If you are Mexican, you should know the changes in the requirements for Mexicans traveling to Canada.
Canada's new immigration regulations for those who wish to travel to this destination, which come into effect this February 29, 2024, at 11:30 pm (Eastern time).
The Government of Canada has implemented significant measures in response to the increasing number of asylum applications made by Mexican citizens that are rejected, withdrawn or abandoned.
These new regulations aim to preserve the mobility of hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens while ensuring proper management of the country's immigration and asylum systems.
Beginning February 29, 2024, at 11:30 pm (Eastern Time), Mexican citizens who hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa or who have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, will be able to apply for an Authorization Electronic Travel Tax (eTA) when traveling by air with a Mexican passport.
This measure provides a more convenient path for those who meet these specific criteria.
However, it is important to note the following key changes:
Automatic Cancellation of Previous eTAs: eTAs approved before February 29, 2024, at 11:30 pm (Eastern Time), will be automatically canceled and will not be valid for travel, unless the holder has a work permit or current study.
Pending eTA Applications: Those with pending eTA applications will need to apply for a new eTA or visitor visa.
Pre-Travel Application Process: Travelers who meet the requirements for an eTA are strongly encouraged to apply for a new eTA before traveling to Canada.
Waiting for New Applications: Visitor visas cannot be applied for before the date and time mentioned above. Furthermore, eTAs requested before this time will be automatically cancelled.
People who may apply for an eTA to travel to Canada are those who promptly meet the following requirements:
They are using a valid Mexican passport to fly to Canada or transit through a Canadian airport to another destination.
The visit to Canada is for a short period, usually up to 6 months.
Have held a Canadian visitor visa within the last 10 years or currently hold a US non-immigrant visa.
It is important to note that the eTA is only valid for traveling by plane. Those planning to travel to Canada by other means of transportation will need a visitor visa.
For those who do not meet the requirements for an eTA, it will be necessary to apply for a visitor visa.
This process costs 100 Canadian dollars, with possible additional expenses such as the biometric data collection fee.
Visa processing can take at least 40 days, so it is recommended to plan ahead.
Important:
It is essential that Mexican citizens planning to travel to Canada are aware of these changes and plan accordingly.
The Government of Canada will not refund lost travel expenses if the visa is not obtained on time, so all travelers are urged to follow the new regulations and procedures rigorously.
These measures reflect the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring efficient and equitable management of the immigration and asylum systems, while promoting the mobility of Mexican citizens in a responsible manner.
If you need more information you can consult the Official Communiqué of the Government of Canada.
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