Mexico Visa Policy

The Mexico visa policy determines whether a foreign citizen needs a visa or entry authorization to travel to the country.

Mexico offers different types of visas and travel documents depending on the applicant’s nationality, the duration of the intended stay, and the purpose of the trip.

Nationals of less than 70 countries are able to gain visa-free access to Mexico for short stays, either up to 30 days for transit or 180 days for business or tourism stays.

All visitors to Mexico are required to obtain an FMM tourist card to enter the country by land, whether they need a visa or not.

The FMM is an electronic entry authorization that must be obtained by all citizens arriving by land whose intention is to travel to Mexico for tourism, leisure, or business purposes, regardless of nationality, if they are entering the country by land or air.

The Mexican government recently removed the requirement of an FMM (tourist card) for visitors arriving by air. FMM tourist cards for Mexico are still essential for people arriving via land, rather than by air.

Travelers who need to obtain a visa in order to visit Mexico will still need an FMM Tourist card.

Some travelers to Mexico also need to obtain a Mexican visa or other authorization in addition to an FMM.

This may either be a SAE authorization, required for citizens of 3 nationalities, which can be applied for online, or a consular visa by submitting an application at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate. The latter application method must be initiated well in advance of travel.

All foreign travelers whose purpose is to travel to Mexico for long-term stays or for work or to study must apply for a Mexican embassy visa.

There are currently no Mexican visa bans in place for any foreign nationalities.