How long can you stay in Mexico without a visa?

Citizens from 65 countries traveling to Mexico for tourism are exempt from visa requirements and are permitted a short-term stay of up to 180 days.

Here are some of the countries that are exempt from a visa for stays up to 180 days:

Here are a couple of important things to keep in mind:

• Visa-Free Entry: Mexico allows citizens from many countries to enter without a visa, whether for tourism, business, or short visits.
• 180-Day Limit: The maximum stay without a visa is 180 days, but the immigration officer decides the duration.
• Officer’s Decision: Upon arrival, the immigration officer will review your documents and may inquire about your plans. They can grant you the full 180 days or a shorter period, depending on their assessment.
• Not extendable: The granted stay cannot be extended beyond the duration authorized upon entry.

Please note that even if you’re exempt from a visa, you’ll still need a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) when entering Mexico. This essential document acts as a travel permit and must be presented at checkpoints nationwide to comply with immigration regulations. It can be obtained online or upon arrival in Mexico.¹

If you’re a citizen of Turkey, Ukraine, or Russia, you can apply for the Mexico Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a digital permit issued by the Mexican government. This authorization allows you to travel to Mexico without a visa for transit, tourism, or business via air travel. The ETA is valid for a single entry, with a maximum duration of 180 days.

For a seamless entry process into Mexico, whether through obtaining an FMM or an ETA, consider utilizing the processing services offered by Visas for Future. We ensure a reliable and efficient experience, facilitating your journey into the country.

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What We’re Offering

If you’re a citizen of Turkey, Ukraine, or Russia intending to fly to Mexico for transit, tourism, or business purposes, you’ll need a Mexico eTA/SAE. With our processing service, we ensure that you receive your eTA within 24 hours.

• The eTA/SAE is valid for 180 days.²
• The cost is $31.58.

Mexico Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM)

If you want to enter Mexico by land, you need a Mexico Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM). Our Mexico FMM processing service will mail you your Mexico FMM within 24 hours.

• It does not replace a visa.
• It costs $81.35 (including the Government fee).

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Mexico visa policy

Mexico’s visa policy is designed to achieve a balance between two objectives:

• Managing Immigration Flows: The system helps regulate entry into Mexico, ensuring a smooth arrival process and national security.
• Facilitating Movement: Mexico aims to make visiting the country accessible for tourism, business ventures, and transit purposes.

Visa Options Tailored for Different Needs:

• Visa Exemption: People from 65 countries don’t need a visa to visit Mexico for tourism, travel through Mexico, or do business there. They can stay for up to 180 days without getting a visa, which gives them plenty of time to explore and do things in Mexico.
• Electronic Authorization System: Some people from three specific countries have a new way to get permission to enter Mexico. Instead of a traditional visa, they can use an electronic authorization, which is simpler and faster.
• Multiple Immigration Form (FMM): If you’re entering Mexico by land, you must get this form. It’s an important document you must show at checkpoints inside Mexico. It helps ensure everyone follows the immigration rules and can enter the country smoothly.

General Requirements:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Mexico. Some countries may require longer validity, so check with your passport issuer.
• Multiple Immigration Form (FMM): All visa-exempt or visa-require travelers entering Mexico by land or air must complete an FMM form. You can usually obtain this from the airline during your flight or at immigration checkpoints upon arrival. In some cases, you may be able to complete it electronically beforehand to expedite the process.

Rules and restrictions regarding entry and stay in Mexico for visa-exempt countries

The rules and restrictions regarding entry and stay in Mexico for visa-exempt countries vary depending on the visit’s purpose and the traveler’s nationality. Here’s an overview:

• Length of Stay: Citizens of visa-exempt countries can typically stay in Mexico for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to 180 days. However, the final decision on the duration of stay is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry.
• Entry Requirements: While citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need a visa to enter Mexico, they may still be required to present certain documents upon arrival, such as a valid passport and proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket).
• Tourist Card (FMM): All visitors entering Mexico, including those from visa-exempt countries, are required to obtain an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) or tourist card. This document is typically provided by airlines or at ports of entry and must be filled out by the traveler.
• Purpose of Visit: Visa-exempt travelers are allowed to enter Mexico for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It’s important to ensure that the purpose of the visit aligns with the activities permitted under the visa exemption.
• Extensions and Renewals: In general, the 180-day maximum stay allowed for visa-exempt travelers cannot be extended beyond the duration granted upon entry. If a longer stay is required, travelers may need to apply for a visa extension or leave the country and re-enter later.
• Compliance with Laws: All visitors to Mexico, including those from visa-exempt countries, must comply with Mexican laws and regulations during their stay. This includes respecting immigration rules, local customs, and any COVID-19-related protocols in place during travel.

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Frequently Ask Questions

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1. Travel State. (2024). Mexico International Travel Information. State.gov. Retrieved April 11, 2024. <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html> [↩]
2. Sre.gob.mx. (2024). Українська. embamex.sre.gob.mx. Retrieved April 11, 2024. <https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/ucrania/index.php/2016-04-13-07-16-32> [↩]

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Cite this article

MLA Style

Santos, Rosalie. "How long can you stay in Mexico without a visa?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/how-long-can-you-stay-in-mexico-without-a-visa/. Accessed on 11 April 2024.

Chicago Style

Santos, Rosalie. "How long can you stay in Mexico without a visa?." Visas For Future. April 11, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/how-long-can-you-stay-in-mexico-without-a-visa/.