How to apply for Mexico ETA: A step-by-step guide

Currently, citizens of only 3 countries are eligible to apply for Mexico ETA. It’s a simple form, takes about 5 minutes to fill out, and approval is immediate. There is no fee to apply for the ETA.

The ETA is generated and ready for download right away. You must print the ETA and carry it with you when you travel.

ETA is valid for 30 days, single-entry only. Using the ETA, you are allowed to stay up to 180 days in Mexico.

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Who is eligible to apply for Mexico ETA?

Currently, only the following 3 countries are eligible for Mexico ETA.

1. Russia
2. Turkey
3. Ukraine

If you are not eligible for ETA, you must apply for a Mexico tourist visa. Refer to the Mexico visa guide for information on tourist visa, it’s requirements, application process and the procedure to enter Mexico via airports, land borders and seaports.

You can also enter Mexico VISA-FREE with a valid US visa, or a visa from the UK, Canada, Japan or Schengen visa.

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How long is the ETA validity for?

The validity of the ETA is 30 days, single-entry only. ETA is valid only for air travel. ETA cannot be used for entering Mexico via land borders or seaports.

The validity starts from the day of issue. You must enter Mexico within the 30-day validity period.

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What is the allowed duration of stay?

The allowed duration of stay on the ETA is up to 180 days. But these days, immigration is giving the exact number of days you’ll ask for.

If you are planning to stay 30 days, the immigration may give you 30 days or a few extra buffer days, like 35 or so.

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How much is the ETA fee?

There is no application fee for the Mexico ETA. It’s free of charge to apply.

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What is the processing time?

The ETA is approved immediately. You can download your ETA right after submitting your application. In some specific cases, the ETA may require additional processing, and it may take up to 10 working days.

If you have any previous Mexico deportations or criminal records, your ETA may be refused. You must apply for the Mexico tourist visa from the embassy.

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What are the required documents?

You do not need any documents to apply for Mexico ETA.

That said, you would need your original passport to enter your passport information in the form. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of travel.

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Steps to apply for Mexico ETA

Step 1: Fill out the ETA form

Go to the official Mexico ETA portal.

Enter the following information.

Personal data

• Name(s) [Instruction: Enter your given name as per your passport. If you have a middle name, enter your first name and then your middle name separated by a space.]
• Surnames(s) [Instruction: Enter your surname or last name here]
• Sex [Instruction: Select your sex – Male/Female]
• Birth date [Instruction: Select your date of birth as per your passport]
• Current nationality [Instruction: Select your current nationality indicated on your passport]
• Marital status [Instruction: Select your marital status]

Place of birth

• Country [Instruction: Select your country of birth as per your passport]

Passport or travel document

• Identification document [Instruction: Select “Passport”]
• Document number [Instruction: Enter your passport number]
• Issuing country [Instruction: Enter the country of your passport]
• Issuance date [Instruction: Enter your passport issue date]
• Expiration date [Instruction: Enter your passport expiry date]

Trip information

• Purpose of your visit [Instruction: Select “Tourism”]
• Country where you live [Instruction: Select the country where you currently live]
• Date of planned trip [Instruction: Enter the date of your intended arrival in Mexico. This cannot be more than 30 days.
• Days planning to stay in Mexico [Instruction: Enter the number of days you plan to stay in Mexico]

Additional information

• Have you ever visited Mexico? [Instruction: Select “No”. If you have been to Mexico before, select “Yes” and enter the places you’ve visited in Mexico in your earlier trips.]
• Religion [Instruction: Select your religion from the options]
• Present occupation [Instruction: Select your present occupation from the options]
  • [OPTIONS]
  • Work
  • Study
  • Housework
  • Retired/pensioner
  • Minister of religion
  • Unemployed
  • Minor dependent
• Have you ever been deported from Mexico? [Instruction: Select “No”. If you have been deported from Mexico before, select “Yes,” and your ETA may not be approved and you may need to apply for a visa from the embassy.]
• Do you have criminal records? [Instruction: Select “No”. If you have any records, select “Yes”, and your ETA may not be approved and you would need to apply for a visa from the embassy.
• Verification code [Instruction: Enter the captcha shown]

Click on the Save button.

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Step 2: Review and Submit ETA

Review the entered information and click on the Ok button. ETA approval will be displayed.

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Step 3: Dowload and Print ETA

On the ETA approval screen/page, click on the Print application form button to download your approved ETA in PDF format.

Print this ETA as you would need to show it to the airline staff at the airport and immigration in Mexico.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT CLOSE the ETA approval page without printing your ETA. If you close the ETA approval screen without printing your ETA, you’ll have to fill out a new ETA again. There is no option to print the ETA once you close the ETA approval page.