Canada reinstates visa requirements for Mexicans

Canada reinstates visa requirements for Mexicans – Canada has reinstated some visa requirements for Mexican nationals visiting the country. 

The Canadian immigration ministry has said that Mexican citizens who do not hold a U.S. visa or have not had a Canadian visa in the past 10 years will need to apply for a visitor visa before coming to Canada. 

Those who had a Canadian visa in the past decade or with a valid U.S. visa now must apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air. 

The requirements will relieve pressure on Canada’s borders, immigration system, housing and social services, the immigration ministry said. 

In recent years, Mexicans didn’t need a visa to travel to Canada. 

Visa requirements had been lifted in 2016 but have now been reinstated in a bid to reduce the number of Mexicans making asylum claims in Canada.  

Officials say the changes will only affect about 40% of visitors from Mexico, so most Mexicans will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada.  

For more information, visit the Canadian Immigration website here. 

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