In a significant update for Mexican citizens planning to travel to Canada, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced changes to visa requirements, affecting various modes of travel. Under the new regulations, a visitor visa is now mandatory for all travels to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, including during cruises, even if passengers do not disembark. Conversely, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is restricted to air travel only and is subject to stringent conditions, including a past Canadian visa within the last 10 years or a valid US non-immigrant visa.

Fact Sheet 

A visitor visa is now required for all travel to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship (even if you don’t leave the ship).

 An electronic travel authorization (eTA) may only be used by Mexican citizens travelling by air into Canada if they meet all of these conditions: 

1. Have either held a Canadian visa (not eTA) in the past 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa;
2. Travelling by air on a valid Mexican passport; and,
3. Coming to Canada for a short visit (normally for stays of up to 6 months).

Those who do not meet the conditions must apply for a visitor visa. 

This applies even if travel to Canada has already been booked or if a previous eTA has been approved. Current eTAs are cancelled unless Mexican entrants also have a valid work or study permit.

Having pre-booked travel plans or a previously valid eTA does not guarantee approval for a new eTA or a visitor visa.

If travellers have an eTA application in progress, they will need to reapply or request a visitor visa.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded its network of visa application centres in Mexico to meet demand.

Detailed information on temporary residence application procedures and requirements can be found online at: canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html

Why are these changes occurring?

IRCC has instituted a visitor visa requirement in response to a recent increase in asylum claims by  Mexican citizens. Across Canada, there were more than 25,000 claims from Mexican nationals in 2023, representing 17% of all refugees claims last year. This is up significantly compared to 2015 when, before the eTA was introduced, only 115 Mexican asylum claims were made.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada continues to communicate with IRCC officials about the changes

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is aware of immediate issues caused by these changes, and is working with IRCC to address them.  We will provide members with updates as these discussions evolve.