Traveling To Canada With A Mexican Passport: What You Need To Know

As of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Mexican citizens with a valid US non-immigrant visa or a Canadian visa in the last 10 years can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air. Those who do not meet these requirements must apply for a Canadian visitor visa. Mexican citizens with a valid work or study permit can travel to Canada by air with their existing eTA.

Travel by air

As of October 31, 2022, fully vaccinated foreign nationals who are permitted to enter Canada are no longer required to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result. However, there are still other requirements that must be met, and it is important to stay informed as these requirements can change.

Mexican citizens need a visitor visa (also known as a temporary resident visa) and a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to or transit through Canada by air. They can apply for a visitor visa online

Travel by land

As of 29 February 2024, Mexican citizens travelling to Canada by land need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If you are not eligible for an eTA, you will need to apply for a visitor visa.

To be eligible for an eTA, you must meet all of the following three requirements:

• You are using a valid Mexican passport to fly to Canada or to transit through a Canadian airport to another destination.
• You are coming to Canada for a temporary stay (normally for up to six months).
• You currently hold a valid United States (US) non-immigrant visa, or you have held a Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) in the past 10 years.

If you are entering Canada by land, you do not need an eTA. However, you will need a visitor visa. This is because an eTA is for air travel only.

If you are a lawful permanent resident of the US, you must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

• A valid passport from your country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document).
• A valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the US).

If you are a Mexican citizen living in the US and have a green card, you can use this to enter Canada by land, along with your Mexican passport.

Travel by sea

If you are a Mexican citizen and want to travel to Canada by sea, you will need to apply for a visitor visa. This is because an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is only valid for air travel.

To be eligible for a visitor visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be travelling to Canada for a temporary stay of up to six months.
• You must have a valid Mexican passport.
• You must have a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years.

It is important to note that having pre-booked travel plans or a previously valid eTA does not guarantee approval for a new eTA or a visitor visa. The approval process may take some time, so it is recommended to delay your travel plans until your visitor visa application has been finalised.

When travelling to Canada by sea, you will need to carry proper identification documents, such as a valid passport or travel document. A border services officer will determine whether you can enter Canada by confirming your identity and citizenship.

eTA requirements

As of 29 February 2024, Mexican citizens travelling to Canada by air on a Mexican passport need to meet certain requirements to be eligible for an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

• You must be travelling to Canada for a temporary stay, usually for up to six months.
• You must hold a valid United States (US) non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) in the past 10 years.
• You must be using a valid Mexican passport to fly to Canada or to transit through a Canadian airport to another destination.

If you are not eligible for an eTA, you will need to apply for a visitor visa.

What to Bring When You Fly to Canada with an eTA:

• Travel with the same passport you used to apply for your eTA. If you get a new passport after applying for an eTA, you must apply for a new eTA using your new passport.
• Travel with your passport containing your work or study permit, if applicable.
• Bring a printed copy and a digital copy of your eTA confirmation email.
• Bring your old passport if it contains either your expired Canadian visitor visa or your US non-immigrant visa. Your visa must be valid when you apply for your eTA but does not need to be valid when you travel to Canada.

ETA Exemptions:

An eTA is not required if you are entering Canada by land or sea, for example, if you are driving from the US or coming by bus, train, or boat.

Biometric Screening:

In most cases, you will need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply for an eTA.

Visitor visas

As of 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time on February 29, 2024, Mexican citizens travelling to Canada by air on a Mexican passport must meet new requirements. Those who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years can apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.

A visitor visa is an official document placed in your passport that shows you meet the requirements to travel to Canada. It costs CAN$100, and there may be other costs such as a biometrics (fingerprints and photo) collection fee of CAN$85. Most visitor visas issued by Canada are multiple-entry visas, which are valid for up to 10 years.

If you need a visa and are travelling soon, you can check the processing times to find out how long it might take to get your visa. If you're travelling soon, you should indicate in your application the urgent and/or compelling reason for your travel. This information may be considered when your application is processed. However, the approval of requests for urgent or expedited processing is not guaranteed. If possible, it is recommended that you delay your travel until your visitor visa application has been finalized. If you can't get a visa in time, you will need to adjust your travel plans. IRCC won't give refunds for lost travel expenses.

If you are a Mexican citizen living in the US and have a green card, you can use it to enter Canada either by land or air, and you do not need an eTA.

Frequently asked questions