Canada tightens visa rules for Mexican travelers
Canada has updated eTA eligibility criteria for Mexican citizens, effective February 29, 2024, due to concerns over overstays and travel to the U.S.
As of February 29, 2024, eligibility criteria for the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) have changed for Mexican nationals, following allegations by Ottawa regarding abuse of permitted stays in Canada or the use of the eTA to subsequently enter the U.S.
Mexican citizens with existing eTAs will have their authorization automatically cancelled unless they also hold a valid work or study permit. Applicants with eTA applications in progress must submit a new eTA or a visitor visa application before traveling to Canada.
Mexican nationals no longer eligible for an eTA will be required to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada, even if their trip is already booked.
Three conditions for Mexican citizens to qualify for an eTA
Under the updated rules, Mexican citizens must meet three requirements to qualify for an eTA:
travel using a valid Mexican passport
have previously held a Canadian visitor visa within the past 10 years
hold a valid non-immigrant U.S. visa.
https://twitter.com/CitImmCanFR/status/1763565979504681309
The eTA program applies only to air travel. Travelers eligible for an eTA must obtain a visitor visa if arriving in Canada by land border, bus, train, or sea (including cruise ships). Those who do not qualify for an eTA will require a visitor visa.
Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. do not need a visa or eTA to enter Canada but must present a valid green card and valid passport from their country of citizenship. Officials or diplomats traveling on official business may still be required to obtain a visa, even as permanent residents.
