Updates to Visa Requirements for Mexican Citizens

As part of recent changes to Canada eTA program, Mexican passport holder are eligible to apply for Canada ETA only if you currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years.

Attention Mexican travelers with Canada eTAs

• Important update: Canada eTAs issued to Mexican passport holders before February 29, 2024, 11:30 PM Eastern Time are no longer valid (except those linked to a valid Canadian work or study permit).

What this means for you

• If you have a pre-existing Canada eTA and no valid Canadian work/study permit, you'll need a visitor visa or a new Canada eTA (if eligible).
• Pre-booked travel doesn't guarantee approval. Apply for a visa or re-apply for an eTA as soon as possible.

We recommend you applying for the appropriate travel document well in advance of your trip to Canda.

Who is eligible to apply for new Canada eTA?

As part of recent changes to Canada eTA program, Mexican passport holder are eligible to apply for Canada ETA only if 

• you are travelling to Canada by air; and
• you either
  • have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years, or
  • you currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa

If you do not meet the requirements above, you need to apply for a Visitor Visa to travel to Canada. You can apply for one online at Canada.ca/visit.

What has caused this change to happen for Mexican citizens?

Canada is committed to welcoming Mexican visitors while upholding a secure immigration system. In response to recent asylum claim trends, adjustments have been made to ensure efficient processing for genuine travelers and asylum seekers alike.

Who is not affected by these new updated requirements?

Those who already hold a valid Canadian work permit or study permit.

If you are a Mexican national who is already in Canada

If you are in Canada, this does not impact your authorized length of stay. Once you leave Canada, for any reason or any length of time, you will need a visitor visa or a new eTA (if you meet the requirements listed above) to re-enter Canada.

Important Information for Mexican passport holders apply for new Canada eTA

Since holding a US non-immigrant visa is one of the pre-conditions to apply for a new Canada eTA, it is important to under the US visa number you should be entering in your Canada eTA application. Otherwise your Canada eTA application is likely to get rejected.

Holders of Border Crossing Card Card

Enter the below 12 characters shown at the back of BCC card

If US Visa is issued as a sticker in the Passport

Enter the highlighted number shown.

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