
Whether you need to apply for a visa before traveling to Mexico depends on:
- which country issued your passport, or
- whether you have legal residency in Mexico; or
- your passport has a visa for certain other countries, or
- whether you have APEC business travel privileges.
Can I travel to Mexico without a visa?
You may also transit in Mexico without a visa for up to 30 days. Everyone who is travelling to Mexico for tourism, visit, business or other short-term purposes (up to 180 days) needs to get Mexico Tourist Card, even if they don’t need a Mexico Tourist Visa.
Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?
Travel to Mexico does generally require a passport since it is a foreign country. If traveling by land or sea, then you can get away with just a passport card. However, if traveling by air, then all passengers will need a passport book. Make sure that you know both the United States and Mexican laws when planning a trip.
What documents are required to travel to Mexico?
The following documents are required:
- Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months
- Return airline tickets including the flight numbers
- Debit or credit card to pay the FMM fees
What are the requirements to get a Mexican passport?
This is what you will have to supply:
- Completed OP-5 form
- Two passport sized photos
- Photocopies of the first five pages and also the last page of your current passport
- Passport fees

Which country can enter Mexico without visa?
Visa Not Required for Mexico Additionally, travelers of all nationalities who have a valid visa or permanent residence for select countries (Canada, any country in the Schengen area, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States) do not need a Mexican visa to be able to enter the country.
What does a US citizen need to enter Mexico?
U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.
Can I enter Mexico with US visa?
You can enter Mexico with US visa. Any nationality with a valid US visa can enter Mexico without requiring a Mexican visa. The US visa must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico. You can use any US visa including tourist, work, study and transit visas.
Can a non US citizen go to Mexico?
You can go to Mexico with a Green Card but without a visa. You only need to apply for a Mexico tourist card if you plan to stay for more than 72 hours and/or travel more than 12 km from the border.
Can a US citizen be denied entry to the US?
If you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer officers' questions. Officers may not select you for questioning based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.
Do I need a visa to go to Cancun Mexico?
US Citizens are eligible to travel to Cancun visa-free. However, when entering Mexico via air or a land border, you must present a Tourist Card upon entry AND exit.
How much is visa from USA to Mexico?
A visa for Mexico costs about $36. However, the visa fee may change depending on the type of visa you're applying for as well as the country in which you submit your application.
How long can a US citizen stay in Mexico without a visa?
Visitors who do not require a visa, with a stay up to 180 days.
How do I get a tourist visa for Mexico?
How to Apply for a Mexico Tourist Visa?Contact the Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. ... Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form. ... Collect the required documents.Submit the application and pay the visa fee. ... Wait for the visa to be processed.Pick up your passport.
What documents do you need to fly to Mexico?
To enter Mexico, you must have the following documents:A valid passport or travel document. ... A properly completed Multiple Migratory Form (FMM). ... Mexican immigration officers at the port of entry may request additional documents depending on the purpose/activity of your trip.
How much is a Mexico tourist card?
How much does a tourist card (FMM) cost? As of June 2021, tourist cards cost $594.00 pesos (appx U.S. ) and may be issued for up to 180 days. It is advisable to have your card valid for 180 days even if you don't plan on staying in Mexico that long.
What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by air?
The government of Mexico requires current proof of citizenship, a photo ID, and a valid passport for entry into Mexico. or you might be denied entry into Mexico, even for shorter visits! You will need an FMT (Mexican Visitor's Permit), which is valid for up to 6 months.
What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by Air 2022?
We recommend you carry printed proof of your stay in Mexico. You must present a valid visa and proof of your return ticket. As of April 1, 2022, you will have to fill out an electronic precheck with personal and immigration information to enter Mexico.
Does Mexico require Covid test for entry?
To this day, there are no entry restrictions in Mexico and no obligation to carry a COVID test or to do quarantine. However, it is mandatory to register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding and to show the QR code at the arrival airport.
Can U.S. citizens travel to Mexico with a birth certificate?
U.S. citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. All travelers must have a passport book for international air travel. Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used.
Do U.S. citizens need a tourist card for Mexico?
Yes, travelers from the US need to apply for a Tourist Card before entering Mexico.
What Can I Do If I Need to Apply for a Mexico Visa?
If you need a visa for Mexico, you have to apply at one of the Mexican embassies abroad.
How long do you have to be on a visa to Mexico?
Other Mexico visa-exemptions. However, even if you would normally need a visa for Mexico, you are exempt from a Mexico visa (for up to 180 days) if you fall under one of the following categories:
Who is Eligible for Mexico Electronic Travel Authorization?
Nationals of the following countries are eligible to obtain their Mexico visa through a facilitated process online, known as the Electronic Travel Authorization ( Sistema de Autorización Electrónica, SAE):
Do I Need a Visa for Mexico if I Already Have a US/Schengen Visa?
No, if you are from a country that requires you to apply for a visa for Mexico, you do not need one if you already have a valid Schengen visa or a valid visa for:
How long does it take to get a tourist card in Mexico?
Everyone who is travelling to Mexico for tourism, visit, business or other short-term purposes (up to 180 days) needs to get Mexico Tourist Card, even if they don’t need a Mexico Tourist Visa. You can get a Tourist Card at a Mexican point of entry upon arrival or you can get it online before you travel.
Do I Need a Visa to Go to Mexico?
Nationals of most countries need a visa to visit Mexico. You don’t need a visa for Mexico only if you are from a visa-exempt country or you are in the category of people which makes you exempt from Mexico visas, as detailed below.
Who Needs a Mexico Visa?
If you are coming to Mexico as a tourist, transiting, for business or technical activities (such as journalism or studies), will not be working, and are staying for less than 180 days, a Mexico visa is NOT required—IF YOU ARE A CITIZEN of one of the following countries:
Where to ask someone for immigration in Mexico?
If you are driving to Mexico, pull into the “something to declare” area. The INM desk/office will be near there. If you need to ask someone, ask for immigration (INM or Instituto Nacional de Migración).
What is an FMM in Mexico?
Mexico requires all foreigners visiting Mexico have what is called an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). Regardless of the length of your stay or where you’ll be visiting/staying in Mexico, it is required. An FMM is a travel permit issued by Mexican immigration, INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración), to foreigners for travel in Mexico. ...
What is an FMM visa?
An FMM is a travel permit issued by Mexican immigration, INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración), to foreigners for travel in Mexico. Although often referred to as a “tourist visa,” it is not officially a visa, but a travel permit issued to foreigners for short-term (180 days or less) travel. A visa is an official document allowing you ...
Where is the desk in Mexico?
If you are walking into Mexico (rather than driving), there will be a desk somewhere near the crossing area.
Do you need to put FMM on your travel checklist?
So, when you’re planning your trip , don’t forget to put the FMM on your travel checklist. Now you know to stop at the border and get your paperwork in order so that you can avoid any troubles from immigration. Enjoy your trip!
What happens if you don't get a visa in Mexico?
Your documents and passport will be returned back. This is not a rejection, so it will not hurt your future visa attempts for Mexico or any other country.
How long does it take to get a visa for Mexico?
Mexico tourist visa processing takes 2 working days. If there are too many applicants, the processing can take up to 10 working days. You will be told at the visa interview when to come back to pick up your passport.
What to do after you pick up your passport in Mexico?
After you pick up your passport, verify the name and dates on your Mexico visa to make sure everything is correct.
How long is a Mexico visa valid?
Mexico tourist visas are valid for 6 months from the date of visa issue. Visas are usually multiple-entry. Example: If your Mexico visa was issued on December 05, 2020, the visa will be valid until June 05, 2021. —.
How long is a passport valid?
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
What do you need to do at your first port of entry in Mexico?
At your first port of entry in Mexico, you have to go through passport control. You will be asked about your purpose of travel, whether it’s your first time in Mexico, etc. Your passport will be stamped.
How much is a Mexico visa?
The Mexico tourist visa fee is $44 USD payable in local currency. You may end up paying a bit more or less due to the exchange rate. Keep in mind that the visa fee is non-refundable.
How much does it cost to get a visitor's permit in Mexico?
The fee is approximately US$25. If you arrive in Mexico by land, you will need to get a visitors permit at the port of entry; If you fly to Mexico, air crews on international flights hand-out the visitor permit forms before the flight lands, and they are also available at Mexican airports, near the immigration desks.
How long is a visitor permit valid in Mexico?
This will be a maximum of 180 days; but it may be less than 180 days. The time granted to you (in days) is shown on the part of the permit that’s handed to you for safe-keeping. Check to see how many days you are granted to determine your exit date. Learn more about the number of days being granted to people arriving in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit, FMM.
What to do if your country is not on the no visa list?
If your country does not appear on the no-visa list, you should check with your nearest local Mexican Consulate for details of visa requirements before you travel to Mexico.
How long can a minor stay in Mexico?
Passport validity: The maximum period of time that a visitor/tourist may stay in Mexico under the auspice of a FMM (see above) is six months.
Where to check duty free allowances in Mexico?
If you are planning to do a lot of shopping in Mexico, you should check at the information desk at (air)port of departure in your home country for the latest duty-free allowances.
Do you need a passport to fly to Mexico?
A passport is required for air travel to and from the the United States . Traveling to Mexico via the United States: As of January 12th, 2009, the United States government introduced new rules for travelers entering the country using the Visa Waiver Program (Wiki).
Do you need a prescription note to take with you when traveling?
If you or a member of your family are taking prescription drugs, be sure to take the prescription/doctor’s note with you, which includes the patient’s name and the name of the medication (s) to prove medical need of the drugs you are carrying in case your luggage gets inspected. Don’t bring firearms or ammunition!
How to get a visa for Mexico?
If your visit to Mexico requires you to obtain a tourist visa, you’ll first have to make sure you’re eligible for one. To apply for a visa to Mexico, you must meet the following criteria: 1 Have a passport that’s valid for at least three months past your planned departure date from Mexico. 2 Have the financial ability to support yourself for the duration of your stay in Mexico and to pay for your transportation home. Mexico requires you to have $50 per day for your stay in Mexico. 3 Show the bank statements from the past six months. 4 Have a return flight home. 5 Prove that you have permanent residence in the country from which you’re applying for a visa. 6 Show that you intend to leave Mexico at the end of your authorized visit.
How long do you have to have a passport to enter Mexico?
If you’re a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom or a country in the European Union’s Schengen area, all you need is a valid passport to enter Mexico for up to 180 days.
How long is a passport valid in Mexico?
Note that Passport Cards are not valid for air travel. We also recommend that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Mexico.
Is the Mexican consulate reopening?
Due to Covid-19, passport offices in many countries have suspended or restricted the issuance of new passports, as well as passport renewals. Mexican Consulates are gradually reopening to issue visas and provide other Consulate services; check with your nearest Mexican Consulate for details about their schedules and procedures.
How long do you have to have a bank statement to get a visa in Mexico?
Liquid assets must be documented with 12 months of bank statements. You can apply for visas for your spouse (gay couples included) and children at the consulate at the same time or we can do it when you are here in Mexico once the primary applicant has his/her visa.
Where to renew a visa for Mexico?
If you are living in Mexico, you will need to apply for, change or renew your visa at a National Migration Institute (INM) office nearest you.
How long do you have to be a temporary resident to get a permanent visa?
In these cases, people must complete all four years as a temporary before going to permanent, if for only financial reasons (not family-related).
How long can I stay out of Mexico before I can apply for citizenship?
If you want to apply for citizenship at a later date assuming you meet the 2 or 5 year rules you cannot have been out of Mexico more than 180 days in the 2 years prior to applying for citizenship. If you never plan to apply to be a citizen then there should be no problem with your absence under current rules and practice.
Is Mexico a good place to live?
Mexico Is a Good Place to Be Staying Alive

Mexico Tourist Visa Requirements by Nationality
- Minimum passport validity required to enter Mexico
1. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival — - Visa EXEMPT with a valid VISA from the US, Canada, UK, Schengen or Japan
Visa is NOT REQUIRED for ANY nationality holding a valid visa or permanent residence from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Schengen or Japan for stays up to 180-days as a tourist. Example:You hold an India passport with US B1/B2 visa, both valid for more than 6 months. You …
Mexico Tourist Visa Application Process
- Check if you need a Mexico tourist visa from the “Visa Requirements” section above. Alternatively, you can check if a visa is REQUIRED or EXEMPTon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico website. —
Entering and Leaving Mexico by Air
- Entering Mexico by air
A Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) is a Mexican immigration form similar to an arrival/departure card. Normally, an FMM card will be given to you on your inbound flight. You must fill this FMM card before you enter the immigration and customs at the first port of entry in Mexico. At your fir… - Leaving Mexico by air
You have to return the FMM card to the airline staff on your exit. If you lose your FMM card, you must pay a penalty. To avoid any penalties and delays on your exit, make sure to keep the FMM card safe while you are in the country. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I left Mexico by air at Mexico cit…
Entering and Leaving Mexico by Land
- Entering Mexico by land
Grab and fill a FMM card at the immigration office. Present your passport, FMM card and cash for tourism tax. You will be asked about your purpose of travel, whether it’s your first time in Mexico, etc. Your passport will be stamped. The number of days you will be allowed to stay will be mark… - Leaving Mexico by land
You must present your original passport, FMM card and proof of tourism tax paid to the immigration officer. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I left Mexico by land at Ciudad Cuauhtemoc near the Mexico/Guatemala border. I had a receipt of my tourist tax, so I presented my tourist tax rec…
Entering and Leaving Mexico by Sea
- Entering Mexico by sea
Grab and fill a FMM card at the immigration office. Present your passport, FMM card and cash for tourism tax. You will be asked about your purpose of travel, whether it’s your first time in Mexico, etc. Your passport will be stamped. The number of days you will be allowed to stay will be mark… - Leaving Mexico by sea
You must present your original passport, FMM card and proof of tourism tax paid to the immigration officer. If you do not have a tourism tax receipt or your airline booking doesn’t indicate it clearly, you will have to pay tourism tax when leaving Mexico by sea. PERSONAL EXP…
Summary
- Mexico visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. Mexico offers visa EXEMPTION to many nationalities. Any nationality holding any visa from the US, UK, Canada, Schengen or Japan are also visa EXEMPT. The Visa application procedure is fairly easy, quick and costs $44 USD.