Mexico Entry and Travel Requirements
Mexico entry requirements define all the rules that visitors to Mexico must follow in order to enter the country without any problems. These requirements also specify documents that must be provided in advance of the planned trip, as well as a number of additional Covid-19 related measures temporarily implemented due to the outbreak of the pandemic.
One of the most necessary documents one must have when entering Mexico is a valid passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended date of entry. Some visitors will also need a visa.
Mexico's visa policy regulates which citizens can enter Mexico without a visa and which countries require a visa or other travel authorization. Depending on the traveler's nationality, expected length of stay in Mexico, and certain travel purposes, different types of Mexican visas may be required.
Citizens of fewer than 70 different countries can enter Mexico without a visa for short-term stays, up to 1 month in transit or 6 months for tourism or business purposes.
One of the required documents for all travelers to Mexico is the FMM Tourist Card. This card is required for anyone arriving in Mexico by air or land, whether they are from a visa-exempt country or not. Forma Migratoria Multiple does not replace a visa. If visitors are required to apply for a visa, they must also hold both the FMM and the corresponding visa.
Mexico has lifted all Covid-related restrictions, including pre-departure testing, quarantine or the requirement to complete a health declaration form.
However, all travelers should check other entry and travel requirements regarding visa policies and other documents that may be required to travel to Mexico without any problems.
Who can enter Mexico?
Mexico is currently open to all foreign visitors arriving for essential and non-essential reasons. Arriving travelers do not need to be fully vaccinated or tested for Covid-19 before departure.
Please note! Random health screenings and temperature checks may be performed upon entry into Mexico.
Document checklist for entering Mexico
- Mexico tourist map (FMM)
- Passport valid for at least six months
You may also need:
- Valid visa (some nationals)
- Travel insurance covers Covid-19
Mexico Travel Requirements
The Mexican government does not require entry requirements that allow foreign citizens to visit Mexico with only one mandatory document - Forma Migratoria Múltiple, i.e. Mexican Tourist Card.
You do not need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, nor do you have to take any tests before departure or upon arrival.
The Mexican government has also eliminated the requirement for travelers to complete the Mexican Health Declaration as of March 2022.
Visitors from certain countries that do not qualify for visa-free entry to Mexico will need to apply for a regular visa at a Mexican embassy or consulate.
We also recommend that all travelers purchase travel insurance when traveling abroad to prepare for anything that may happen during their trip.
Testing, Vaccination, and Quarantine Requirements
There are no testing or vaccination requirements upon arrival in Mexico. Unvaccinated travelers are encouraged to visit Mexico for a variety of non-essential and essential reasons.
Incoming travelers may be required to undergo health screening or temperature checks upon arrival by Mexican Customs or other officials.
Traveling from Mexico
Mexican nationals or those with residency status must meet the applicable entry requirements they intend to visit. Make sure you have a valid passport before you travel and check if there are any additional documents or travel permits you need to submit before departure.
Please note! Any Mexican citizen or dual Mexican citizen traveling abroad from Mexico with children of whom they are not the parent or legal guardian must obtain a special permit to leave Mexico.
Traveling to Mexico
Traveling to Mexico during the Covid-19 pandemic does not require meeting special requirements, especially since from March of 2022, incoming visitors do not need to fill out the Mexican Passenger Locator Form.
The only document that's currently obligatory is the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (the Mexican Tourist Card). Some travelers may also need to apply for a visa or an electronic travel authorization document, depending on their nationality.
The Mexican Government has also imposed a set of restrictions applicable when staying in Mexico that differs based on a traffic light system with four colors:
- green - minimal to no restrictions with no mobility limitations, masks are still mandatory when using public transport and recommended in closed spaces
- yellow - all economic and social activities are resumed at a 75% capacity with masks obligatory in closed spaces and public transport and recommended in open spaces when there's no possibility to maintain social distance
- orange - all economic and social activities may be performed but are limited to 50% capacity, masks are obligatory in all public spaces
- red - stay at home whenever you can and wear masks in all public spaces, only essential activities are allowed
Currently, all regions in Mexico are marked with either yellow or green, hence local restrictions may differ.
Entry Rules for Children
There are no specific entry regulations for children visiting Mexico. The only document required is the FMM form, required to enter Mexico regardless of the traveler's age.
If a minor traveler visiting a country of origin Mexico is not listed as eligible for visa exemption, alternative visa or entry into the electronic authorization system, it may also be necessary to apply for a visa. Usually from the Mexican embassy or consulate.
Please note! Mexican authorities may request proof of your relationship to your child when you leave Mexico, especially if your last name is different.
Transit through Mexico – rules during the Covid-19 pandemic
Since Mexico's current entry regulations are not necessarily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, neither are current transit requirements.
Travelers planning to transit through Mexico do not need a visa if they meet the conditions listed below:
- Their stopover period will not exceed 24 hours
- they will stay in the airport transit area
- they will not enter Mexican territory
The only document required for transit in Mexico is the FMM travel card, required for any visit to the country.
Visa requirements
Mexico has a fairly liberal visa policy allowing citizens of most countries to enter without a visa. However, citizens of some countries must apply for a Mexican visa before departure.
no visa required
38 countries and all European Union member states are listed as eligible for visa-free travel to Mexico.
Visitors from visa-exempt countries may visit Mexico for up to 180 days for all leisure, business and transit travel.
Visa required
Citizens of countries not listed as visa-exempt or eligible for the electronic authorization system must apply for a regular visa through one of the Mexican embassies or consulates in their country. Alternative visa
Travelers who need to apply for a regular visa before departure can travel to Mexico without a visa, as long as they have:
A visa valid for:
- Canada
- European Union and Schengen area countries
- Japan
- UK
- USA
Permanent residence of:
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- European Union and Schengen area countries
- Japan
- Peru
- UK
- USA
Electronic authorization system
The Mexican government allows four eligible countries to use the electronic authorization system, allowing these travelers to receive a one-time travel authorization to Mexico online.
The Electronic Travel Authorization is issued as a single-entry permit allowing a stay of up to 180 days in Mexico. Issued documents remain valid for up to 30 days.
The Mexico Electronic Travel Authorization is intended only for tourists visiting Mexico by air for pleasure, business or transit.
Eligible countries:
- Brazil
- Russia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
The FMM Form
Since 2015, all visitors to Mexico must register their trip online by completing a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (Mexico Tourist Card).
An FMM form is required upon arrival in Mexico. Remember to request your FMM online no later than 72 hours before scheduled departure to receive approved documents on time.
The processed FMMs are then emailed to travelers as PDFs and serve as a one-time entry permit allowing their holders to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.
Passenger Locator Form for Mexico
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the Mexican government to introduce additional security measures, including online passenger locator.
PLF Mexico is already available on the Mexican platform Vuela Seguro and is no longer required as of March 2022.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not required to enter Mexico. However, you should buy travel insurance when going abroad to feel more secure and safe during your time abroad.
The current pandemic has further demonstrated the importance of staying safe when traveling internationally. Consider purchasing insurance with Covid-19 coverage before leaving for your next trip.
