Updates to Canada eTA Requirements for Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens or passport holders must fulfil the new entry requirements for their travel to Canada. Canada eTA offers online entry permits to eligible travellers visiting Canada.

Canada eTA for Mexicans

Significant changes have been implemented regarding the Canada eTA requirements for Mexican citizens. Please note that the Canada eTA issued to Mexican passport holders or citizens before 29^th February 2024, 11:30 p.m. ET, will not be valid unless they have a valid Canadian study or work permit linked to their Mexican passport. This implies that Mexican citizens cannot use the Canada eTA if they do not have a valid work or study permit.

• The new entry requirements must be met to apply for the Canada eTA.
• Mexican citizens who do not meet the new requirements of the Canada eTA must apply for a visitor visa to enter Canada.

The changes apply to all eligible Mexican citizens. Please note that pre-booked travel plans do not guarantee the approval of a new Canada eTA or visa application. Travellers are advised to ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements before applying.

Canada eTA New Eligibility Requirements for Mexicans

After the new changes, Mexican passport holders or citizens will be eligible to apply for the Canada eTA only if they meet the below requirements.

• Entering or reaching Canada through its airports.
• Using Canadian airports for transit purposes to reach other countries.
• Travelling to Canada for a short and temporary stay (up to or less than 6 months).
• Must have a currently valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a valid Canadian visa (visitor visa) in the past 10 years.

Meeting all the Canada eTA eligibility requirements is crucial for applying to Canada eTA. Mexican citizens who cannot apply for Canada eTA will require a Canadian visitor visa to enter Canada. Please note that Canada eTA can be used to reach Canada by air only. Check the travel documents needed and entry requirements to reach Canada via seaports, train or land.

The new eligibility requirements do not affect the holder of a valid Canadian study or work permit. Mexican citizens staying in Canada do not have to worry about the new requirements because it will not affect their stay. After leaving Canada (despite the reasons), they need a new eTA or a valid visitor visa to re-enter Canada.

Important Information to Know

Having a current US non-immigrant visa is one of the important eligibility criteria for Mexican citizens to apply for Canada eTA. Please note that Mexican citizens must enter their US visa number in their Canada eTA application form. Entering the correct number is important, if not, the eTA application might get denied or rejected. Checking the visa number after entering helps avoid any errors.

In case of a visa sticker, which is usually stamped in the applicant’s passport, refer to the highlighted number in the picture below.

Since holding a US non-immigrant visa is one of the pre-conditions to apply for a new Canada eTA, it is important to under the US visa number you should be entering in your Canada eTA application. Otherwise your Canada eTA application is likely to get rejected.

Applicants using their Border Crossing Card must enter the 12-character imprinted on the back of the card (Refer to the highlighted number in the picture below).

Enter the below 12 characters shown at the back of BCC card

If US Visa is issued as a sticker in the Passport

Enter the highlighted number shown.

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