Canada eTA for Mexican Citizens: How to Apply

Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or a Canadian visa issued in the past 10 years can apply for a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). The eTA costs CAD $7, takes about 10 minutes to complete online, and is valid for up to five years. However, since February 2024, Canada reimposed visa requirements for most Mexican nationals, meaning the eTA is available only under specific conditions. This guide covers eligibility, documents, the step-by-step application process, and common mistakes Mexican passport holders should avoid. For a general overview, see our Canada eTA guide.

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Can Mexican Citizens Get a Canada eTA?

Yes – but only Mexican citizens who meet specific criteria can apply for a Canada eTA. Mexico’s relationship with Canada’s eTA program has changed significantly in recent years. In June 2023, Canada expanded its eTA program to include citizens of 13 countries, including Mexico, allowing eligible nationals to fly to Canada without a full visitor visa. However, in February 2024, Canada reinstated visa requirements for most Mexican citizens due to a surge in asylum claims.

This means that most Mexican nationals now need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to travel to Canada. The eTA pathway remains open only to those who qualify under the expanded program conditions. You can check the full list of eligible countries for Canada eTA to understand where Mexico stands.

You are eligible for a Canada eTA as a Mexican citizen if either of the following applies:

• You currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (such as a B1/B2 tourist/business visa, H-1B work visa, or F-1 student visa)
• You have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years – even if that visa has now expired

If you do not meet either of these conditions, you must apply for a standard Canadian visitor visa (TRV) instead. The eTA is not available to all Mexican citizens – only those with a qualifying travel history to the US or Canada.

Key Facts for Mexican Citizens

• Cost: CAD $7 (approximately MXN 95 to MXN 105 depending on exchange rate)
• Validity: Up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
• Processing time: Most applications are approved within minutes; some take up to 72 hours
• Allowed stays: Up to six months per visit
• Entry type: Multiple entries allowed during the validity period
• Applies to: Air travel only – eTA is not required for land or sea entry

When Mexican Citizens Do NOT Need an eTA

• Entering Canada by car, bus, or train from the US – eTA is only required for air travel
• Transiting through a Canadian airport to a third country (certain conditions apply – see Canada eTA transit rules)
• Dual Canadian citizens – if you also hold Canadian citizenship, you enter on your Canadian passport
• Permanent residents of Canada – you travel on your PR card, not an eTA

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Canada eTA as a Mexican citizen, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Passport Requirements

• Valid Mexican passport (ordinary passport, not diplomatic or official)
• Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada – ideally at least 6 months remaining
• eTA is electronically linked to your passport number – if you get a new passport, you need a new eTA

Qualifying Travel History

• Hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (B1/B2, H-1B, L-1, F-1, J-1, O-1, etc.) OR
• Have held a Canadian visa (TRV) within the past 10 years – even if expired

Other Requirements

• Good health – you must not pose a health risk to Canadians
• No criminal record – or no convictions that make you criminally inadmissible to Canada
• Genuine intent to visit – you must demonstrate you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
• Sufficient funds – ability to support yourself during your stay

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to complete your Canada eTA application from Mexico. The entire process takes about 10 minutes if you have your documents ready. For detailed guidance on each form field, see Canada eTA application form guide.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before starting, make sure you have the following ready:

• Mexican passport – you will need the passport number, issue date, and expiry date
• US visa or prior Canadian visa – you will need to provide details of your qualifying visa (visa number, issue date, expiry date)
• Valid email address – all correspondence will be sent here
• Credit or debit card – for the CAD $7 payment (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express accepted)

Step 2: Visit the Official Website

Go to the Government of Canada’s official eTA application page at canada.ca/eTA. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra fees – the official application costs only CAD $7. Be cautious of unofficial sites that may look official but add service charges of $50 to $100 or more.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

The form has several sections:

• Personal information: Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of birth, gender, country of birth, citizenship
• Passport details: Passport number, issuing country (Mexico), issue date, expiry date
• Travel history and eligibility: You will be asked about your US or Canadian visa – provide the visa number, type, and dates
• Employment information: Current occupation and employer details
• Contact information: Email address and phone number
• Background questions: Questions about criminal history, health, previous visa refusals, and immigration violations

Important: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport, including all middle names. Spelling mismatches between your eTA and passport can result in being denied boarding by the airline.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

The eTA application fee is CAD $7 (approximately MXN 95-105). Payment is made online by credit or debit card. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. You will receive a confirmation email. In some cases, processing can take up to 72 hours if additional documentation is required. Check your email (including spam/junk folder) for updates. You do not need to print anything – the eTA is electronically linked to your passport.

Step 6: Check Your Status (Optional)

If you don’t receive a confirmation email within 72 hours, you can check your eTA status online using your passport number and application number.

Required Documents

Unlike a full visitor visa, the eTA application process is entirely online and does not require uploading documents. However, you should have the following information and documents available:

• Mexican passport (for entering passport details)
• Valid US visa or prior Canadian visa (visa number and details for the eligibility section)
• Digital photo of passport page – not required for the form but helpful for accurate data entry
• Proof of financial means – not required at application, but border officers may ask upon arrival

While you don’t upload documents during the application, having a valid US visa is the critical eligibility requirement. If your US visa is expired or you’ve never held a Canadian visa, you cannot use the eTA pathway and must apply for a full Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) instead.

Cost and Processing Time

Detail	Information
Application fee	CAD $7
Fee in Mexican Pesos	approximately MXN 95-105
Standard processing	Minutes (most applications)
Extended processing	Up to 72 hours
Validity	Up to 5 years or until passport expires
Number of entries	Multiple
Maximum stay per visit	Up to 6 months

The eTA fee is one of Canada’s most affordable travel authorizations. Compare this to a full Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which costs CAD $100 and requires attending a visa application centre in person. If you qualify for the eTA, it is significantly faster and cheaper. For more details on fees, see Canada eTA cost breakdown.

Why Was Canada’s eTA for Mexico Changed?

Understanding the history helps clarify the current rules:

• Before June 2023: All Mexican citizens needed a full visitor visa (TRV) to fly to Canada
• June 2023: Canada expanded the eTA program to 13 countries, including Mexico, with conditions (US visa or prior Canadian visa)
• February 2024: Canada reimposed visa requirements for most Mexican citizens due to a significant increase in asylum claims. However, the eTA pathway remained available for those who meet the eligibility criteria

This means that while the general visa-free status for Mexico was reversed, the eTA-to-TRV bridge for qualifying travelers still stands. Mexican citizens with a valid US visa or recent Canadian travel history can still use the eTA. Everyone else must go through the standard visa process.

eTA vs. Visitor Visa: Which One Should Mexican Citizens Apply For?

Feature	Canada eTA	Visitor Visa (TRV)
Cost	CAD $7	CAD $100
Processing time	Minutes to 72 hours	Weeks to months
Application method	Online only	Online + biometrics at VAC
Requires US/Canadian visa?	Yes	No
Documents uploaded?	No	Yes (extensive)
Interview required?	No	Sometimes
Validity	Up to 5 years	Up to 10 years
Stay per visit	Up to 6 months	Up to 6 months

Apply for eTA if:

• You already have a valid US visa or held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years
• You want fast processing (minutes vs weeks)
• You want to save money (CAD $7 vs CAD $100+)

Apply for TRV if:

• You do not have a US visa and have never had a Canadian visa
• Your past visa applications were refused
• You have complex immigration circumstances

Common Reasons for eTA Refusal for Mexican Citizens

While most applications are approved, Mexican citizens should be aware of common reasons for refusal:

• No qualifying visa: Not having a valid US visa or recent Canadian visa is the most common reason – your application will simply not meet the eligibility criteria
• Passport issues: Name mismatches, expired passport, or damaged passport can trigger refusal
• Criminal inadmissibility: A criminal record in Mexico or elsewhere can make you inadmissible to Canada
• Previous immigration violations: If you overstayed in Canada or violated immigration rules in the past, your eTA may be refused
• Misrepresentation: False or misleading information on your application can result in a five-year ban from Canada
• Health grounds: In rare cases, certain health conditions can affect admissibility

If your eTA is refused, you can reapply. However, addressing the reason for refusal is essential before submitting a new application. See Canada eTA refused – what to do for guidance.

Tips for Mexican Citizens Applying for a Canada eTA

• Verify US visa validity first: Before starting your eTA application, confirm your US visa is still valid and unexpired. An expired US visa disqualifies you from the eTA pathway.
• Apply at least 2 weeks before travel: While most approvals come in minutes, some take up to 72 hours. Give yourself a buffer in case additional documents are requested.
• Use the same passport: If you have multiple Mexican passports (e.g., diplomatic and ordinary), use the one with your valid US visa for the eTA application.
• Don’t overstay in Canada: Overstaying beyond your authorized period can result in future visa refusals and bars from re-entering Canada.
• Keep your email active: All eTA communications are sent by email. Check spam/junk folders if you don’t see updates.
• Renew your passport before applying: If your passport expires in less than 6 months, consider renewing it first – a new passport means a new eTA, which costs another CAD $7.
• Watch out for scam websites: Many websites charge $50-$100+ to process an eTA. The official government site charges only CAD $7.

What Happens After Approval?

Once your eTA is approved, it is electronically linked to your Mexican passport. You do not need to print anything or carry a physical document. When you check in for your flight to Canada, the airline will verify your eTA status electronically using your passport number.

At the Canadian border, a Border Services Officer will make the final decision on your entry. You may be asked to show:

• Return or onward flight ticket
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card)
• Reason for your visit (tourism, business, visiting family)

Having your eTA approved does not guarantee entry – the border officer makes the final determination. But as long as your documents are in order and you have a genuine reason for visiting, Mexican citizens with an approved eTA typically have no issues entering Canada. For tips on the process, see how to apply for Canada eTA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Mexican citizens travel to Canada without a visa in 2025?

Not automatically. Since February 2024, most Mexican citizens need a full visitor visa (TRV) to fly to Canada. However, those with a valid US non-immigrant visa or a Canadian visa issued in the past 10 years can apply for a Canada eTA (CAD $7, processed in minutes).

I have a US B1/B2 visa. Can I get a Canada eTA?

Yes. If your US B1/B2 visa is currently valid, you are eligible to apply for a Canada eTA. Enter your US visa details in the eligibility section of the application. Make sure the name on your US visa matches your passport exactly.

My US visa expired last month. Can I still apply for an eTA?

No. Your US visa must be currently valid at the time of your eTA application. The alternative route is if you held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years – even if that Canadian visa is now expired. If neither applies, you must apply for a TRV.

How long can I stay in Canada with an eTA?

Up to six months per visit. The border officer at the airport has the authority to grant a shorter stay. Your eTA remains valid for up to five years (or until your passport expires), so you can make multiple trips during that period.

Can I work or study in Canada with an eTA?

No. The eTA is for tourism, business visits, and transit only. To work or study in Canada, you need a separate work permit or study permit. If you plan to work or study, apply for the appropriate permit before traveling.

What if my Canada eTA application is refused?

You can reapply, but you should first address the reason for refusal. If you don’t qualify for the eTA (no US visa, no prior Canadian visa), you must apply for a full visitor visa (TRV) at a Canadian visa application centre. For details, see Canada eTA refused – what to do.

Do children from Mexico need an eTA?

Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs their own eTA. Each child must have a valid Mexican passport to apply. If a child qualifies (US visa or prior Canadian visa), they can apply for an eTA; otherwise, they need a separate TRV.

Can I drive to Canada from the US with an eTA?

No. An eTA is only required for air travel to Canada. If you are driving, taking a bus, or traveling by train from the US to Canada, you do not need an eTA. However, Mexican citizens entering by land do need valid travel documents (passport and, if applicable, valid US visa).

What if my passport expires while my eTA is still valid?

Your eTA is linked to your specific passport. If you get a new passport (because your old one expired or was lost/stolen), your eTA is no longer valid. You must apply for a new eTA with your new passport number.

Is the Canada eTA for Mexico a recent policy?

Canada opened eTA eligibility to Mexico in June 2023 as part of an expansion to 13 countries. However, in February 2024, Canada reimposed visitor visa requirements for most Mexican citizens. The eTA pathway remains available only to those who meet the qualifying conditions (valid US visa or prior Canadian visa).