Mexico Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
Do you know how to apply for a Mexico visa? What are the requirements, fees and processing time? Don’t worry because you will gain knowledge from this article! We will provide you with the most basic instructions and other useful information.
Who needs a visa to enter Mexico?
- The countries visit Mexico as tourists, in transit, for business, technical activities, as journalists, or for studies, for a period not exceeding 180 days:
- All foreign visitors, regardless of nationality, coming to Mexico for tourism, business or transit to another destination, are exempt from a Mexican visa as long as they have a valid visa issued by any country any of the following: 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇪🇺 Schengen area
- Additionally, foreign visitors, regardless of nationality, with a valid permanent residence card from 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom or any country in the 🇪🇺 Schengen area, do not need to visa to enter Mexico.
Mexico visa types
There are 3 main visa types:
Tourist visa
Tourist visa allows stays in Mexico for up to 180 days. It is issued to foreign nationals who want to enter Mexico for tourism, business, visiting family, or any other short-term purpose that does not involve employment.
Temporary resident visa
Temporary resident visa is for stays longer than 180 days but less than 4 years. It is issued to foreigners who want to move to Mexico and live there for an extended period.
Temporary resident visa has several subcategories:
- Student visa: for those going to study in Mexico
- Work visa: for those taking up employment in Mexico
- Family visa: for family individuals of Mexican citizens or residents
- Digital wanderer visa: for inaccessible workers/freelancers
Permanent resident visa
Permanent residence visa is for individuals who plan to stay in Mexico permanently. People with close family ties in Mexico apply for this visa to live permanently in Mexico.
Mexico visa requirements
To apply for any type of visa, you will need to provide certain required documents. The main Mexico visa requirements are:
- Valid passport: Your visa must be substantial for at slightest 6 months past the date you enter Mexico. For illustration, if you arrange to reach Mexico on June 1, 2023.
- Passport photo: You wish to supply one later passport-sized photo taken inside the final 6 months. It ought to have a white foundation and show your confront clearly and revealed.
- Completed visa application form: The visa application shape can be found on the site of the Mexican embassy where you may apply. It inquires about individual points of interest, international ID data, reason for visit, etc.
- Completed Multiple Migratory Form (FMM): The FMM must be completed by all travelers to Mexico, indeed in case you’re visa-exempt. It is submitted online earlier to entry.
- Proof of financial means: You must demonstrate you’ll fiscally bolster yourself whereas in Mexico through bank explanations, speculation accounts, etc.
- Visa fee payment: The visa charge is as a rule around USD 36 but can shift. You must pay this expense when submitting your application.
How to apply for Mexico visa?
Here is a step-by-step guide for applying for a Mexico visa application:
Step#1. Find the visa application form
- Go to the site of the Mexican embassy consulate where you’ll apply
- Download the suitable visa application shape
Step#2. Complete the visa application form
- Fill out the frame completely and accurately
- Answer all questions approximately individual information, visa, travel plans, etc.
Step#3. Complete the Multiple Migratory Form (FMM)
- All travelers must total the FMM sometime recently arriving in Mexico
- Submit this frame online and print out a duplicate
Step#4. Prepare required documents
- Gather documents like passport, photo, bank statements
- Have any additional docs ready like a school acceptance letter
Step#5. Translate documents to Spanish
- Any foreign docs must be translated by a certified translator
- Have both the originals and translations ready to submit
Step#6. Schedule a visa appointment
- Make an appointment at your closest Mexican embassy/consulate
- Try to schedule 4+ weeks before your planned travel
Step #7. Attend visa appointment & submit documents
- Bring completed shapes, archives, international ID, photographs, and expenses to the appointment
- Submit visa application and supporting reports for review
Following these steps will guarantee you total the Mexico visa application easily and set yourself up for visa endorsement!
Mexico visa fees
The fee to obtain a Mexican visa is approximately USD 36. However, the exact visa fee can vary depending on:
- Type of visa applied for
- Mexican embassy location where you apply
- Reciprocal fee agreements between Mexico and your home country
- In addition to the visa fee, you’ll also need to pay the fee for the Multiple Migratory Form (FMM). This is typically $15-30 USD.
So the total cost to obtain your Mexican visa and FMM authorization can range from $50-USD 65 usually. The visa fee must be paid when you attend your visa appointment at the embassy. It can usually be paid via cash or credit card.
Processing time for Mexico visa
Mexico visa processing may take:
- 24 hours: For emergency processing
- 2–5 days: For simple tourist visas
- 1–2 weeks: For standard visitor and work visas
- 4+ weeks: For more complex visas like a temporary resident
It’s best to submit your application at least a few weeks in advance, especially if you need a longer-term visa. Applying at the last minute risks delays and missed travel dates.