Thinking of visiting Mexico but aren’t sure which documents you will be needing? Lucky for you, we have put together a detailed article to give you an insight into all the necessary paperwork you need on hand to enter Mexico hassle-free.
First and foremost, you will be needing a Tourist Card, and your nationality will determine whether you need a visa as well. So, without wasting any more time, let us get into the details:
Most Travelers Only Need The Tourist Card
Many foreign citizens who plan on traveling to Mexico will only be needing a Tourist card or FMM, which can be filled online before their arrival. This step is very straightforward, and it allows tourists to gain entry and then roam around freely. Travelers that qualify for only a Tourist card do not need to go through the hassle of acquiring a visa to Mexico.
However, do keep in mind that it all comes down to your nationality. Depending upon the country you are from, you will require either a Mexico tourist card or a visa along with it. If you want to stay longer than 6 months, then you will need to apply for residency in Mexico.
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What Are The Entry Requirements?
So what does one need to fulfill the entry requirements into Mexico? When it comes to Visa-exempt citizens, all they need is a valid passport along with the right entry forms. You can easily get your hands on the Mexico entry forms at airline offices, travel agencies, and all the entry points that lead into Mexico.
So what about the visitors who belong to countries other than the via exempt ones?
They have to get a valid visa which they can easily acquire from the Mexican Consulate in their country. You will need to provide the Mexican Consulate with your passport, proof of sufficient finances, and proof you paid the processing fee. Once you do all the above, your visa will be granted.
The Important Point About The Processing Fee
When traveling to Mexico by air, international visitors pay the processing fee of around twenty dollars which is included in their ticket. When arriving in Mexico by road, the processing fee needs to be paid when you are there, and proof must be provided at your departure. However, international tourists who arrive by land and stay for less than a week do not need to pay a processing fee.
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Who Needs A Visa To Enter Mexico?
A visa will be needed by citizens of most countries to enter Mexico. However, those who belong to a visa-exempt country don’t need to get one. Those travelers who have a regular passport of visa-exempt countries can visit Mexico for business or tourism-related activities for a maximum of 180 days without needing a visa. They can also transit in Mexico for a maximum of 30 days visa-free.
Other Cases Where You Are Exempt From Acquiring A Mexico Visa
There are certain cases when individuals who would normally require a Mexico visa are exempt from acquiring it (for a maximum of 180 days) if they belong to any of these categories:
1-They already possess a valid visa for:
- The US.
- Canada
- Japan
- The UK.
- The Schengen area
2-They have a residence permit for the countries mentioned above, including Chile, Peru, Japan, and Columbia.
3-They possess a service category or diplomatic passport issued by certain approved countries.
4-They possess an APEC Business Travel Card that has a MEX code at the back.
Mexico Electronic Travel Authorization:
An electronic travel authorization is an online process that allows nationals of certain countries to acquire their Mexico ETA online. Citizens of the following countries qualify for this online process:
- Turkey
- Russia
- Ukraine
This type of authorization allows its holder to enter Mexico for business, travel, or tourism-related activities, provided the person enters the country only by air. They can stay within Mexico for up to 180 days and must use the permit within 30 days of its issuance. This type of authorization will allow the person to enter Mexico only one time.
Requirement Of An Online Health Form:
There is now a requirement of acquiring a health form in order to enter and exit Mexico due to the Covid pandemic. The key points that you should keep in mind regarding this form are:
- This form is required by everyone traveling to Mexico, no matter their immigration status or nationality.
- The form needs to be filled by the travelers before they leave their homes so they can easily get a printout.
- The health form does not guarantee entry into Mexico.
- The health form needs to be filled out by all travelers before they begin their trip.
- Travelers departing from Mexico also have to fill this form.
Is A Visa Necessary To Transit Through Mexico?
If you belong to a country whose nationals need a visa for entering Mexico, you can transit without a visa, provided you don’t leave the transit hall of the Mexico airport. Moreover, this condition applies only if your transit does not take more than 24 hours.
When you arrive at the airport, your passport will be taken by an immigration officer who will also take you to the transit hall. Here you can wait for your connecting flight. If you wish to leave the airport and the transit hall, you will be needing a visa to enter the country.
Should You Register Your Trip With Your Embassy?
Now comes an important question, do you really need to register your trip with your embassy? Although this step is not necessary, it is always a good idea that you do. Thousands of tourists make their way to their favorite holiday destinations and enjoy their time to the fullest. However, certain unfortunate events may arise that may put you or your family in danger while on foreign land.
Whenever there is an emergency, terrorist attack, natural disaster, or any other unfortunate event, your country’s nearest embassy can help you instantly. If you register your trip, it doesn’t;t matter if you are traveling for leisure, or to do a spot of dental tourism, your embassy will be able to locate you in your time of need. Although registering yourself isn’t compulsory, it should, however, be an important part of your travel.
Does Natvisa Process A Mexico Tourist Card?
You will be glad to know that you can get your hands on your Mexico Tourist Card from natvisa.com. You need to follow a few simple steps, and you can get your hands on your tourist card in no time. Thanks to the electronic system, applying for and acquiring this essential document has never been easier.
All you need to do is fill out an application form online with your accurate information. Remember to have your passport handy as its details will be needed to fill the form. Lastly, make the payment, and your document will arrive at your email address within a few hours.
Important Tips To Keep In Mind:
Now that you know all the details of acquiring a visa to enter Mexico, now let us take a quick look at some tips that will help you in your travel:
- Make sure that you are traveling with a valid passport. There should be at least 6 months left till its expiry date.
- Once you leave Mexico, you will need to give up your tourist card and may even be asked to provide your ID at various points during your stay. This is why it is always a good idea to keep everything in easy access in case you need to provide it.
- Don’t forget to get travel insurance before you embark on your trip. Any unfortunate event can happen, and having travel insurance will prove beneficial.
- If you are traveling to Mexico as a visitor, you need to be extra careful about your visitor’s permit. If you at any point end up losing it, you need to make your way to the local immigration office and immediately apply for a replacement.
What To Do Once You Are In Mexico?
When arriving in Mexico, there are certain documents and paperwork that you need to provide. Let us take a look at the different procedures that a person has to go through once they arrive.
Arriving By Air:
If you are arriving in Mexico by air, you need to carry a valid passport. Also, make sure that your passport is valid for a good 6 months starting from the date of your arrival. If by any chance, your passport expires, you will not be able to board the plane.
Arriving By Land:
When entering Mexico by land, you need to cross the border and provide certain documents. If you hold a passport from a country that is on Mexico’s ‘no visa’ list, you don’t need a visa to enter. At your port of entry, you can fill a visitor’s permit that is also called an FMM.
Final Words
Traveling to Mexico has never been easier; whether you are planning a business trip or traveling for leisure, you can get your necessary documents beforehand. If you need a tourist card, visa, or both, you can get your documents online in no time.
