As of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), new travel regulations have been implemented for Mexican citizens seeking to enter Canada. These changes impact the eligibility for Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs) and require some travelers to apply for a visitor visa instead. Understanding these new requirements is crucial for planning your trip from Mexico to Canada.
Who is Affected by the New Travel Rules?
The updated regulations primarily affect Mexican citizens traveling to Canada as visitors, meaning temporary residents without valid work or study permits. This includes tourists, students attending programs shorter than six months, and business travelers. Here’s a breakdown of how these changes might affect you:
- eTA Holders Before February 29, 2024: If you were issued an eTA on your Mexican passport before 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024, and you don’t possess a valid study or work permit, your eTA has been canceled and is no longer valid for travel.
- Pre-Booked Travel: These changes apply even if you have already made travel arrangements. Having a pre-booked trip or a previously valid eTA does not guarantee approval for a new eTA or a visa.
Alt text: A close-up view of a Mexican passport page showcasing a Canadian visa, emphasizing the necessity of a visa for entry into Canada.
Who Can Apply for an eTA Under the New Rules?
Under the updated regulations, you may be eligible for an eTA if you meet all of the following requirements:
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Valid Mexican Passport: You must be using a valid Mexican passport to fly to Canada or to transit through a Canadian airport en route to another destination.
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Temporary Stay: Your intended stay in Canada is temporary (typically up to six months).
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U.S. Visa or Previous Canadian Visa: You either:
- Currently hold a valid United States (U.S.) nonimmigrant visa; or
- Have held a Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) within the past 10 years.
- Important Note: Having held an eTA in the past 10 years does not qualify you as having held a Canadian visitor visa.
Remember: An eTA is exclusively for air travel. Even if you qualify for an eTA, you will need a visitor visa if you plan to enter Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, including cruise ships (even if you remain on board). If you’re unsure whether you need an eTA or a visa, you can use this questionnaire to determine your requirements.
What You Need to Board Your Flight to Canada with an eTA
If you are traveling to Canada by air with an eTA, ensure you:
- Travel with the same passport you used to apply for the eTA. If you obtain a new passport after applying, you must apply for a new eTA with the updated passport information.
- Travel with your passport containing your work or study permit, if applicable.
It is also highly recommended to:
- Bring a printed copy and a digital copy of your eTA confirmation email.
- Bring your old passport if it contains either:
- Your expired Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa); or
- Your U.S. non-immigrant visa (your visa must be valid when you apply for your eTA, but not necessarily when you travel to Canada).
Alt text: An image of a woman holding a passport, signifying the importance of proper documentation for international travel from Mexico to Canada.
When Do You Need a Visa?
If you do not meet the eTA eligibility requirements, you will need a visitor visa to travel from Mexico to Canada. A visitor visa is an official document placed in your passport that demonstrates you meet the requirements for entry into Canada.
- Cost: The visa application fee is CAN$100, and there may be additional costs, such as the CAN$85 biometrics (fingerprints and photo) collection fee.
- Validity: Most Canadian visitor visas are multiple-entry visas, valid for up to 10 years.
If you require a visa and are traveling soon, it is advisable to check the current processing times to estimate how long the application process might take.
Special Cases: Study and Work Permit Holders
The new regulations also affect Mexican citizens holding or applying for Canadian study or work permits:
- Outside Canada – Applying for a New Permit: If your work or study permit application is approved, you will automatically be issued a visitor visa, eliminating the need for a separate application.
- Outside Canada – Permit Approved Before February 29, 2024: You can still use the eTA issued before the deadline to travel to Canada by air, as long as it remains valid.
- Inside Canada – Applying for a New Permit: The eligibility requirements for applying for a new work or study permit within Canada remain unchanged.
- Inside Canada – Renewing a Permit: If you hold a valid work or study permit, you can continue working or studying in Canada under the existing permit’s conditions.
Other Travelers from Mexico: What You Need to Know
Here’s how the new regulations impact other categories of travelers from Mexico:
- Mexican Citizens Already in Canada: You can remain in Canada for the duration of your authorized stay, and your visitor record will remain valid. However, your eTA will be canceled, and you will need a visitor visa or a new eTA issued after February 29, 2024, to return to Canada if you leave.
- Approved for Permanent Residence: Your permanent resident visa remains valid for travel to Canada. You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa.
- Dual Citizens (Canadian-Mexican): You need a valid Canadian passport to enter Canada.
- Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States (Green Card Holders): You do not need a visa or eTA to travel to Canada.
- Mexican Diplomatic Passport Holders: You can apply for an eTA if you meet the new requirements. You may need a visa if traveling for official or diplomatic purposes.
- Cruise Ship Workers and Passengers: Cruise ship workers arriving by air to join a vessel as crew members need a visitor visa. All Mexican travelers entering Canada by boat need a visitor visa.
Alt text: A cruise ship sailing, highlighting the need for a visitor visa when entering Canada by boat from Mexico.
Planning Your Trip from Mexico to Canada: Key Takeaways
The recent changes in Canadian travel regulations for Mexican citizens require careful consideration. Determining whether you qualify for an eTA or need a visitor visa is the first step. Always ensure your travel documents are valid and up-to-date to avoid any disruptions to your travel plans. By understanding these new requirements, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip from Mexico to Canada.
