Visit Canada · Mexico Visa 2026
Mexico Visa 2026:
New rules for travelling from Mexico to Canada
The Mexico Visa 2026 rules are the result of a major policy change on February 29, 2024, when Canada reinstated a visa requirement for Mexican citizens. Most Mexican travellers now need either a visitor visa (TRV) or an eTA, depending on whether they hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visitor visa within the past 10 years. Work and study permit holders keep their existing travel documents.
Mexico Visa 2026 guide
How the Mexico Visa 2026 policy works
From visa free travel to reinstated visa requirement: the official IRCC framework for Mexican travellers.
Canada lifted the visa requirement for Mexican citizens in December 2016, allowing visa free travel for nearly eight years. On February 29, 2024, IRCC reinstated the visa requirement, citing a significant increase in asylum claims that were refused, withdrawn, or abandoned. The Mexico Visa 2026 framework keeps mobility open for most travellers while restoring program integrity.
Mexican citizens can apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a visa if they hold a valid Mexican passport, travel by air for a visit of 6 months or less, and either hold a valid US non immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visitor visa within the past 10 years. Most Mexicans with active US visas continue to enjoy fast online entry through the eTA system.
If a traveller does not meet eTA criteria, they must apply for a visitor visa (TRV). A visitor visa is also required for any entry by land or sea, even if the traveller holds a valid eTA. See our eTA and visitor visa pages for a detailed comparison.
Important exceptions: Mexican citizens with a valid Canadian work or study permit keep their existing eTA for re entering Canada by air. Dual nationals with a passport from another visa exempt country may travel using that passport instead.
Special cases
Exceptions to the Mexico Visa rules
Not every Mexican traveller faces the same requirements under the new Mexico Visa framework. IRCC has confirmed specific scenarios where existing documents remain valid or where alternative travel options apply.
Work or study permit holders
Mexican citizens with a valid Canadian work or study permit keep their existing eTA. The eTA remains valid for re entering Canada by air for as long as the permit itself is valid. Work and study activities continue under the original permit conditions.
Dual nationality holders
Mexican citizens who also hold a passport from another visa exempt country (such as Spain, France, Germany, or Italy) can apply for an eTA using that passport instead. Dual Canadian-Mexican citizens must use a valid Canadian passport to enter Canada.
Mexicans already in Canada
Mexican travellers already in Canada without a work or study permit can stay for the period originally authorized, up to six months. Visitor records remain valid. However, the previous eTA was cancelled. If they leave Canada and wish to return, they must apply for a new eTA or visa.
Applying for your Mexico Visa 2026 document
Both the visitor visa and eTA applications are submitted online through the IRCC Portal. Mexican travellers must apply before departing for Canada, since neither document can be issued at the airport.
Check if you qualify for an eTA (valid US visa or Canadian visa within 10 years) or need a visitor visa
Apply through the IRCC Portal. eTA: $7 CAD, approved in minutes to hours. Visitor visa: $100 CAD, processing around 40 days
Visitor visa applicants must give biometrics at a Visa Application Centre ($85 CAD). eTA applicants do not need biometrics
For full requirements and step by step guidance, see our pages on the eTA or visitor visa.
Source: canada.ca · IRCC · Apply for an eTA / Apply for a visitor visa (Updated 2025)
If you have a prior refusal, asylum history, or complex family situation
Most Mexican travellers can apply for an eTA or visitor visa online without help. But some cases benefit from professional assessment. A licensed RCIC can review your situation honestly and recommend the best path.
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