Canada lifts visa requirement on Mexico

The Government of Canada has made it a top priority to re-establish and strengthen our relationship with Mexico, one of Canada’s most important partners. Lifting the visa requirement on Mexico will help build momentum to expand trade, investment and tourism. It will strengthen cooperation, which will provide lasting benefits for both countries.

Now that the visa has been lifted, Mexican citizens will need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before boarding their flight to Canada. All visa-exempt foreign nationals — except United States (U.S.) citizens — need an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada.

Mexican citizens can apply for an eTA using any device with an Internet connection, including mobile phones. To complete the form, they need their passport, a credit card, an email address and access to the Internet.

eTA enrolment was opened to Mexican citizens on November 25, 2016, in an effort to facilitate travel for Mexican citizens travelling by air to Canada in the immediate days after the visa lift.

Getting an eTA does not mean automatic entry into Canada. Even after the visa is lifted, visitors to Canada, on arrival at the Canadian border, either by land or at an airport, will still need to present themselves to a border services officer, who will determine if they can enter Canada and how long they can stay in Canada. Most visitors are allowed a six-month stay from the day they enter Canada.

Mexican citizens holding valid Canadian visas are exempt from the eTA requirement and can continue to travel to Canada with their visa until it expires, after which they will need an eTA.

Canadian dual citizens living in Mexico should continue to travel with their Canadian passport.

Canadian officials continue to work with their Mexican counterparts to support a sustainable visa lift. This includes collaborating on combating irregular migration –– to maximize the benefits of the visa lift for both countries. Officials plan to meet regularly to promote these mutual interests.