Mexico visa
Traveling to Mexico
Mexico is a large and vibrant country with many opportunities for studying, tourism, and business. Each year millions of travelers arrive in Mexico ready for adventure and opportunity.
While many nationalities are eligible to enter Mexico visa-free, there are quite a few that will need to apply for a visa at a Mexican embassy or consulate before traveling. Exceptionally, citizens of Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine can apply for an electronic visa (SAE) for Mexico online.
The validity of a Mexico visa will vary depending on the visa type. The Tourism/Business visa is valid for up to 180 days, while the electronic visa is valid for just 30 days. A Temporary Resident visa allows visitors to stay more than 180 days, but less than 4 years.
Regardless of whether or not they are exempt from obtaining a visa or must apply for one through an embassy or consulate, all applicants must complete the Multiple Migratory Form (FMM), a form that serves as proof of legal entry into Mexico. This should be completed online, printed, and presented at the border upon arrival.
Mexico visa types
Mexico offers three types of visas that can be obtained by applying at a Mexican embassy or consulate. They will need to apply for one of the following visas along with completing the FMM authorization online.
The three types of Mexican visas are:
- Tourism/Business (Visitor) visa
- This is a short-stay visitor visa intended for those who plan to engage in any “non-lucrative” activities in Mexico.
- Temporary Resident visa
- This visa is intended for travelers who want to reside in Mexico for between 180 days and 4 years.
- Permanent Resident visa
- This visa type is for foreigners who want to remain indefinitely in Mexico to live, work, and/or study.
Mexico visa requirements
To apply for any Mexico visa, there are some required documents that must be collected and presented to the consular officer when submitting the application. The required documents for any Mexico visas include:
A valid passport
The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Mexico.
A personal (passport) photo
The applicant is required to submit one recent personal passport-sized photo, taken within the last 6 months, against a white background, with the applicant’s face visible and uncovered.
A complete application form
Applicants must print out and complete the application form to be submitted along with their other application documents.
A complete Multiple Migratory Form (FMM)
All applicants must complete the FMM online before arriving in Mexico.
A valid form of payment
Applicants must be able to pay the visa fee using a valid form of payment.
Proof of financial means
Applicants must show they can support themselves financially for the duration of their stay in Mexico.
Additional documents may be required depending on the visa type and purpose of travel such as a letter from an employer, a letter of acceptance to the relevant academic institution, proof of accommodation, or a travel itinerary.
Any documents in a foreign language other than English must be translated into Spanish. Both the original and the Spanish translation must be included with the application materials.
Mexico visa application steps
Applying for a Mexico visa is simple and can be completed by following a few basic steps:
- Complete the visa application form
A Mexico visa application form must be completed accurately.
- Complete the Multiple Migration Form (FMM)
The FMM is an online form that must be completed online by all travelers before arriving in Mexico. It should be printed and presented at the border upon arrival.
- Schedule a visa appointment
After completing their application, applicants must schedule a visa appointment well in advance of their intended travel date.
- Gather the required documents
Applicants should prepare all required documents before attending their visa appointment.
- Submit the application and documents
At the visa appointment, applicants can submit their visa application form and all required documents.
- Pay the visa fee
Payment can be made during the visa appointment at the Mexican embassy or consulate.
Where to apply for Mexico visa
Applicants can apply for any Mexico visa at their local Mexican embassy or consulate. The only exception is citizens from Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine who are eligible to apply for an electronic visa (SAE) online before traveling to Mexico.
Mexico visa processing time
The processing times for a Mexico visa will depend on the complexity of the case. Factors that influence the processing time are the visa type, the anticipated duration of stay in Mexico, the purpose of the visit, and where the applicant submits their visa application.
Mexico visa FAQ
A Mexico visa is a travel document that allows a foreign national to enter and remain in Mexico for up to 180 days for tourism, business, or study purposes. Any activity engaged in while on a Mexico visa must be “non-lucrative” aka does not generate any income.
Mexico visas can be applied for and obtained at the Mexican embassy or consulate. The only exception is citizens from Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine who are eligible to apply for an electronic visa (SAE) online before traveling to Mexico.
A Mexico visa will cost 51 USD. The payment method is subject to change depending on the country or embassy/consulate where the visa application is completed. Applicants should inquire about accepted payment methods before attending their visa appointment.
The validity of a Mexico visa will vary depending on the visa type. The Tourism/Business visa is valid for up to 180 days, while the electronic visa is valid for just 30 days. A Temporary Resident visa allows visitors to stay more than 180 days, but less than 4 years.
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