Understanding Entry Requirements for Traveling to Mexico

Mexico is a vibrant country full of incredible culture and wonderful people – no wonder it’s so continuously popular with visitors.

However, navigating tourist permits, visas, and official documentation can be daunting when heading to a foreign country, especially one that revels in red tape. Therefore, here’s exactly what you need to know about entry requirements for traveling to Mexico.

Who Doesn’t Need a Visa for Mexico?

Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, Israel, Japan, and dozens of other countries do not require a visa to enter Mexico as tourists.

Additionally, any visitor, regardless of nationality, who is a permanent resident of or has a valid visa from the US (including an H1-B visa), Canada, the United Kingdom, and any country in the Schengen Area or Pacific Alliance is exempt from obtaining a tourist visa.

Moreover, all foreign visitors must possess a passport with at least six months validity and a completed Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), which is Mexico’s tourist card or stamp.

Where Do I Get an FMM?

The paper version of the FMM is gradually being phased out across Mexico and replaced with a passport stamp. However, when needed, FMM forms are available at border crossings, international airports, and ports. If you’re flying to Mexico, the form will be provided to you on board your aircraft. Additionally, the FMM form can also be completed online, printed, and presented to immigration officials.

Processing an FMM costs US$28, which is paid on the spot at borders and ports or is integrated into the cost of airline tickets under “fees and surcharges.”

Upon entering Mexico, immigration officials stamp the FMM or your passport, adding the number of days you are permitted to stay. Officials can approve up to 180 days but often grant less. Therefore, be sure to ask for the number of days you’ll need to cover your visit!

When you leave Mexico, you must surrender your FMM, if it’s a paper version. Keep it safe—if you lose it, you’ll face a US$40 fine.

The requirements vary slightly if you’re entering Mexico by land:

• FMMs are free for visitors staying less than seven days.

• FMMs are not required for visitors who stay less than 72 hours in the “Zona Libre” or “Free Zone” – the areas 20 to 26 km (12 to 16 miles) south of the US border.

• If you’re entering through the Zona Libre but are planning to travel beyond its limits, request an FMM form when crossing the border. If you forget, you’ll be stopped upon return to the Zona Libre and made to pay for the FMM. If departing Mexico from beyond the Zona Libre, you may be fined if you don’t have an FMM.

Visitors Requiring a Visa

Citizens from China, India, Russia, and South Africa are required to have a tourist visa to enter Mexico. In addition to having a valid passport, the following documents must be submitted in person at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate:

• Visa application form

• A color passport photograph

• Proof of ties to the origin country (e.g., a letter certifying employment or full-time study)

• Proof of economic solvency (e.g., three months of bank statements or investments)

• Approximately US$51 fee (cash or bank transfers only)

Appointments for tourist visas at Mexican embassies and consulates must be made online. At the pre-scheduled time, the submitted documents will be reviewed, biometric data (photo and fingerprints) taken, and an interview conducted by a consular agent.

Once approved, a tourist visa is valid for up to 180 days. Upon entry to Mexico, travelers with tourist visas must also present an FMM.

Can I Extend My Stay in Mexico?

It is no surprise that many visitors wish to extend their visa and see more of Mexico. How you do that will depend on the details of your particular visit.

If your FMM was issued for less than 180 days, you can request an extension at an immigration office. Be sure to apply well before your FMM expires! Required documents include a valid passport, valid FMM, valid tourist visa (if necessary), and proof of sufficient funds to remain in Mexico for the intended length of stay.

If your FMM was issued for 180 days, you’ll need to leave Mexico and re-enter – this triggers the issuance of a new FMM. Most travelers opt to visit a neighboring country for just a couple of days before returning.

Travelers with tourist visas should seek an extension or apply for a new visa at an immigration office. Be sure to start the process well before the visa expires, as it may take some time to process the paperwork.

Can I Take a Working Holiday in Mexico?

Mexico offers a working holiday visa called a “Visa Temporal – Vacaciones y Trabajo,” wherein certain foreign nationals are permitted to accept paid work in Mexico for up to 180 days. Eligible participants include citizens aged 18 to 30 from Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, New Zealand, Peru, and South Korea.

Extensions are not permitted, and the visa cannot be converted into a work visa. To obtain this visa, schedule an appointment at your nearest Mexican embassy or consulate.

This article was first published on June 30, 2021, and updated on October 24, 2023.