As of February 2024, the requirements for Mexicans to travel to Canada changed. This updated guide explains in detail what the new eTA is, who can apply for it, how to do it step-by-step, and why a t…
As of February 2024, the requirements for Mexicans to travel to Canada changed. This updated guide explains in detail what the new eTA is, who can apply for it, how to do it step-by-step, and why travel insurance is your best ally to explore the land of the maple leaf with complete peace of mind.
Canada eTA Requirements for Mexicans: Updated Guide
What is the Canada eTA and why did it change for Mexicans?
The eTA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is not a visa, but a digital permit linked to your passport that allows you to board a flight to Canada for short stays, such as tourism, family visits, business, or transit. Its purpose is to conduct a pre-screening of travelers before their arrival.
The key date every Mexican traveler must keep in mind is February 29, 2024, at 10:30 PM (Central Time). At that time, the Government of Canada implemented new and stricter requirements for Mexican citizens wishing to obtain an eTA. This change was due to a significant increase in asylum claims and the need to more effectively manage the flow of travelers.
A direct consequence of this measure was the automatic cancellation of most eTAs issued to Mexicans before that date and time. If you processed your eTA before February 29, 2024, and do not have a valid work or study permit, it is almost certain that your eTA was canceled and is no longer valid for travel. It is crucial to check the status of your eTA and, if necessary, apply for a new one meeting the current criteria or apply for a visitor visa.
It is essential to understand the difference:
- eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): This is for air travel, short stays (generally up to 6 months), and only for those who meet very specific requirements. It is a quick and inexpensive process.
- Visitor Visa (or temporary resident visa): This is a physical document stamped in your passport. It is required if you are not eligible for the eTA, or if you plan to enter Canada by land (e.g., crossing from the United States by car) or by sea. Its processing is longer, more expensive, and requires more documentation.
Understanding this distinction is the first step to correctly planning your trip to Canada.
Key Requirements: Who can apply for a Canada eTA now?
With the new regulations, not all Mexican citizens are eligible to apply for an eTA. To process it, you must mandatorily meet one of the following two conditions. As of February 29, 2024, to apply for a Canadian eTA, Mexicans must have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or have a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa.
Let's analyze these two eligibility scenarios in depth:
Scenario 1: You have held a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years
If, in the last decade, you processed and were granted a visitor visa (also known as a temporary resident visa) for Canada, and this has already expired or you used it to travel, you are eligible to apply for an eTA. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) system has your record, which simplifies your pre-approval process. It is important that the visa was a visitor visa; other types of visas may not qualify.
Scenario 2: You hold a valid and current U.S. non-immigrant visa
If you currently have a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa, such as the popular B1/B2 tourist visa, you also meet the requirement to apply for an eTA. The visa must be valid at the time of the eTA application and, preferably, during your trip to Canada. The fact that you have passed the U.S. consular screening qualifies you for this simplified process to Canada. This also applies to other U.S. non-immigrant visas, such as work (H-1B) or student (F-1) visas. By having a U.S. visa, you might also consider a combined trip, for which travel insurance for the United States with coverage across North America is ideal.
It is crucial to emphasize: you must meet AT LEAST ONE of these two conditions. If you have never held a Canadian visa and do not have a valid U.S. visa, you are NOT eligible for the eTA and will have to follow the visitor visa path.
In addition to these conditions, your trip to Canada must meet the following purposes to be covered by an eTA:
- Arriving in Canada exclusively by air.
- Being for a short visit (tourism, visiting friends or family, business meetings).
- Being in transit through a Canadian airport to another destination.
If your plan is to study, work, or enter by land or sea, the eTA is not the right document for you.
Step-by-step: how to process your Canadian eTA online
The process for applying for an eTA is completely online, quick, and simple if you have all the documents at hand. It is vital to perform the procedure only through the official Government of Canada website to avoid fraud and excessive charges. Many third-party sites impersonate the official one, charging much higher fees for the same service.
Here is the step-by-step guide to processing your eTA:
- Prepare your documents: Before starting, make sure you have on hand:
- Your valid and current Mexican passport. You cannot use a passport that is about to expire.
- A credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) to make the payment.
- Your valid U.S. non-immigrant visa (if this is the requirement you meet). You will need to enter the visa number and its expiration date.
- A valid email address. You will receive confirmation and any communication about your application here.
- Access the official website: Go to the eTA application page on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. Be careful with ads and always look for the URL ending in `canada.ca`.
- Fill out the application form: The form is only available in English or French. You must fill it out carefully and without errors, as any mistake could cause delays or rejection of your application. You will be asked for personal data, passport information, contact details, and questions about your eligibility (this is where you will indicate if you have the U.S. visa or the previous Canadian visa).
- Make the payment: Once the form is completed, you will be directed to the payment page. The official cost to process the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada is $7 Canadian dollars (CAD). This is the only cost of the process if you do it on the official site.
- Submit your application and await confirmation: After processing the payment, you will receive a first email confirming the receipt of your application. In most cases, if everything is in order, you will receive a second email within minutes with the approval of your eTA and your authorization number.
Although most approvals are almost instantaneous, some applications may be flagged for manual review. In these cases, IRCC may request additional information or documents, and the process could take several days. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for your eTA as soon as you have your plane tickets and at least a few weeks before your travel date to avoid setbacks.
Once approved, your eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows you multiple entries to Canada, provided you meet the purpose of a short visit.
Do you not meet the eTA requirements? You need a visitor visa
If, after reviewing the criteria, you realize that you are not eligible for the eTA (i.e., you have never held a Canadian visa and do not have a valid U.S. visa), do not be discouraged. You can still travel to Canada, but you will need to apply for a visitor visa. If a Mexican does not meet the new eTA requirements, they must apply for a Canadian visitor visa, a longer and more expensive process.
It is important that you understand the key differences between both processes so that you can plan with due anticipation:
- Cost: While the eTA costs $7 CAD, the visitor visa application costs $100 CAD per person, plus an additional $85 CAD fee for biometric data collection (photo and fingerprints).
- Processing time: The eTA can be approved in minutes. In contrast, visitor visa processing can take several weeks or even months, depending on demand and the country from which it is applied.
- Documentation: For the visa, you will need to submit a much more detailed application, which may include proof of financial solvency, travel itinerary, ties to Mexico (to prove that you will return), and undergo biometric data collection at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Mode of entry: A visitor visa allows you to enter Canada by any means: air, land, or sea, unlike the eTA which is exclusive for air travel.
If this is your case, the most important advice is: start your visa application as far in advance as possible. Ideally, you should begin the process at least 3 or 4 months before your planned travel date. You can find all the information and start your application on the official IRCC website for the visitor visa.
The unofficial requirement for Canada: your travel insurance
Although the Canadian government will not require travel insurance as an immigration requirement to authorize your entry, it strongly recommends it. And there is a very powerful reason for this: the Canadian healthcare system, though excellent, is incredibly expensive for non-residents. A simple medical emergency without insurance can turn your dream trip into a financial nightmare.
Let's consider real costs. An emergency room visit to a Canadian hospital can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 CAD without insurance, highlighting the importance of travel coverage. A broken leg requiring surgery and hospitalization can easily exceed $20,000 CAD. An emergency appendectomy could cost more than $30,000 CAD. These are expenses that can destabilize anyone's finances.
That is why, more than an expense, travel insurance is the best investment for your peace of mind and that of your family. A good plan not only covers medical emergencies but also protects you against a wide range of eventualities:
- Medical expenses and hospitalization: Coverage for accidents and sudden illnesses.
- Trip cancellation or interruption: Recover non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to a covered emergency.
- Lost or delayed luggage: Receive compensation if the airline loses your bag or if it is delayed.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: Covers the very high costs of transfer to a better-equipped hospital or back to Mexico if medically necessary.
- 24/7 assistance in Spanish: Having someone to guide you and help you coordinate everything in your language during an emergency is priceless.
At Baraglo, we understand the needs of Mexican travelers. That is why our plans offer coverage in US dollars, a strong currency that protects you against devaluation and high costs in North America. For a destination like Canada, we recommend plans with robust coverage.
Prices in USD, per person, per day. May vary depending on traveler's age.
| Recommended Plan |
Medical Coverage |
Ideal for... |
Approx. Price per Day |
| Essential Plus |
USD $50,000 |
Travelers looking for a perfect balance between solid coverage and an affordable price. Excellent protection for most emergencies. |
$5.29 |
| Premium |
USD $100,000 |
Maximum peace of mind. Recommended for long trips, families, or those who want the most comprehensive coverage against Canada's high medical costs. |
$8.99 |
Traveling protected allows you to enjoy the Rocky Mountains, the Northern Lights, or the vibrant life of Toronto and Vancouver without the worry of a “what if...”. Knowing how medical expense coverage works will give you the certainty that you are making the right decision.
Ready for your Canadian adventure? Don't leave your peace of mind to chance. Insure your trip and that of your family against any unforeseen event. Get a quote for your travel insurance for Canada here and travel with the confidence that only Baraglo can give you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Canada eTA cost for Mexicans?
The Canadian eTA application costs $7 Canadian dollars (CAD). This payment is made by credit or debit card exclusively on the official Government of Canada website during the application process.
What happens if my eTA was canceled on February 29, 2024?
If your eTA was canceled, it is no longer valid for travel. You must check if you meet the new requirements to apply for a new eTA or, otherwise, you will have to apply for a Canadian visitor visa before your trip.
Is travel insurance mandatory to enter Canada from Mexico?
It is not a mandatory immigration requirement, but it is highly recommended by the Canadian government itself. Medical care in Canada is extremely expensive for foreigners, and insurance protects you from unexpected expenses that can amount to thousands of dollars.
How long does it take for a Canada eTA to be approved?
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes, and you will receive confirmation by email. However, some applications may require additional review and take several days to process.
Can I apply for an eTA if I have a U.S. Visa?
Yes, if you are a Mexican citizen and have a valid and current U.S. non-immigrant visa (such as a B1/B2), you meet one of the requirements to apply for an eTA to travel to Canada by air.
📘 Related Guide: Travel Insurance to Canada from Mexico: Your Complete Guide
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