Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added clarity to his longstanding pledge to allow Mexicans to visit Canada without needing visas by setting a date for the new policy.
Starting December 1, Mexicans can enter Canada without a visa and be allowed to stay for up to six months, Trudeau said June 28.
The announcement came during Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto’s two-day state visit to Canada.
Nieto responded by announcing that he will lift restrictions on Canadian beef imports.
“Once the cumbersome regulations are lifted we anticipate visitor numbers from Mexico will increase,” said Vancouver Airport Authority CEO Craig Richmond.
“Whenever we ease entry requirements, add new flights or welcome larger aircraft, the entire province and ultimately country benefits from higher tourism spending, increased tax revenue and creation of new jobs.”
Five airlines offer non-stop service between Vancouver and Mexico: Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Air Transat and Aeromexico.
Aeromexico began daily, non-stop flights between Vancouver and Mexico City on December 9 .
Those red-eye flights were booked solid during their first few weeks and airline executives told Business in Vancouver at the time that they were confident that strong demand from business and leisure customers will make the route profitable year-round.
