NEWS 1130 is working hard to get you the information you need about the COVID-19 pandemic.
When you have questions, NEWS 1130 Gets Answers.
Question:
Chris, a Canadian citizen, wanted to know if he’ll be able to fly to Mexico to reunite with his family.
“Do I need to produce evidence that I am a permanent resident of Mexico, my daughter is a Mexican minor, and that my flight … is not for vacation?”
Answer:
If he can get a plane ticket to Mexico, Chris shouldn’t have any trouble exiting Canada or entering Mexico.
“There are no restrictions, but it is not recommended,” said Patricia De La Maza, the executive assistant to Mexico’s consul general in Vancouver.
The Canadian government has issued a blanket advisory against all non-essential travel outside the country.
“As foreign governments implement strict travel restrictions and as fewer international transportation options are available, you may have difficulty returning to Canada or may have to remain abroad for an indeterminate period,” the advisory says.
Major airlines, including WestJet and Air Canada, have suspended many of their international routes during the COVID-19 pandemic – but there are still several carriers flying between Mexico and Canada.
Meanwhile, both the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders are closed to non-essential travel.
The travel ban between Canada and the U.S. is set to expire on May 21, but health officials in B.C. have urged the federal government to extend it.
A source familiar with the ongoing discussions between the two countries tells The Canadian Press that Canada has requested another 30-day extension to the current ban on non-essential travel.
The source, who isn’t authorized to share details of the talks publicly, says it will likely be several days before the U.S. formally agrees to the request to extend the arrangement to June 21.
Got a question you want answered? Submit it here.
With files from the Canadian Press.