Mexican citizens will need a visa to enter Canada unless they meet certain criteria, the North American country said in a statement on Thursday.
“Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are travelling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA),” it said in a statement.
Mexican citizens may reapply for a new eTA if they are flying to Canada and: (1) held a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years, or (2) currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa. Otherwise, they need a visa.
The decision comes after an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned.
“Mexican citizens with a valid Canadian work or study permit are not affected. Their eTA will not be cancelled and they can continue to travel to Canada.”
It added that Mexican citizens without a valid work or study permit who are already in Canada may stay for as long as they are authorized, but their eTA will be cancelled. “If they leave Canada and wish to return, they’ll need a visa or a new eTA, if eligible.”