CANADA IMPOSES NEW VISA REQUIREMENTS ON CZECH, MEXICAN NATIONALS

Beginning on 16 July 2009 the Canadian government will require all citizens of Mexico and the Czech Republic to obtain visas prior to arrival in Canada. Citizens of both countries were previously able to enter Canada without visas. The Canadian government has stated that the goal of the new requirements is to reduce the number of dubious refugee claims. As the Canadian Embassy in Prague does not offer consular services, the Canadian Embassy in Vienna, Austria, must process all visa applications. In response to the issue, the Czech government has recalled its ambassador in Ottawa and has threatened to impose visa requirements for Canadian government employees, including diplomats. As a member of the European Union, the Czech Republic cannot unilaterally impose visa requirements on Canadians.