Canada – Mexican Nationals Soon to be Visitor Visa Exempt
July 01, 2016
Beginning December 1, Mexican nationals may enter Canada as a visitor without a visa requirement. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement on Tuesday during a state visit by Mexican President Pena Nieto and follows through on a promise that Trudeau made during his recent election campaign in an effort to strengthen the ties between Mexico and Canada.
Canada imposed a visa requirement on Mexican citizens in 2009 in response to a dramatic increase in the numbers of Mexican citizens making refugee claims in Canada. The visa requirement was not well received by Mexico and has been an irritant in bilateral relations between the two countries. Mexico and Canada are partners in NAFTA.