Discover Mexico
Mexico, a vibrant blend of ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and bustling cities like Mexico City and Cancún, welcomes millions of tourists yearly. In 2025, travelers from over 65 countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 180 days, while others require a tourist visa or an Electronic Authorization (SAE) for entry.
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date with 1 blank page.
Tourist Visa or SAE (if required)
Apply for a visa at a Mexican consulate or SAE online via INM portal.
Passport Photo
2 photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background) for visa applications; not needed for SAE.
Travel Itinerary
Proof of return or onward ticket, often checked at entry.
Accommodation Proof
Hotel booking or host details, recommended for immigration.
Travel Insurance
Recommended; covers medical emergencies and cancellations.
Proof of Funds
Evidence of $50 USD/day (e.g., bank statement), if requested.
Visa/SAE Fee
Tourist visa: $51 USD; SAE: Free for eligible nationalities.
How to Apply
Application Steps
Check Eligibility
Gather Documents
Apply for Visa or SAE
Submit & Pay
Processing
Receive Approval
Enter Mexico
Check Eligibility
Gather Documents
Apply for Visa or SAE
Submit & Pay
Processing
Receive Approval
Enter Mexico
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm if your nationality is visa-exempt (e.g., USA, Canada), needs SAE (e.g., Ukraine), or a visa (e.g., India).
2. Gather Documents
Prepare passport, itinerary, accommodation proof, and photos if applying for a visa.
3. Apply for Visa or SAE
Submit visa application at a Mexican consulate or SAE online via INM portal.
4. Submit & Pay
Provide documents and pay $51 USD for visa; SAE is free and online.
5. Processing
Visa: 2-10 business days; SAE: Instant to 24 hours.
6. Receive Approval
Collect visa from consulate or download SAE; present at border with FMM form.
7. Enter Mexico
Show passport, visa/SAE, and complete FMM (tourist card) at entry; retain for departure.
Visa Fees
- Visa-exempt entry (up to 180 days): Free for 65+ countries (e.g., USA, Canada, UK)
- Electronic Authorization (SAE, 180 days): Free for eligible nationalities (e.g., Ukraine, Russia)
- Tourist Visa (single-entry, 180 days): $51 USD
- Multiple-entry Visa (up to 10 years, US/Canada/UK visa holders): $51 USD
*Fees subject to change. Confirm details at inm.gob.mx.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Mexico in 2025?
Over 65 countries (e.g., USA, Canada, EU) are visa-exempt for 180 days; others need a visa or SAE.
What is the SAE?
An Electronic Authorization for visa-required nationals with US/Canada/UK visas, free and online.
Can I extend my stay in Mexico?
Visa-exempt and SAE stays (180 days) cannot be extended; exit and re-enter or apply for residency.
What’s Mexico’s passport rank in 2025?
Ranked 23rd globally, with visa-free access to 159 destinations (Henley Passport Index).
What’s the FMM?
Forma Migratoria Múltiple, a tourist card issued at entry, required for all visitors.
References
- National Institute of Migration (INM): inm.gob.mx
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE): gob.mx/sre
- Visit Mexico Tourism: visitmexico.com