Mexico Visa Requirements

Mexico visa requirements are very clear and quite easy to understand. Mexico offers visa EXEMPTION to many nationalities. Also, offers visa EXEMPTION to any nationality with a valid visa from the US, UK, Canada or Schengen.

Mexico visa costs $36 USD and takes only two days for processing. Usually, 180-day entry is given.

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Mexico Visa Requirements

Visa EXEMPT passport holders

Visa REQUIRED passport holders

Visa EXEMPT for passport holders with a valid VISA from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom or Schengen

Passport holders of ANY nationality who hold ANY valid visa from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom or Schengen DO NOT require a visa to enter Mexico as a tourist for up to 180 days.

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Application Process

Check if you need a visitor/tourist visa to travel to Mexico in the “Visa Requirements” section above. Alternatively, you can check if a visa is REQUIRED or EXEMPT at the visa section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico website.

Application
Mexico visa application can only be applied in person. Some consulates require you to make an appointment for visa. Here is a step by step guide on how to make an appointment. Check your nearest consulate for more details.

Documentation
The following documentation is required

1. Filled and signed visa application form
2. One passport size photograph
3. Original passport
4. Copy of first and last page of your passport
5. Original employment letter
6. Document proving economic solvency (Bank statements and/or pay slips)
7. Copy of the visa/residence permit if applying in a third country. Example: if you hold a India passport and applying in the US, you have to provide a copy of your US visa

Visa fee
Fee for the tourist visa is currently $36 USD. The visa fee can be paid in cash in most consulates. Some consulates accept only money orders. Check with your nearest consulate for more information.

Processing time
Mexico visa typically takes 2 days for processing. After you appear in person and submit your documents, you will be asked to pick up your passport the next day or two days after.

Apply in person
Mexico visa application can only be applied in person. Check with your nearest consulate if you need to make an appointment.

Apply by mail
Mexico visa cannot be applied by mail.

Apply through visa/travel agency
Mexico visa cannot be applied through a visa/travel agency.

Priority visa service
There is no priority visa service. Regular visa processing usually takes 2 days. If you need your visa quicker than that, contact your nearest consulate.

Customer service
There is no dedicated customer service. You can contact your nearest consulate if you need assistance.

Application withdrawal
There is no official procedure to withdraw an application. Visa processing usually takes about 2 days.

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Immigration and Customs

Start
Most airlines do not let you check-in online if you need a visa to travel to the destination country. If you check-in online or at the airport, either way, make sure to arrive at the gate a bit early and see the airline staff. They sometimes have to go through the visa requirements again, verify the documents and put a “Docs Ok” stamp on your boarding pass.

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of travel.

You must fill a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) card before you enter Immigration and Customs at your port of entry. Normally, an FMM card will be given to you on your inbound flight.

Entry
At your first port of entry in Mexico, you have to go through the Customs and Immigration. 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 marked on the FMM card. Usually, it would be 180 days.

You must retain the FMM card while you are in Mexico. If you lose, you have to pay a penalty on your exit.

As always, carry a copy of your return ticket and hotel/hostel/Airbnb booking for just in case.

Exit
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.

As usual, stop by the gate to check with the staff if they need to verify your documents.

Return
You may have to go through immigration and customs on your return at your home country or the country you are flying back to. If you are flying back on an Airbus A330/A340/A380 or Boeing 747/777, expect long lines at the immigration and customs.

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Overall

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 or Schengen are also visa EXEMPT. Visa processing is quick and costs only $36 USD.

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