Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s off to Mexico for meetings with his counterparts from Mexico and the U-S.

President Enrique Pena Nieto reportedly wants to talk about Canada’s visa requirements for Mexican visitors.

While the prime minister isn’t expected to drop the barriers now, there may be some easing of the application process.

It’s hoped the two countries may agree soon on “Nexus-style” travel permits that would allow travellers to visit participating countries with fewer restrictions.

Trade Minister Ed Fast, who’s on the trip with Harper, has been authorized by cabinet to sign an expanded airline access agreement with Mexico.

That would allow Mexican airlines greater access to more cities and Canadians more direct flights to Mexico.

And that in turn would likely lead to Ottawa eventually lifting the visa rule for Mexicans, brought in five years ago to fight an increase in bogus asylum seekers.