Canada Imposes New Visa Requirements on Mexicans

Canada will implement a tourist visa requirement for Mexican visitors to the country starting from the evening of Feb. 29. This decision comes in response to a significant increase in refugee applications from Mexican nationals and allegations that many of them are linked to organized crime, posing a threat to Canadian citizens.

The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that the new regulations to allow Mexicans access to Canada are:

• A valid Mexican passport

• A maximum 6-month stay

• A Canadian visitor's visa obtained within the last 10 years or a valid US visa

• An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) will also be required for air travel, those ineligible for an eTA must obtain a visitor’s visa

Canada’s Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship explained that those with work or study permits do not need to obtain the new visa. The measure was promoted by the Conservative Party and François Legault, Head, Government of Quebec, to better control the flow of Mexicans into Canada, as well as to guarantee the security of the country. 

Canadian Immigration data indicates a substantial surge in asylum applications from Mexico, rising from 110 in 2015 to 23,995 in 2023. In the period from January to September 2023, Mexico accounted for the highest number of refugee claims, reaching 22,875, followed by Haiti with 16,693 and Colombia with 9,754 claims. Canada's concerns arise from increasing refugee applications, while applicants do not complete the process once they arrive in the country. 

Mexican President López Obrador regretted the new visa requirements imposed by Canada and stated that there were alternative options, reported previously MBN. He also accused the Canadian government of blaming Mexico for its immigration problems. On Feb. 18, the president said he might not attend the North American Leaders Summit if Canada does not respect Mexico. Previously, the Mexican government sent two high-level missions to Canada, in which an agreement was reached stating that no visa would be required for Mexicans. Instead, the eTA would have additional restrictions. 

In 2009, Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper implemented a visa requirement for Mexicans amid a surge in refugee applications, straining relations between Canada and Mexico. It was not until 2016, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assumed office, that he eliminated the visa, improving bilateral relations with Mexico.