After Canada reinstated the visa requirement for Mexican citizens, airlines operating flights between the two countries announced that they would implement flexibility policies in the coming days that will allow travelers affected by the changes to reschedule or cancel their travel itineraries.

And, with an estimated 40 days to get the new visa, many travelers with upcoming flights will not be able to comply in time with the requirement that was reinstated by Canadian immigration authorities, who are seeking to end a trend of abuse of asylum claims by Mexicans.

Aeroméxico, Air Canada and West Jet are offering, among other measures, free changes and cancellations on flights purchased before February 29 to Canada. Aeroméxico indicated that for flights scheduled between February 29 and March 31, 2024, it will offer an electronic voucher equivalent to one hundred percent of the original value of the ticket purchased, which will be applicable to any of the airline's routes and will be valid for one year.

Air Canada has announced that those who purchased a ticket by February 29, for travel between that day and March 14, will be able to request a flight change without penalty to travel on a later date, but before April 30. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply.

For its part, West Jet is offering free changes or cancellations for flights scheduled between February 29 and March 7, provided that the cancellation or change is requested at least two hours before the original scheduled travel time.

The Canadian government noted that if a traveler fails to obtain a visa in a timely manner, they will have to change their travel plans. It also stressed that Canadian authorities will not reimburse lost travel expenses.