Mexico Tourist Card For Canadians

Canadian nationals looking to visit Mexico are at the advantage of needing minimal documentation to enter the country. Less time preparing your documents means more time planning your trip. Still, there are specific protocols required to enter Mexico, depending on the length of stay.

For more information on legally traveling to Mexico, returning home, or staying in Mexico long-term, consider the following information.

Do Canadian Citizens Need A Mexican Visa To Enter Mexico?

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Mexico for short-term visits

What Official Documents Are Needed To Enter Mexico?

At the border, Canadian citizens must present their valid passports to enter the country. No other documentation is necessary. At this time, Mexican authorities will screen approaching travelers before giving them the green light to enter the country.

What Does A Valid Canadian Passport Look Like For Visiting Mexico?

Although a visa is not needed for stays up to 180 days, Canadians must still provide passports that are valid for a minimum of 180 days (approximately six months), following the intended days of arrival in Mexico. And, in good condition. While being mindful of the fact that guidelines change based on the country you plan to visit, this 180-day guideline is not dissimilar to many other nations, so consider it as a rule to remember.

What Protocols Dictate Entering And Leaving Mexico?

When Canadian citizens arrive, Mexican officials will stamp the passport with the entry date.

If they would like to extend their stay beyond six months, Canadians can apply for either a Mexican visa. 

Why Is It Easier To Apply Online for Canadians?

They can avoid prolonged queues at the border by applying for their tourist card beforehand online. Doing so also eliminates the need for carrying money to address the tourist card fee (for land). This is a definite perk for those concerned about the safekeeping of their money while traveling.

Canadian travelers can make the payment online instead.

It typically takes about twenty minutes to complete the electronic form, making the online option a convenient and straightforward way to handle your tourist card.

Are Visas Ever Necessary For Canadians Visiting Mexico?

While Canadians are not generally required to apply for a Mexican visa when visiting within 180 days, there are certain circumstances where exploring different Mexican visas is necessary. If they are visiting Mexico for work and business, they may want to review the Mexico business or work visas.

Likewise, if they have the intention to stay permanently in Mexico, they should look into applying for a resident or a temporary resident Mexican visa. The same is true for trips that surpass six months. Speak with the embassy to learn more information on how to navigate these specific arrangements.

If Canadians Want To Stay Beyond 180 Days, What Do They Do?

They will need to apply for a new visa reflective of why they’re staying in Mexico. 

Understand that this repetitive process is extended to all foreign travelers looking to visit Mexico. It is done in an effort to ensure the safety and security of the country.

How Can CA Travelers Reach Relatives, And How Can They Reach Me During an Emergency?

Canadian nationals with intentions to visit Mexico may want to register using the Canadian Embassy located in Mexico City. They can complete forms online, and if needed, the embassy can connect nationals with Canadians in Mexico to speak with friends and family.

If details on events in Mexico are pertinent to the individual’s travel plans, the embassy officials can also relay this information to the relevant parties. The emergency situations where the embassy can comply with these requests include but are not limited to:

• Natural disasters
• Civil violence
• International issues impacting one’s return home
• Other relevant concerns

Please keep in mind that there are many other valid reasons for getting in contact with family while traveling in Mexico, i.e.., (health concerns, a recent death in the family, etc.), so do not hesitate to call and inquire if an emergency.

Things To Remember

Despite only needing a valid passport at the border, there are many other circumstances where additional information is required to travel to, stay in, or return home legally from Mexico.