Visa Regulations for Entering Mexico
Temporary Visitor’s Visa:
The most common type of visa for visitors to Mexico is the Temporary Visitor’s Visa, also known as a visitor’s permit. This visa allows visitors to stay in Mexico for 180 days or less for tourism, business, medical treatment, or to visit friends and family. To obtain this visa, visitors must present a valid passport, proof of financial support, and a return ticket.Temporary Resident Visa:
Visitors who plan to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days may apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. To be eligible, they must prove they have enough financial resources to support themselves while in Mexico and have a specific purpose for their stay, such as study, work, or family reunification. This visa is valid for up to one year and can be renewed once in Mexico.Permanent Resident Visa:
Visitors who wish to become permanent residents in Mexico may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. To be eligible, they must prove they have enough financial resources to support themselves and their family and have a specific purpose for their stay, such as investment, work, or family reunification. This visa is valid for up to two years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Visa Exemptions
Mexican law allows citizens of certain countries to enter without a visa for a limited time. As of 2021, citizens of the following countries are exempt from visa requirements for stays of 180 days or less: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, South Korea, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States.
Relationship between Visas and Residency Status in Mexico
Visas and residency status are related in Mexico, as visitors who obtain a Temporary Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa may be eligible to apply for residency status in Mexico. Residency status grants the holder the right to work and live in Mexico permanently and to access certain benefits, such as access to healthcare and the Mexican social security system.
Reliable Information on Visas for Entry Into Mexico
- Mexican Embassy or Consulate: Visitors may contact the Mexican embassy or consulate in their home country for more information on visas and the visa application process.
- Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM): The INM is the Mexican government agency responsible for immigration and visa matters. Visitors can find information on their website (inm.gob.mx) on visa requirements, application procedures, and other immigration-related topics.
- Mexican Tourism Board: The Mexican Tourism Board (visitmexico.com) also provides information on visas and other travel requirements for visitors to Mexico.
Applying For a Visa
To enter Mexico, most foreign nationals need a tourist visa or a temporary resident visa. The type of visa required depends on the length and purpose of the stay in Mexico. It is advisable to apply for a visa at least 4-6 weeks before the planned trip to Mexico.
Relevant forms and details of relevant authorities:
- Tourist visa application form: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sanfrancisco/index.php/en/services/visas/tourist
- Temporary resident visa application form: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sanfrancisco/index.php/en/services/visas/temporary-resident
- Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE): https://www.gob.mx/sre
Where to Apply for a Visa for Mexico
The applicant can apply for a visa at the Mexican Consulate closest to their place of residence. For US and UK expats, the relevant consulates are:
- US expats: Mexican Consulate in the jurisdiction where they reside
- UK expats: Mexican Embassy in London, UK
Relevant Documents for Mexico
The following documents are required to apply for a tourist visa or temporary resident visa:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Proof of financial means (bank statement, pay stubs, etc.)
- Proof of travel arrangements (flight itinerary, hotel reservation, etc.)
- Proof of ties to home country (employment letter, property ownership, etc.)
For a temporary resident visa, additional documents may be required such as a certificate of employment, proof of income, and a police clearance certificate.
Where you can find additional information:
- Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) website: https://www.gob.mx/sre
- Mexican Consulate website: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/
Whether translations are necessary:
Translations may be necessary if the documents are not in Spanish. It is advisable to check with the Mexican Consulate for specific requirements.
Visa Application Processing Time for Mexico
The processing time for a visa for Mexico varies and depends on the Consulate. On average, it takes 4-6 weeks to process a tourist visa or temporary resident visa.
Visa Application Cost for Mexico
The fee for a tourist visa or temporary resident visa for Mexico varies based on the Consulate and the type of visa. On average, the fee is around $50-$80 USD.
Associated Costs
There may be additional fees for expedited processing or courier services. It is advisable to check with the Mexican Consulate for specific requirements and fees.