Visas

📌 IMPORTANT NOTICE - APPOINTMENT SYSTEM CHANGE

Starting in 2026, all new visa appointments will only be scheduled through the "Mi Consulado" portal.

If you already have an appointment scheduled in Calendly, it will be honored and respected. Only new appointments will be scheduled through Mi Consulado.

Appointment System: www.miconsulado.sre.gob.mx

WHAT IS A MEXICAN VISA?

It is a document issued by a Mexican Consulate that authorizes the holder to request permission to enter Mexico for a specified period and activity. Possession of a visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Authorization to enter is the exclusive responsibility of Immigration Officers at ports of entry.

Important Information Before Traveling:

  • If you are granted a Mexican visa, you will be able to travel to Mexico, but this does not guarantee entry into the country.
  • At the point of entry, Mexican immigration authorities may ask questions to confirm the purpose of your trip, duration of stay, and financing.
  • The purpose of your trip must match the type of visa requested.
  • Immigration authorities will verify the authenticity of all documents and the truthfulness of the information provided.
  • The visa is valid for 6 months and allows only one entry to Mexico. You must travel to Mexico before the visa expires.

Visa Exemptions - Citizens Who Do NOT Require a Mexican Visa:

  • U.S. and Canadian Citizens: With a valid passport, do NOT require a visa for tourism, business, or transit up to 90 days (U.S.) or 30 days (transit).
  • Permanent Residents of U.S., Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, and Schengen Area countries: Do NOT require a Mexican visa with a valid passport and proof of residency.
  • APEC Business Travel Card Holders: Do NOT require a visa for tourism or unpaid activities.
  • Cruise Ship Passengers: Do NOT require a visa if only visiting Mexican ports on the same cruise.
  • Valid Visas from U.S., Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, or Schengen Area: If you have a valid (NOT expired) visa from these countries in your passport, you do NOT need a Mexican visa for tourism, business, or transit up to 180 days.

Note: If your U.S. visa expired but you have legal status documents (I-797A, Advance Parole, I-20, DS-2019), you MUST apply for a Mexican visa.

TYPES OF VISAS YOU CAN REQUEST

👤 VISITOR VISA (Up to 180 days) +

Applicable to foreign nationals who intend to enter Mexico as a visitor without permission to engage in paid activities for a period of up to 180 days.

General Requirements:

  • Valid and current passport or travel document, original
  • One color passport-size photograph (front view, white background, no eyeglasses)
  • For non-U.S. citizens: Document proving legal residence in the U.S.
  • $56.00 USD (CASH ONLY) - Non-refundable if application is not approved
  • Documents proving any of the following:
    • Family or employment ties (arraigo)
    • Economic solvency
    • Invitation from a public or private institution
    • Humanitarian cause
    • Scientific research or educational purposes

How to Schedule an Appointment:

Once you meet the requirements, schedule your appointment through the "Mi Consulado" portal at www.miconsulado.sre.gob.mx

Important: A visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Immigration authorities at the port of entry make the final decision.

🏠 TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA (More than 180 days, up to 4 years) +

Applicable to foreign nationals who intend to enter Mexico as temporary residents to stay for more than 180 days and up to 4 years. This type of visa allows you to work in Mexico if your salary is paid from abroad.

Main Requirements:

  • Valid and current passport or travel document, original
  • One color passport-size photograph (front view, white background, no eyeglasses)
  • For non-U.S. citizens: Document proving legal residence in the U.S.
  • $56.00 USD (CASH ONLY) - Non-refundable if application is not approved
  • Original bank letter with applicant's account information, average balance, and bank details
  • Proof of economic solvency (12 months of statements OR 6 months of income). Choose one option:
    • Option A: Investment or savings accounts with minimum average balance of $75,000.00 USD (print summary page only each month)
    • Option B: Employment or pension with net monthly income greater than $4,400.00 USD for the last 6 months (printed statements showing payroll deposits)
    • Option C: Public deed of real property in Mexico with value exceeding $597,694.45 USD (original and copy)

With Marriage/Common-law Partner as Temporary Resident:

  • Original marriage certificate or cohabitation document in original and copy
  • Valid temporary resident visa of spouse in original and copy
  • Proof of economic solvency (add $1,400.00 USD for each dependent)

For Dependents/Children:

  • Birth certificate in original and copy
  • $56.00 USD for each dependent (CASH ONLY)
  • Proof of economic solvency (add $1,400.00 USD for each dependent)

Important - Financial Documentation:

  • For investment/savings accounts: Print only the summary page showing final balance and account holder information
  • For employment/pension income: Print statements clearly showing payroll or pension deposits with employer or paying entity information

Process and Next Steps:

  • The interview must be attended in person (not remotely). A photograph will be taken during the biometric phase
  • Dress Code: Access will NOT be permitted with sandals, shorts, sweatpants, or similar casual/athletic clothing
  • The visa is typically issued the same day as the interview, but may take 2-10 business days
  • Once in Mexico, you have 30 days to go to an INM office and exchange the visa for a Temporary Resident Card (2-4 weeks processing)
  • Temporary residency is valid for 1 to 4 years

How to Schedule an Appointment:

You may send a copy of documents by email for an initial review (does not guarantee approval). Once you meet all requirements, schedule your appointment through the "Mi Consulado" portal at www.miconsulado.sre.gob.mx

Important: A visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Immigration authorities at the port of entry make the final decision.

🔑 PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA (Retirees and Pensioners) +

Applicable to foreign nationals who intend to enter Mexico as permanent residents. This category is specifically designed for retired or pensioned individuals.

Main Requirements:

  • Valid and current passport or travel document, original
  • One color passport-size photograph (front view, white background, no eyeglasses)
  • For non-U.S. citizens: Document proving legal residence in the U.S.
  • $56.00 USD (CASH ONLY) - Non-refundable if application is not approved
  • Original bank letter with applicant's account information, average balance, and bank details
  • Proof of economic solvency (12 months of statements OR 6 months of pension). Choose one option:
    • Option A: Investment or savings accounts with minimum average balance of $299,000.00 USD (print summary page only each month)
    • Option B: Pension income with net monthly amount greater than $7,400.00 USD for the last 6 months (monthly printed statements showing pension source)

With Marriage/Common-law Partner as Permanent Resident:

Important: If you marry someone who is already a permanent resident, your spouse will receive TEMPORARY RESIDENT status for 2 years. After that, they can apply for permanent resident status if the relationship continues.

  • Original marriage certificate or cohabitation document in original and copy
  • Valid permanent resident visa of spouse in original and copy
  • Proof of economic solvency (add $1,400.00 USD for each dependent)

For Dependents/Children:

  • Birth certificate in original and copy
  • $56.00 USD for each dependent (CASH ONLY)
  • Marriage certificate or cohabitation document in original and copy (of parent/guardian with permanent resident)
  • Proof of economic solvency (add $1,400.00 USD for each dependent)

Important - Financial Documentation:

  • For investment/savings accounts: Print only the summary page showing final balance and account holder information
  • For pension: Print monthly statements (6 months) clearly showing pension deposits and paying entity

Process and Next Steps:

  • The interview must be attended in person (not remotely). A photograph will be taken during the biometric phase
  • Dress Code: Access will NOT be permitted with sandals, shorts, sweatpants, or similar casual/athletic clothing
  • The visa is typically issued the same day as the interview, but may take 2-10 business days
  • Once in Mexico, you have 30 days to go to an INM office and exchange the visa for a Permanent Resident Card (2-4 weeks processing)

How to Schedule an Appointment:

You may send a copy of documents by email for an initial review (does not guarantee approval). Once you meet all requirements, schedule your appointment through the "Mi Consulado" portal at www.miconsulado.sre.gob.mx

Important: A visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Immigration authorities at the port of entry make the final decision.

🎓 TEMPORARY RESIDENT STUDENT VISA +

Applicable to foreign nationals who intend to enter Mexico as temporary resident students. Those with this status may request authorization from INM to engage in paid activities.

Requirements:

  • Valid and current passport or travel document, original
  • One color passport-size photograph (front view, white background, no eyeglasses)
  • For non-U.S. citizens: Document proving legal residence in the U.S.
  • $56.00 USD (CASH ONLY) - Non-refundable if application is not approved
  • Documents proving:
    • Enrollment in a Mexican educational institution (letter from institution or acceptance document), OR
    • International legal instrument for people mobility
  • Proof of economic solvency (can be from applicant, parents, guardian, or educational institution):
    • Scholarship certificate from the educational institution, OR
    • Bank or financial documents proving financing

Important - Applicants Under 25 Years Old:

If the applicant is under 25 years old, economic solvency can be proven by parents or guardians.

Process and Next Steps:

  • The interview must be attended in person (not remotely)
  • Dress Code: Access will NOT be permitted with sandals, shorts, sweatpants, or similar casual/athletic clothing
  • The visa is typically issued the same day as the interview, but may take 2-10 business days
  • Once in Mexico, you have 30 days to go to an INM office and exchange the visa for a Temporary Resident Student Card

How to Schedule an Appointment:

Once you meet all requirements, schedule your appointment through the "Mi Consulado" portal at www.miconsulado.sre.gob.mx

Important: A visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Immigration authorities at the port of entry make the final decision.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY UNITY VISA (Family members of Mexicans or residents) +

Applicable to spouses, common-law partners, and dependents of Mexican citizens or foreign nationals who are temporary or permanent residents in Mexico. Also applies to family members of diplomatic or consular officials.

For Spouse/Partner of Temporary Resident:

  • Valid and current passport or travel document, original
  • One color passport-size photograph (front view, white background, no eyeglasses)
  • For non-U.S. citizens: Document proving legal residence in the U.S.
  • $56.00 USD (CASH ONLY) - Non-refundable if application is not approved
  • Original marriage certificate or document proving cohabitation in original and copy
  • Valid temporary resident visa of spouse in original and copy
  • Proof of economic solvency of spouse to support dependents (add $1,400.00 USD for each dependent)

For Minor Children of Temporary Resident:

  • Valid and current passport or travel document, original
  • One color passport-size photograph (front view, white background, no eyeglasses)
  • For non-U.S. citizens: Document proving legal residence in the U.S. (I-797, I-20, Advance Parole, etc.)
  • $56.00 USD (CASH ONLY) - Non-refundable if application is not approved
  • Birth certificate in original and copy
  • Proof of economic solvency of parent/resident to support dependents (add $1,400.00 USD for each dependent)

For Spouse/Partner of Permanent Resident:

Important: If you marry someone who is already a permanent resident, you will receive TEMPORARY RESIDENT status for 2 years. After that, you can apply for permanent resident status if the relationship continues.

  • Valid and current passport or travel document, original
  • One color passport-size photograph (front view, white background, no eyeglasses)
  • For non-U.S. citizens: Document proving legal residence in the U.S.
  • $56.00 USD (CASH ONLY) - Non-refundable if application is not approved
  • Original marriage certificate or document proving cohabitation in original and copy
  • Valid permanent resident visa of spouse in original and copy
  • Proof of economic solvency of spouse to support dependents (add $1,400.00 USD for each dependent)

For Minor Children of Permanent Resident:

  • Valid and current passport or travel document, original
  • One color passport-size photograph (front view, white background, no eyeglasses)
  • For non-U.S. citizens: Document proving legal residence in the U.S.
  • $56.00 USD (CASH ONLY) - Non-refundable if application is not approved
  • Birth certificate in original and copy
  • Original marriage certificate or document proving cohabitation of parent with permanent resident, in original and copy
  • Proof of economic solvency of parent/resident to support dependents (add $1,400.00 USD for each dependent)

Important - Documentation:

  • Marriage, birth, death certificates, or court documents from countries outside the U.S. and Mexico must have an apostille seal
  • Documents in languages other than English or Spanish must have official translation and notarization
  • If minors apply without both parents present, a notarized authorization from the absent parent with copy of valid ID is required, or original custody documents

How to Schedule an Appointment:

Once you meet all requirements, schedule your appointment through the "Mi Consulado" portal at www.miconsulado.sre.gob.mx. If applying as a family or couple, only ONE appointment is required.

Important: A visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Immigration authorities at the port of entry make the final decision.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE SCHEDULING YOUR APPOINTMENT

📋 Application Form:

Download the visa application form here

🕐 When Will You Travel to Mexico?

  • Do NOT book flights or reserve accommodations before obtaining your visa
  • The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance
  • You must travel to Mexico before the visa expires

📝 Once You Arrive in Mexico:

  • You must complete the Digital Multiple Migratory Form (FMMD) at www.inm.gob.mx
  • You have 60 days to download the FMMD after processing (you can save it on your mobile device)
  • Do NOT use the Autonomous Migration Filters (E-GATES)
  • You have 30 days to go to an INM office and exchange the visa for the Resident Card (if applicable)

✉️ Questions or Additional Information:

For specific questions about your visa type or if you need information about other categories, contact the Visa Department at:

Email: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.

Phone: (208) 954-8843 ext.206

Privacy Notice

In accordance with the Federal Law for the Protection of Personal Data in the Possession of Individuals, the Mexican Consulate provides the following privacy notice. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the use and protection of your personal data. View the Complete Privacy Notice here.