By: Elisabeth Ashe*

Mexican Students Can Have a Great Experience in Canada

For the past 11 years, I have been the proud sponsor of a young man, Aldrich, now 22 years old through a program called Niños Adelante. This program helps families of deserving and extremely talented students continue their education. In my case, it has enabled me to become life-long friends, while at the same time sharing in the educational development and progress of an exceptional person.

I have been proud to sponsor this young student through the Niños Adelante Educational Charity. He just graduated from college!

As a graduation gift, I decided that Aldrich deserves a vacation to Canada to meet my family and experience all that Canada has to offer.

Before I bought his ticket, however, I decided to make sure he had all the requirements needed to be allowed entry. I am thankful that I did because a potential problem has been averted.

Visas are not required but you need an eTA form!

As many people already know, Mexicans can now visit Canada without a visa. But did you know there is an additional requirement that can prevent you from being allowed into the country if you don’t have it? It’s called an eTA form, or Electronic Travel Authorization.

The official explanation on Canada’s official website is as follows:

• The eTA form is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air and is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until passport expires, whichever comes first.
• With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (normally up to six months at a time. You do not need an eTA form to travel within Canada.
• Further, it is important to note that having an eTA form does not guarantee entry to Canada. A border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents – for example, a green card if a resident of the USA.

I had visions of Aldrich arriving in Toronto and not being allowed entry, so not only will he have an eTA form (which took all of 10 minutes to fill out online and was confirmed within minutes at a cost of $7.00 Canadian), but as well a letter of intent by me to be his host for the two-week vacation. He will also have a return ticket.

An eTA form is Used for People Who Do Not Need a Visa

An eTA form is used for people from countries who do not need a visa to enter Canada, not just Mexico and a full list, with further information can be found by clicking the link below.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/facts.html

Buen Viaje!

* Elisabeth Ashe is a long-time visitor to the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area. Other articles by this author:

Imagine-Mexico.com/Music School in Zihuatanejo Teaches Kids the Classics

Imagine-Mexico.com/Horseback Riding Along the Beaches of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo