How to apply for a Mexico visa? A short guide

Mexico, visas

Everyone who wants to travel to Mexico has three options to apply for a visa to Mexico. These options depend on: your passport, the visas that are on your passport, and eventually other residence permits that you hold.

  • If you come from a high-income country or a Latin American country, you likely don’t need a visa, but you’ll just need to get a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM). You can do it on this Mexican government page. See more details below.  
  • If you come from Russia, Ukraine or Turkey, you can apply for a visa online at the ‘Sistema de Autorización Electrónica’ (SAE), you can do it here on this Mexican government page.   
  • Everyone else needs to apply for a visa. You might don’t need a visa if you already have a visa or you are a permanent resident of some other specific countries, see more details below. To apply for a visitor visa, you will need to use your local Mexican embassy booking system. After you get your visa you still need to do a FMM on this Mexican government page.

To apply a for a work visa, your nationality is less relevant. In most cases, you need to find a job first and then you can apply for a work visa.

To apply a for a study visa, your nationality is less relevant. In most cases, you need to enrol at a Mexican university  first and then you can apply for a study visa.

To apply for a family visa. you need a family member in Mexico to apply with you.

How to apply for a Mexico visa?

If you want to stay in Mexico for less than 180 days, you may need apply for a Mexican visa depending on your nationality.

Some passports don’t need a Mexican visa but just Multiple Immigration Form (FMM).  These passport are mostly from Latin American countries or from high income countries, see complete list below. You can do a FMM on this Mexican government page. See more details below.  

If you come from Russia, Ukraine or Turkey, you can apply for a visa online at the ‘Sistema de Autorización Electrónica’ (SAE), you can do it here on this Mexican government page.   

Everyone else needs to apply for a visa. You don’t need a visa if you already have a visa or you are a permanent resident of some other specific countries, see more details below.

You don’t need a visa if you already have on your passport a valid visa from Canada, or Japan, or United kingdom, or any Schengen Area country.

To apply for a visitor visa, find the embassy or consulate or liaison office nearest to you. 

  • you will need to use your local Mexican embassy booking system or call to book an appointment
  • complete the Mexico visa application form
  • collect the necessary documentation
  • apply the application and pay the fee 

After you get your visa you still need to do a FMM on this Mexican government page. 

Where can you apply for a Mexico visa? 

If you need a visa to go to Mexico, you can apply for a visa in a Mexican consulate abroad. Start from the online booking system of your closest Mexican embassy.

How do I book an appointment for a Mexico visa?

To book an appointment, go to sre.mx and make your account. And tap here to find the rendezvous booking instructions.

The process of applying for a visa to Mexico can vary depending on the country you use from. Various Mexican embassy offices will have their unique requirements. This including the method of paying the visa fee, opening hours, and appointments.
 
This is why contacting an embassy is the first move when applying for a Mexico visa. A list of Mexican embassies around the world can be found here. 

How much is a Mexico Visa Fee?

For Mexico, a visa fee is about 36 US Dollars. But, the visa fee may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are applying for.

The mode of payment often varies from country to country, as some may allow you to pay in advance  through card, while others may ask you to pay in cash. You’ll still have to pay for the Mexico Tourist Card, which can range from $15-$30, too. 

Visa Processing Time:

You will need to review the Mexico Embassy website where you are applying. Also, you can know how long your visa can take to process. That’s because not all embassies operate at the same rate. So although you may be able to process your visa within two working days, it can take another ten working days. Embassies suggest to arrange your appointment at least four weeks before your journey.

What is Mexico visa’s duration?

The time of a tourist visa to Mexico is not more than 180 days. The duration of other visas to Mexico depends on what sort of access you have, but normally it is more than 180 days.  

Do you need a visa to travel to Mexico? 

Not everyone has to apply for a visa. Here is a list of countries whose people can go to Mexico without a visa for stays of up to 180 days.

Any country in the European Union (EU)
Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Hong Kong
Iceland
Israel
Jamaica
Japan
Liechtenstein
Macau
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Micronesia
Monaco
New Zealand
Norway
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
San Marino
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
Trinidad and Tobago
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vatican City
Venezuela

You can also check below. You can choose your passport citizenship on the dropdown list on top and click on the yellow visa requirements button. You will see a green or red banner appearing at the bottom depending on whether you need a visa for Mexico.

Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. People, from all over the world, visit its sunny beaches or its ancient historical sites. Cultural events, architecture, and natural beauty make it so much more than just a place to go. Though, depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Mexico visa in advance. 

Fill in the Mexico Visa application 

You can get your application form at the embassy website. You can complete the form by typing it on your machine, then print it. Or write it with legible typed letters. The first choice may not always be available, so follow the embassy instructions. 

Provide the necessary documentation When applying for a Mexico visa. You must have many supporting documents, such as:

  •  Mexico Visa Application Form
  • Your passport (or another travel document) that is valid for at least another six months. And has blank pages to add the visa to 
  • Passport size photo
  • Evidence of adequate financial means to fund the duration of your stay
  • Booked return tickets

It would be best if you answered questions such as:

  • Your name, birthday, sex, and birthplace
  •  Passport details
  •  Marital status
  •  Country of house and address
  •  Details about your job or profession 
  • Questions about why you are traveling to Mexico 
  • If the applicant is a minor, documents are signed by their parents 

How to get help with your visa application?

You can apply for a Mexican visa on your own here but if you need help with your visa application you can go through a reliable visa service. Search for a visa service close to you. Depending on your nationality and the time you have, one service can be more convenient than the other.

Mexico Visa Types

There are three main types of Mexico Visas, depending on the time of your stay.  

  • Mexico tourist visas are granted for a period of up to 180 days. These visas are mainly to enter Mexico for travel or any other reason that does involve jobs.  
  • Temporary resident visas are granted to foreign nationals wishing to migrate to Mexico. This for a period longer than six months but less than four years. Temporary permanent visas include job visas and family visas. 
  • Mexico permanent resident permit is for foreigners who wish to live in Mexico. This type of visa is most common for retirees living with an independent income in Mexico. It is why this visa is also referred to as a retirement visa for Mexico. Foreigners who have lived in Mexico for at least four years as a temporary resident are eligible for permanent residency in Mexico too. 

Temporary Resident Visa Requirements

A temporary resident visa from Mexico is the sort of permit you apply for if you want to stay in Mexico. This is for more than six months, but less than four years. As such, you must use documentation of the reason for your trip to Mexico, such as:
 
  • Enrolment at a Mexican institution of education; or
  • Job permit and jobs contract; or
  • Evidence of family connections with a Mexican resident or person

Who needs a Mexican student visa?

Any foreigner who plans to study in Mexico for more than 180 days must apply for a student visa from Mexico. Mexico student visas come in two types: 
  • The Temporary Resident Student Visa is for students taking a course that is more than 180 days in duration.
  • The Student Visa Guest is for students taking a course that is less than 180 days. 

How to apply for a student visa in Mexico?

You must submit the following documents at the Mexico Embassy, in original and copy: 
  • completed and signed application for a visa in Mexico
  • Your passport
  • photocopies of any permits and stamps you have received)
  • Passport-size photo taken in the last six months with a white backdrop.
  • A booked ticket to flight (not necessarily bought)
  • Letter of acceptance from your educational institution, forwarded to Embassy of Mexico, containing:
  • Your complete name
  • The study stage, degree, and area you’ll be taking
  • The name of the course you were brought into
  • Duration of the time including starting and finishing dates
  • The cost of the tuition fee, and if you have earned a scholarship.
  • Contact details of The school
  • Bank declarations or transactions over the last three months
  • Evidence of financial means necessary to finance your stay, such as:
  • Proof that you get a stable salary of at least US$ 400 a month
  • Evidence that you save or make savings
  • Evidence of a scholarship you got
  • If you’re a minor: provide your birth certificate and a parent or legal guardian name.
  • If you are not a citizen of the country, then in which you currently live. Provide documentation of legal house, such as a residence permit.
  • Visa application fee for students

Requirements for family visas to Mexico

The documents you must send when applying for a family visa for Mexico include:
 
  • Fill application for a visa in Mexico complete.
  • Your passport and photocopies of the essential pages. This includes the first and last page, any visas, and stamps you have received
  • Passport-size photo taken in the last six months with a white backdrop.
  • A booked ticket to the flight
  • Proof of family relationships, such as:
  • Spouses/partners marriage certificate or proof of common-law union
  • Birth certificates, which prove family relations for children, parents, or siblings
  • If your family member is a resident cardholder: their resident card original and copy
  • If your family member is an international student. Then verifying their registration with a letter from their school
  • Financial solvency evidence, by bank statements of the last 12 months. This includes payslips or savings.
  • Charge for Mexico Family Visa
  • Any extra documentation demanded by the Mexican embassy

What is a Mexico tourist card?

The Mexico Tourist Card, named the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), is a mandatory entry need. For all foreign nationals traveling to Mexico for tourism purposes. 
 
The Mexican Authority had also implemented this so to maintain a record of all visitors.
 
The FMM can be used by air or land for one single entry. And is valid for 180 days from the time the immigration seal is stamped on your travel document, on arrival in Mexico.
 
If you are traveling to Mexico or crossing one of its land borders, you can get the Tourist Card. Just fill out a simple online application form before travel. 
 
This involves sending personal data, descriptions of travel documents. And also information about the expected trip to Mexico. The final form takes minutes to print.
 
The authorized FMM must be sent by email to the applicant. It will be printed and displayed at border control.
 
The Mexican Tourist Card can be used for tourism and leisure purposes only to visit Mexico. It does not give the holder the right to work in the region or to pursue jobs.
 
The FMM isn’t a visa. Travelers from countries disqualified from applying for a Mexican visa also have to get a Mexico Tourist Passport. Besides an FMM, citizens can also apply for the appropriate visa for Mexico to visit as a tourist.
 
All tourists must have an FMM, including children. On their behalf, parents or legal guardians can fill in the application.