non-visa nationals, require only an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel by air.
Effective today, February 29, 2024, at 11:30pm Eastern, but subject to certain exceptions noted below, Mexicans will again require visas to travel to Canada. Any eTA issued since the removal of the Mexican visa requirement will cease to be valid, and any eTA application in process will be terminated. Even if travel arrangements were already in place before the implementation of the new requirement, travellers will need to take appropriate new measures. Note that:
- Existing eTAs will remain valid for those with work or study permits.
- For those already in Canada, they may continue to remain in Canada for as long as authorized (generally up to 6 months from the date of arrival). Once a person leaves Canada, he or she will be bound by the new rules.
- For those with eTA applications in process who may still qualify for an eTA (see exceptions below), a new eTA application will need to be lodged.
There are some exceptions to the need for a visa, similar to what has been introduced for other countries, including, for instance, Brazil and Argentina. Mexicans may travel to Canada by air on an eTA if they:
- Held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years, or
- Currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa.
Please note that an eTA can be used only for travel by air, not travel by land (or sea).
The information in this article is for general purposes only, and not intended as legal advice for any particular situation.