Mexican citizens must now meet new criteria to qualify for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). To qualify for use of the eTA, the individuals must currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa or have held a valid Canadian visa in the past 10 years. The new eTAs will only be valid for air travel to Canada, and not travel by land or sea. These changes went into effect at 11:30 pm ET on February 29, 2024.

The Canadian authorities have cancelled all valid existing eTAs, except those linked to a valid Canadian work or study permit. Mexicans who do not meet these conditions will now need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.

These changes have been made in response to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned. The Canadian government believes that these changes are an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the sound management of Canadian immigration and asylum systems.

For further details, please contact the T&S Americas team.