Mexico is one of the most prominent tourist destinations worldwide, with millions of people visiting each year. Thus, many want to know the Mexico visa requirements before traveling.
There are also certain restrictions on what types of visas are available. For example, tourist visas cannot be used for work or study purposes. Make sure you research the specific visa requirements that apply to you before traveling to Mexico.
Receiving a visa can be confusing, so this article will provide all the information you need about Mexico visa requirements.
In this article
- About Mexico
- What is a Mexico Visa
- Mexico Visa Requirements
- How to Apply for a Mexico Visa
- Mexico Visa Exemptions
- How much does a Mexican visa cost?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
About Mexico
Mexico is a country located in North America. The United States borders the country to the north and the countries of Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. Mexico has over 122 million people, making it the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. The capital of Mexico is Mexico City, and the largest city is Guadalajara.
Humans first inhabited the area now known as Mexico over 10,000 years ago. The region was home to several indigenous cultures, most notably the Aztecs and Maya. In 1521, Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire, leading to centuries of Spanish rule. Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821.
Since its independence, Mexico has been ruled by a series of dictators and military juntas.
What is a Mexico Visa
A Mexico visa is a document that allows foreigners to travel to and stay in Mexico for a certain amount of time. The visa is placed in the traveler’s passport and must be presented at the port of entry into Mexico.
The type of visa you need depends on your purpose of visit. The Mexican embassy or consulate issues visas in the traveler’s country of residence.
There are several types of visas available for Mexico: tourist, business, student, diplomatic, and temporary worker.
- The tourist visa is the most common type and is available for people who want to visit Mexico for leisure or business purposes.
- The business visa is for people who wish to conduct business in Mexico.
- The student visa is for foreigners who want to study in a Mexican school or university.
- The diplomatic visa is for foreign government officials and their families.
Mexico Visa Requirements
Your nationality matters regarding the Mexico visa requirement needed to apply for a Mexico Visa. Technically, you will need to tender the following documents when applying for a visa: a valid passport, application form, photograph, and proof of legal status in your country of residence.
In addition, Requirements to show evidence of financial stability and an onward ticket to leave Mexico may come up. Finally, the type of visa you need and your nationality determine how much it will cost to obtain the visa.
However, if you are a citizen of the United States, you will need to provide a duplicate of your birth certificate and driver’s license. You will also need proof of financial stability and evidence that you will return to your country of residence after visiting Mexico. The fee for a tourist visa is USD 36.
If you are a citizen of Canada, you will need to provide a copy of your birth certificate and driver’s license.
How to Apply for a Mexico Visa
The first step in obtaining a Mexico visa is determining your visa type. There are different visas for tourism, business, work, and student purposes.
Next, get all the necessary documents ready. The documents needed vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, you will need your passport, application form, photos, and proof of funds.
After gathering the required documents, you can submit your application at the nearest Mexican consulate or embassy.
You will need to pay some amount of money during the application. Once your application is approved, you will be given a visa stamp or sticker on your passport.
Mexico Visa Exemptions
Several Mexico visa exemptions make it easy for people to travel to the country. For example, US citizens can visit Mexico for up to six months without a visa, and Canadian citizens can stay for up to three months without a visa. In addition, citizens of many other countries can visit Mexico for up to 180 days without a visa.
Most people eligible for Mexico visa exemptions don’t need to apply for a tourist card or other type of visa before traveling to the country. However, it’s essential to check the specific Mexico visa requirements for your nationality and plan if you’re planning on staying in Mexico for more than the allowed period.
How much does a Mexican visa cost?
When traveling to Mexico, you may need a visa. How much the visa costs will depend on your nationality. The cost of a visa for US citizens is generally around $20. However, this price can change, so it’s always best to check with the Mexican consulate or embassy in your country.
It’s crucial to note that not all nationalities need a visa to travel to Mexico. If you’re not sure whether or not you need one, it’s best to check with the Mexican consulate or embassy in your country.
If you need a visa, get it before you travel, as border officials will not let you into the country without one.
Can I apply for a Mexican visa online?
It is possible to apply for a Mexico visa online. You must put together the necessary documents and complete the application form. The application process is straightforward, and you will be able to receive your visa within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Mexico without a visa?
Your Nationality and purpose of visit determine how long you can stay in Mexico. Generally speaking, most nationals can stay for up to 180 days without a visa, but it is always best to check with theMexican embassyor consulate in your country to be sure.
If you are staying in Mexico for tourism purposes, you will likely be granted a tourist visa for as long as 180 days. However, if you are staying for work or study, you may need a different visa and will likely be limited to a shorter stay. It is important to note that even if you have a valid visa, you must still abide by the terms of that visa. Overstaying your visa can lead to fines and deportation.
Can I get a tourist card for Mexico at the airport?
Yes, you can get a tourist card for Mexico at the airport. When you arrive in Mexico, you will need to go through immigration, and then you will be able to pick up your tourist card. The card is valid for up to 180 days and allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 30 days.
How do I get a temporary Mexican visa?
There are several ways to get a temporary Mexican visa. One way is to obtain a visa through a Mexican consulate. You can do this by submitting an application and passport, along with proof of your plans for travel toMexico. In addition, it is necessary to provide evidence of financial resources, such as bank statements or letters from your employer.
Another way to get a temporary visa is by crossing the border into Mexico and applying for one at the immigration office. This option is available to citizens of certain countries, including the United States. To be eligible, you must have a valid passport and proof of financial resources.
The last way to get a temporary visa is by being invited by a Mexican citizen or resident. Unfortunately, this option is available only to citizens of certain countries, including the United States.
How long does it take to get a Mexican visa?
The time it takes to get a Mexican visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of the United States can get their visas immediately, while citizens of other countries may have to wait up to three weeks. In addition, you will need to tender a valid passport, proof of travel, and proof of financial stability. However, the visa application approach is pretty simple, and you can complete it online.
How much is the tourist tax in Mexico?
In Mexico, a tourist tax is charged to visitors who are not citizens of Mexico. The tax is paid at the point of entry into the country and ranges from $20 to $30 US dollars, depending on the length of your stay. The money collected from the tourist tax goes toward infrastructure and other projects designed to benefit Mexico’s tourism.
Conclusion
Finally, knowing theMexico visarequirements is vital before planning a trip there. The process of receiving a visa can be time-consuming. Therefore, it is best to start the application process well in advance. There are only a handful of the types of visas available, so be sure to choose the one most appropriate for your needs.
FAQs
Is Mexico visa exempt? ›
US citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Mexico for up to 180 days. Although US citizens do not need a Mexican Visa, they must apply for a Mexican Tourist Card. For more information, go and check out our Mexican Tourist Card guide.
Do you have to pay a fee to enter Mexico? ›Mexico charges a fee to all tourists and business visitors arriving in the country. The fee is approximately US$25. If you are visiting a Mexican port(s) as part of a cruise ship, you'll need to get a visitors permit at your first Mexican port of call.
How much bank balance is required for Mexican visa? ›Investment or bank accounts with a monthly ending balance of at least 300 days of the current general minimum wage in Mexico City (approx. $2,500.00 USD).
What is exempt visa? ›A visa-exempt foreign national is a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and who does not normally need a visa to enter Canada.
Which countries are exempted from visa? ›| Sr. No. | Country | Period of stay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albania | |
| 2 | Algeria | 90 days |
| 3 | Antigua & Barbuda | 90 days |
| 4 | Argentina | 90 days |
What are the Mexico visa Fees? A visa for Mexico cost 48 USD when submitted to the embassy of Mexico. However, If you just require the Forma Migratoria Múltiple, it can be obtained for USD $35.99 when selecting standard processing.
How can Mexico avoid tourist fees? ›Mexico Tourism Tax exemptions
Resident of Mexico (permanent or temporary) holding a Mexico Visa. Infant under the age of two. Diplomat. Transit/transfer passenger remaining less than 24 hours in Mexico; passengers stopping over in Mexico aren't entitled to a refund.
On the date of your appointment, you must submit the documents and application form at the Mexico embassy. You also have to pay a Mexico visa fee. A visa for Mexico costs about $36.
What is Mexico visa requirements? ›Tourist Application Requirements for a Mexico Visa
Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page. Hold proof of onward and return flights. Hold all documents required for the next destination.
If the applicant fulfils all requirements, visa processing takes two working days. Having a Mexican visa gives the possibility to travel to the country, but the entry to Mexican territory is subject to the final decision of the Immigration and Health Authorities in the country.
What documents are needed for 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.
There is no fixed minimum bank balance for US student visa, but one should have 10,000 USD and above to get F-1 visa.
How many bank statements do I need for a visa? ›Although, it is required that visa applicants provide a current bank statement of at least 6 months. Even so, you should make sure that the account has a regular cash flow.
What bank statements do I need for visa? ›Proof of funds:
Original bank statements from your personal account for the past six months; • The last 6 months of pay slips.
An exempt person is someone who is not a registered migration agent or legal practitioner and is one of the following: your nominator or sponsor. your close family member. a parliamentarian. a member of a diplomatic mission.
How long does visa exemption take? ›Most travelers can expect to receive authorization within a few minutes; however, travelers are advised to complete an ESTA as soon as they begin to plan their travel, and at least 72 hours in advance to avoid any last-minute delays.
What are the 4 types of visa? ›Which type of visa do you need? Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
Which country rejected visa most? ›Which Countries Have The Highest Rejection Rates? According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
Which country has toughest visa to get? ›- Russia.
- Cuba.
- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
List of Visa Free Countries with Indian Passport. Bhutan: Officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, the country is in the eastern Himalayas and is a landlocked one. It is the second least populous country in South Asia after the Maldives. Indian citizens can stay in the country without a visa for a period of 14 days.
How much money do you need to get residency in Mexico? ›
Typical requirements based on 2022 MW levels
Permanent Residency: Monthly income of c.US$4,300-$4500 over the last 6 months (some consulates request 12 months); or savings balance of c.US$180,000 over the last 12 months.
Fee for Mexico's Visitor Visa (FMM)
If you arrive by land and leave Mexico within 7 days of your arrival date, there is no fee for the permit. If you fly into Mexico from overseas, the fee is usually included within your air ticket's “fees and surcharges.” The fee is approximately US$25.
The total fee per visitor amounts to $241 Mexican Pesos, or roughly $12 U.S. Dollars as of this writing. The fee applies to every traveler over four who will visit any part of the Quintana Roo state.
How many days can you visit Mexico without paying? ›Mexico's visitor permit (FMM) allows visitors to remain in Mexico for a maximum of 180 days but the number of days granted has always been at the discretion of the immigration official at the port of entry.
How much money can a tourist take to Mexico? ›As for money, travelers can enter and leave Mexico with a maximum of 10 thousand dollars or its equivalent in another currency. This amount is valid in cash, national or foreign checks, documents to collect, payment orders, or a combination of any of these.
What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by Air 2022? ›- PASSPORT VALIDITY: Passport must be valid at time of entry.
- BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page per stamp.
- TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Yes, if visiting for more than 180 days.
- Whom are you working for?
- Where is it located?
- What is your role?
- Where are you living?
- What is the client name?
- Who is your end client and location?
- What kind of business do your client do?
- How long you are with the current client.
Tourists and business visitors can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. Visitors in transit can stay for up to 30 days.
How do I book an appointment for Mexico visa? ›To book an appointment, first log in to the Mexitel portal with your account details. You will then arrive at a page that requires details of your chosen consulate, type of procedure (e.g. visa) and personal information. Click on SCHEDULE and a form with various steps will open.
Can I fill out FMM form at airport? ›Other people choose to fill in the form when they arrive in Mexico. Applications can be found at the airport, and you need to complete it before you get your turn at the FMM service counter. Once you do that, you hand it to the immigration officer, he or she will rip it in half and you will get one.
Does Mexico require a return ticket? ›
IV. Address and period of stay in Mexico. You must present a return ticket to the country of origin and prove that hotel reservations correspond with the period of stay.
Can you get a tourist permit for Mexico online? ›You can get the Tourist Card at a Mexican point of entry upon arrival, and some airlines even offer the Tourist Card along with their ticket price. However, you can also obtain a Mexico Tourist Card online up to 7 days before you intend to travel.
Does Embassy check bank statement? ›Get your bank statements attested
Select countries require applicants to submit their bank statements, duly attested. While it is common to submit bank statements, and most travellers are aware of this step, not having these bank statements attested is a common error.
Employees without bank accounts may submit 6-3 months worth of pay slips that can serve as proof of the money you are receiving.
Can immigration check your bank account? ›Bank verification letters are used for immigration purposes to demonstrate that you have available financial resources to support yourself or your immediate relatives on a visa in the United States.
Can I use my father bank statement for visa? ›You can use your bank statements or your parents' / legal guardian's statements. If you don't have a statement, you can ask the bank to print one for you - make sure that each page is on headed paper and has your name and account details. You can also print an online statement and ask the bank to stamp each page.
Is bank balance important for visa? ›Your bank balance (as well as the one of your sponsor – if you have one) will show the Visa officers you have enough funds to cover your basic travel expenses and other needs.
How many months of bank statements do I need? ›Two months' worth of bank statements is the norm because any credit or deposit accounts older than that should have shown up on your credit report.
Do visa officers check social media? ›Information on social media also may be evaluated for other grounds of inadmissibility. If your posts show that you were involved in criminal activity, your application could be denied on that basis, even if the activity is not related to terrorism or violence.
Can I use someone bank statement for visa? ›Yes. However, the e-bank statement will have to hold an original stamp from your bank to confirm the authenticity of the document and has to show the name of the account holder. You can use your bank statements or your parents' / legal guardian's statements.
Do visa officers ask for financial documents? ›
In fact, they only ask for any documents in the rarest of rare occasions. As a rule, the Visa Officers do not ask for any documents. Though you are always recommended to carry them with you, it is important to note that you must not offer your documents until and unless asked. What is 221(g) under US Visa Refusals?
Are visas required for Mexico? ›No visa is required for this destination for a stay of up to 180 days. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must: Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page.
Can Mexico enter US without visa? ›Mexican nationals are required to present a valid passport and visa or diplomat require a visa to enter the United States. BCC when traveling to the United States by land. For travel by sea, Mexican nationals will need to present a valid passport and visa or a valid passport and BCC.
Can I enter Mexico without a tourist card? ›If you are visiting Mexico you need a Tourist Card which is an Entry Immigration Form that details information about your visit to Mexico. The Tourist Card is per person regardless of age and how long you will stay in Mexico.
Is Mexico visa on arrival? ›No. There is no Mexico Visa on Arrival for Indian citizens available. Indians who plan to travel to Mexico must apply for the Mexico Visa for Indians before traveling.
How much is Mexico visa fee? ›What are the Mexico visa Fees? A visa for Mexico cost 48 USD when submitted to the embassy of Mexico. However, If you just require the Forma Migratoria Múltiple, it can be obtained for USD $34.49 when selecting standard processing.
Which countries can go to USA without visa? ›- Andorra (1991)
- Australia (1996)
- Austria (1991)
- Belgium (1991)
- Brunei (1993)
- Chile (2014)
- Croatia (2021)
- Czech Republic (2008)
Fee for Mexico's Visitor Visa (FMM)
If you arrive by land and leave Mexico within 7 days of your arrival date, there is no fee for the permit. If you fly into Mexico from overseas, the fee is usually included within your air ticket's “fees and surcharges.” The fee is approximately US$25.
Other people choose to fill in the form when they arrive in Mexico. Applications can be found at the airport, and you need to complete it before you get your turn at the FMM service counter. Once you do that, you hand it to the immigration officer, he or she will rip it in half and you will get one.
How much does the FMM cost? ›How Much Does It Cost? As of 2021, the fee for an FMM is $638 MXN (approx $33 USD) to the INM office processing your visa at the border. The immigration officer will give a break off a part of the FMM when you come into Mexico.
Can I apply for Mexico visa online? ›
The online Mexico visa is called an Electronic Travel Authorization (Sistema de Autorización Electrónica, SAE), and is valid for one entry, and allows the holder a maximum stay of 180 days in Mexico. However, you can only get a Mexico visa online if you intend to travel by air.
What is the visa process for Mexico? ›Indian citizen holders of ordinary passport need Visa to enter Mexico. All applications for Tourist Visa and Business Visa to travel to Mexico must be submitted to the Embassy of Mexico in India. Personal presence of the applicant is mandatory for biometric process and interview.
What kind of visas are there for Mexico? ›There are several categories of visas that expats may apply for: tourism, business or transit visa; work visa; temporary resident visa; student temporary resident visa; or a permanent residence visa. Expats can also obtain a visa for diplomatic reasons or to conduct adoption proceedings.