Changes to eTA and visitor visa requirements for Mexican citizens

Mexican citizens travelling to Canada will need to meet new requirements to travel to Canada.

What’s changing? In (February 29, 2024,)

• Mexican will need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA
• If you already have an eTA, it will automatically be cancelled unless you also have a valid work or study permit
• If you have an eTA application in progress, you will need to apply for a new eTA or for a visitor visa
• Before you travel to Canada, you will need to apply for a new eTA (if eligible)
• If you’re not eligible for an eTA anymore, you will need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada

These changes apply even if you already booked your travel. Having pre-booked travel plans or a previously valid eTA does not guarantee you will be approved for a new eTA or a visa. Visitors are temporary residents who don’t have a valid work or study permit, such as tourists, students on a study term less than 6 months, or business visitors. You can stay in Canada for as long as you are authorized to do so. If you have a visitor record, it will remain valid.

However, your eTA will be cancelled. If you leave Canada and wish to return, you need to have

• a visitor visa, or
• a new eTA that was issued after February 29, 2024.

If you already have a valid work or study permit, IRCC will not cancel your eTA. You don’t have to apply for a new eTA. You can continue to travel with it as long as it’s still valid. You can keep studying or working in Canada based on the validity and conditions of your permit. Visitor records will also remain valid.

If you’re applying for a new work or study permit, IRCC will automatically issue a visa or an eTA (based on eligibility) when your work or study permit application is approved. You don’t need to apply for a visa or an eTA separately.

An eTA is for air travel only. Even if you have a valid eTA, you need a visitor visa if you plan to travel to Canada by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship (even if you don’t leave the ship).

You may be eligible to have your eTA reactivated. To find out if you are eligible

• send a web form request
• complete all required fields
• include the code “EMVR2024” in the text box

If you are not eligible to have your eTA reactivated, you will need to submit a new eTA application based on the new requirements or a visitor visa application.

Who can apply for an eTA under the new rules?

You’re eligible for an eTA if you meet all of these 3 requirements:

1. You’re using a valid Mexican passport to fly to Canada or to transit through a Canadian airport to another destination.

2. You’re coming to Canada for a short visit (normally for stays of up to 6 months).

3. You either

• Have held a Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) in the past 10 years or
• Currently hold a valid United States  nonimmigrant visa