Canada entry requirements for Mexico passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Mexican passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa-free access or eTA option for Mexican citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Mexican passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Submit your application online through the IRCC portal — processing times vary, so apply at least 8 weeks before your trip. You'll need to upload your passport scan, travel history, and financial documents.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Mexican passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Canada. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof you'll leave Canada before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact info. Officers may ask where you're staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but officers expect to see at least CAD $1,000–$2,000 for a short visit. | Recommended |
Visa required — no eTA option
Mexican citizens cannot use the eTA system for Canada. You must apply for a full visitor visa (TRV) before traveling. Do not book flights until your visa is approved.
Biometrics are mandatory
As part of the visa application, you'll need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a VAC. This is a separate step after submitting your online application. The fee is CAD 85 per person.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa (TRV) online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC). Create an account, fill out the application form, upload required documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, proof of funds, itinerary), and pay the fee (CAD 100 for a single entry, CAD 500 for multiple entries). Processing takes 2–6 weeks on average.
2
Wait for visa decision
You'll receive an email when your application is processed. If approved, the visa sticker will be placed in your passport. You may need to mail your passport to a visa application centre (VAC) in Mexico City or another regional office.
3
Book travel and accommodation
Once you have the visa, book your flights and first night accommodation. Keep confirmations handy — immigration may ask to see them at the border.
4
Arrive at a Canadian port of entry
At the airport (e.g., Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International), go to the primary inspection kiosk. Present your passport with the visa, and answer the officer's questions about your trip purpose, length of stay, and funds. You may be asked to show your return ticket and accommodation booking.
5
Receive entry stamp and stay duration
The officer will stamp your passport and tell you how long you can stay (usually up to 6 months). Keep the stamp visible — it's your proof of legal entry.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay5 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + work permit fee CAD 155
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; use Super Visa or PR
Varies
Varies
Canada does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. Options include Super Visa for parents/grandparents or permanent residence through family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple visits within validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most visa applicants; includes fingerprint and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extensionFee to apply for extending visitor status; approval not guaranteed. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; may also lead to removal order. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
Transit visa required
Mexico passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Canada, unless they meet specific exemptions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under the China Transit Program (if applicable) or if they have a valid Canadian visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)EssentialRabies (for remote or outdoor activities)Consider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare in urban areas, but present in some regions.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold climates; dress warmly and avoid prolonged exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Toronto Pearson
6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
Mon–Sun 24 hours
Primary port of entry; for visa issues, contact IRCC office.
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
Mon–Sun 24 hours
Major entry point; extension applications handled by IRCC.
Practical information for MX travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.38 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Mexican passport holders must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before traveling. There is no visa-free access or eTA option. Apply online through the IRCC website.
Processing times vary, but typically 2 to 6 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
The visa application fee is CAD 100 for a single-entry visa and CAD 500 for a multiple-entry visa. There may be additional biometrics fees (CAD 85) and VAC service charges if you need to submit your passport in person.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You must submit the application online and pay a fee (CAD 100). Extensions are not guaranteed — you need a valid reason and sufficient funds.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a recent passport photo, proof of funds (bank statements, pay stubs), travel itinerary, return ticket, accommodation booking, and a letter explaining the purpose of your visit. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are also required.
You submit your passport at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey. After your application is approved online, you'll receive instructions to mail or drop off your passport for the visa sticker.
Overstaying is a violation of immigration law. You may be barred from re-entering Canada for a period of time (often 1 year or more). Always apply for an extension before your status expires, or leave before the stamped date.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.