New Passport Rules for Canadians Visting Mexico

As of March 1, 2010, Canadians will need a valid passport to enter Mexico. Travellers without passports will be returned to Canada. These new passport rules are said to be a security measure rather than a response by Mexico to last year's decision by the Canadian government to impose a visa requirement on Mexicans visiting Canada. This controversial move, which was aimed at stemming the tide of Mexicans staying on illegally in Canada, has resulted in a sharp drop in the number of Mexican tourists vacationing in Canada.

New Entry Requirements to Mexico

As of June 1, 2009, Canadians visiting Mexico through the United States will have to carry a valid Canadian passport or a NEXUS card. A passport is still not necessary for Canadians entering Mexico directly from Canada (e.g. on a nonstop flight), but personally I wouldn't dream of leaving home without one. For more information, visit the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs' website.

New Passport Rules for Mexico

At the moment, Canadians do not need a passport to enter Mexico, only a proof of Canadian citizenship and a valid picture ID such as a driver's licence. However, as of January 23, 2007, all Canadians entering the United States by air must have a valid passport. This means that you now need to show a Canadian passport if your flight lands in a U.S. city en route to or returning from Mexico. Personally, I always take my passport with me to Mexico because it can speed up entrance and exit formalities. Also, it can be difficult to do financial transcations such as cashing traveller's cheques if you don't have a passport. My advice is don't leave home without your passport, even if your flight to Mexico is nonstop.

N.B. Your airline will provide you with a Multiple Migratory Form that you have to fill out and show to the Customs authorities when you enter Mexico. This form is good for up to 180 days, and you have to return it when you leave Mexico. If you lose the form, you will be charged a whopping US$42, so keep it in a safe place.