Visa and travel Requirements to visit Mexico

Do You Need a Visa?

Visa-Exempt Nationalities

Citizens of many countries do not require a visa to enter Mexico for tourism, business, or transit purposes for stays of up to 180 days. This includes passport holders from major countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and all nations within the Schengen Area.

This visa exemption applies strictly to activities that are not for remuneration, such as vacations or attending business meetings. For a definitive and complete list of visa-exempt countries, please consult the official information provided by the Mexican government. You can typically find this on the website of the nearest Mexican consulate or through the National Institute of Migration (INM).

Entry with an Existing Valid Visa

If your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list, you may still be able to enter Mexico without a Mexican visa. This is possible if you hold a valid, multiple-entry visa for any of the following countries:

• United States
• Canada
• Japan
• United Kingdom
• Any country within the Schengen Area

This provision also extends to travelers who are permanent residents of these same countries. It is imperative to note that your visa or permanent residency card must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Mexico. You will need to present this document along with your passport to the immigration officer upon arrival.

Nationalities Requiring a Visa

For travelers whose nationality is not on the visa-exempt list and who do not possess a qualifying visa or residency from the countries mentioned above, a Mexican visa is required. We advise you to contact the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate well in advance of your travel date to begin the application process. Requirements and processing times can vary significantly by location. You can find the diplomatic mission nearest to you through the official directory of Mexican consulates abroad.

Mandatory Entry and Exit Documents

Passport Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Mexico.
• As a best practice, we strongly recommend that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry. Some airlines enforce this rule even if it is not an official requirement of the Mexican government, and they may deny boarding.
• Ensure your passport contains at least one completely blank page for the entry stamp.

FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple)

What it is: The FMM is the official entry immigration form required for all tourists entering Mexico.

Entering by Air:

• At most international airports in Mexico, the process has been digitized, and the physical FMM paper form has been eliminated for tourists.
• Upon arrival, the immigration officer will scan and stamp your passport with your date of entry. They will also manually write the number of days you are permitted to stay in the country.
• CRITICAL: You must check the number of days written in your passport stamp before leaving the immigration counter. The number of days granted is at the discretion of the immigration officer and may be less than the 180-day maximum. It is essential to ensure the duration covers your entire planned trip.

Entering by Land or Sea:

• When entering Mexico via a land border or seaport, you may still be required to complete a physical FMM card or fill one out online in advance.
• The official government portal for the online FMM application is available at the INM website. Be cautious of non-official, third-party websites that charge unnecessary fees for this service.
• If you are given a paper portion of the FMM upon entry, you MUST keep it in a safe place, such as with your passport. You are required to surrender this document when you exit Mexico. Losing this slip can result in fines and significant delays upon your departure.

At Mexican Immigration

Required Documents to Present

To ensure a smooth entry process, please have the following documents readily accessible for the immigration officer:

• Valid Passport
• While the FMM is often digital for air travelers, it is helpful to be aware of the process and the permission stamp you will receive.
• Hotel or accommodation booking confirmations for your stay.
• Proof of onward or return travel, such as your return flight itinerary.

Questions from Immigration

The immigration officer may ask a few standard questions to verify the nature of your visit. Common inquiries include:

• What is the purpose of your visit? (e.g., tourism, vacation)
• How long do you intend to stay in Mexico?
• Where will you be staying?

This is a routine procedure. Please answer all questions truthfully and concisely to facilitate your entry.

Customs Information

Customs Declaration Form

Upon arrival in Mexico, you may need to complete a customs declaration. This form is often distributed during your flight or is available in the baggage claim area before you exit. Increasingly, major airports are transitioning to a digital or verbal declaration system, where you only need to speak with an officer if you have something to declare.

What you need to declare:

• Cash, checks, or other monetary instruments exceeding the equivalent of $10,000 USD.
• Restricted items, which commonly include certain agricultural products like plants, seeds, fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products.

For a detailed and current list of duty-free allowances, as well as prohibited and restricted items, please visit the official Mexican customs (SAT) website, specifically the section for information for passengers.