Mexico and Canada have maintained a positive, deep, and constructive diplomatic relationship for decades. To ensure citizens’ connections and travel between Mexico and Canada while protecting the integrity of their immigration system, the Canadian Government is changing its tour requirements for Mexican residents. The requirements for travel for Mexican citizens endured significant changes on 29 February 2024.

Mexican nationals who hold or have held a valid Canadian visa in the previous ten years or own a US nonimmigrant visa and are going via air with a Mexican passport are allowed to apply for an ETA (electronic travel authorization). In addition, as a large number of Mexican residents currently have Canadian visas, they will be able to enjoy a visa-free trip to Canada. Mexicans who do not fulfill these requirements will have to apply for a traditional Canadian visitor visa.

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Changes in Travel Requirements for Mexicans

Before 29th February 2024, the majority of electronic travel authorizations that were issued to Mexican residents have now been canceled automatically.  However, there are a few exceptions, as mentioned below:

• Mexican residents who already have a valid Canadian study or work permit will not have their electronic travel authorizations cancelled.  As long as their authorization remains valid, they can continue to visit Canada via air.
• A Mexican native who was previously accepted for a new study or work permit but has not visited Canada yet will not have to apply for another TRV or ETA.

Eligibility Requirements for Mexicans

An ETA is entirely valid for air travel. Even if visitors fulfil the requirements for an ETA, a tourist visa is required if their tour mode to Canada includes transportation by bus, car, boat, or train.

A tourist visa will be needed for those who do not meet the requirements for an ETA.

To be qualified for an ETA:

• A Mexican citizens must have a valid Mexican passport as well as a past US or Canadian visa.
• Also, their Canadian tourist visa might be expired. It reflects visa requirements to visit Canada similar for Brazilian residents.

Furthermore, if an applicant owns a US nonimmigrant visa, it should be valid on the date that the tourist applies for an ETA, however, not when they go to Canada.  BCCs (Mexican Border Crossing Cards) are enough to satisfy this condition since the US DOS (Department of State) also considers a BCC to be a visitor visa.

• Also, Mexicans should travel to Canada for a temporary visit, tourism or business activity (generally for stays of around six months).  Alternatively, they can’t be looking for admission as a student permit holder or work.
• Mexicans should transit through (or fly to) a Canadian port of entry utilizing a valid passport.

How to Apply for an ETA?

The application process to apply for an ETA is as follows:

Applying for a Canadian ETA is an easy online procedure. You must apply for it before reserving your seat.

• Prepare your credit or debit card and passport, and properly read the visa application document, which is available in various languages.
• Utilize the online ETA application form to apply.
• After completing the form, pay the charges of around CAD 7 for your ETA.
• You will get an e-mail regarding your application.
• Majority applications are authorized within few minutes however, few can take longer time.
• You might need to provide extra documents if your application will be approved.
• In case this occurs, an email will be delivered with proper guidelines within seventy-two hours.

Documents Required to Get a Canada Tourist Visa

For those who are not eligible for an ETA need to get a normal tourist visa. The documents required to get a tourist visa are as follows:

• An applicant must have a travel document (a valid passport).
• Have no immigration-related or criminal convictions.
• Should have a good health condition.
• Have sufficient money for your tour in Canada.
• Satisfy an immigration officer regarding your ties with home country like a home, job, family or financial assets —that will return you to Mexico.
• Satisfy an immigration officer that you’ll depart from Canada at the end of your tour.
• You might also require a letter of invitation and medical exam from somebody who stays in Canada.
• The money you will require is based on how long a visitor will live and if he will live in a hotel or with relatives or friends.

Inadmissibility to Canada

An ETA does not assure entrance to Canada. When visitors reach, a border services officer will say to show your valid passport as well as other documents. You should satisfy the officer that you are qualified for admittance to Canada.

Various things can lead to inadmissibility, like connection to human rights violations, criminal history, or in planned crime. Likewise, you can be inadmissible for health, financial or security reasons.