Tourist Immigration

If you are a holder of a passport from one of the following countries, you do not need a visa to visit Mexico, though you do need a Mexican visitor’s permit (FMT):

• United States

• Australia

• Canada

• British/EU Member Country

• New Zealand

• Israel

Note: If you are a holder of a passport from any other country, please see Specific Country Detailsfor a table that details any special information needed. If you need further assistance prior to your departure to Mexico, please visit your local US Mexican Consulate’s office or an Embassy. If you wish to enter Mexico as a tourist, you need to apply for a short-term, Mexican visitor’s permit, or an FMT. An FM visa is a non-immigrant visa. If you are applying for an FMT and you are entering Mexico via airplane, your visa will likely be approved for a maximum ninety (90) day stay. If you would like to stay in Mexico for more than ninety (90) days, you will need to apply for a ninety (90) day renewal at a Mexican Immigration Office during your initial stay. If you are entering Mexico via an automobile, you can apply for the full one hundred eighty (180) day stay. It is not guaranteed that your request for 180 days will be accepted, as it is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer and is dependent on the purpose of your stay. Requirements:

• A valid passport with a minimum of six months from expiration (preferred) from your time of stay; or

• A certified copy of the birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID; or

• An affidavit of citizenship or citizenship card, accompanied by a picture ID; and

• Any other information that is requested such as your place of birth, reason for your visit and your length of stay

• You can pick up a blank application for an FMT at the following locations:

  • Any US Mexican Consulate’s office or an Embassy

  • The travel agency, if you are using one

  • The check-in counter at the airport or on the plane in route to Mexico

  • The border, if you are traveling via automobile

You will turn in your application, along with $22.00 (U.S.) payable to any Mexican bank. The immigration officer at the port of entry will direct you to the closest bank, which is usually in the same building. If traveling by air or cruise this fee is included in your ticket purchase; however, be sure to double check what fees are included in your ticket purchase price when traveling by sea or air. Your application will be reviewed upon entering Mexico and you will be given your FMT allowing you to visit Mexico. Please note that you must return your FMT upon leaving Mexico, so be sure not to lose it during your stay. If it does become lost or stolen, please report it to the nearest Immigration Office. Be prepared to show proof of citizenship and your return airline ticket, if traveling via airplane. You cannot work while in Mexico on a FMT Visa. Related Forms: Front Page, Back Page