Mexico Visas

Depending on your country, you may require a visa to enter Mexico. However, visitors from some countries, like the United States or the United Kingdom, only need a tourist card to freely move around in Mexico.

Types Available

There are several types of Mexican visas, each depending on the purpose of your visit to Mexico.

A Mexican Tourist visa is given to foreign nationals who wish to visit Mexico past the border zone, or who wish to stay for more than 72 hours in the border zone. Mexico charges a tourist fee to visitors. The fee, amounting to about US$20, entitles the tourist to a Tourist Card. The card, known as the Migratory Tourist Form (FMT) is valid for six months with multiple entries. The Tourist Card must be with the holder all the time; it is recommended that the tourist keeps a copy in case the original is lost. The card can be picked up at the border.

Only people entering Mexico on holiday, due to health reasons, or to engage in scientific, artistic or sporting activities that are non-remunerative or lucrative can be issued Tourist Cards.

A Visa/FM3 for Temporary Resident is issued to those who would like to live or retire in Mexico.

A Visa/FM3 for General Business is issued to purchasing agents, businesspeople, importers and exporters who will attend board meetings of Mexican companies. The visa is also issued to people who conduct business that requires any notarial certification or legal proceedings in court.

A Visa/FM3 for Technicians and Engineers is issued to skilled workers in the technical industry who intend to install, repair, or take tools or machinery in Mexico.

A Student Visa is issued to foreign students who wish to study in Mexico. A student visa may last more than six months, depending on the student’s nationality.

An Immigrant/FM2 Visa is issued to foreign nationals who intend to live in Mexico for a very long time (over a year) and seek permanent residency. To be eligible for this visa, the person must have lived in Mexico full-time and had an FM3 for at least five years.

Requirements

When applying for a visa, there are some requirements you need to fulfill.

You must have a valid passport and one photocopy. The passport must have a minimum of six months’ validity.

You must fill in the application form for a visa. Application forms can be obtained at your local Mexican Embassy or Consulate.

You must provide two passport-sized photos. For students applying for student visa, six passport-sized, front view photos and five right side photos in color are necessary.

You must also have a statement or documentation supporting your financial stability and your ability to support yourself while in Mexico. Bank statements of accounts are accepted.

For students, a letter of endorsement or acceptance from the school or university is required.

A proof of payment of the fees is also necessary.

Additional Information

Depending on the nationality, processing and issuance of visas may take up to three weeks. However, the average is two days. Visa cost varies, as well, but usually range from US$17 – US$30. For minors (those under 18) and those traveling alone or with only one parent, a notarized letter of permission signed by the parents (if traveling alone) or the parent who is not traveling is needed. The same goes for guardians. For those whose parents are divorced, the parent’s custody document will suffice.

For those who seek a temporary residency status in Mexico, an FM3 visa is not necessary to apply for an FM2 (Immigrant Visa). You must hold an FM2 for a full consecutive five years before you may apply for immigrant status or Mexican citizenship. It must be noted that if you held an FM3 prior, any years you have acquired while under the FM3 status do not count towards the FM2 five-year qualification period.