Download Visa application Form

 

  

  1. You need a visa if:
  • Mexico's Immigration Law sets out the rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as the different statuses associated with foreign immigration. The “Instituto Nacional de Migración” (INM) is the office in charge of the enforcement of these regulations.

     Visas: 1-time process. Valid for six months and multiple entries and are normally issued on the same day upon submission of the complete supporting documentation.

     Countries that do require a Mexican Visa: https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-requieren-visa-para-mexico/

     You do not need a visa for tourism or unpaid activities if you:

    • Hold an APEC Business Travel Card (approved by Mexico, and applicable only for entry by air and for business travel purposes).
    • Are a citizen or permanent resident of the US, Canada, Japan, UK, or the Schengen Area.
    • Hold a valid visa (any type) from the US, Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen Area, stamped in your passport.

     

    If your U.S. visa is expired but you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, I-797A, I-20, DS-2019, or Advance Parole, you must apply for a Mexican visa. These documents are not valid to enter Mexico.

     

                                                                                                               A visa is not a right, but a concession granted by the issuing country

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Residency in Mexico is a two-step process:
  1. Apply for Mexican Visa.

Visas (sticker) are placed on your passport and cannot be issued in Mexico; you must apply for it at a Mexican Consulate or Embassy outside of Mexico.

 Resident Visas have a validity of 6 months but only ONE entrance, allowing you enough time to complete step 2.

 

  1. Obtain your Resident Card.

When you arrive in Mexico you must attend the local INM immigration office within 30 days of arrival and undertake a procedure to exchange your resident visa for a Resident Card (a plastic card).

 

IMPORTANT: It will take up to four weeks for your visa/details to be registered, during which time you will need to stay in Mexico. If needed, a special exit/entry permit can be requested to leave Mexico with a pending process.

 

Temporary Resident Card is issued for one year, and can be renewed for a further 1, 2, or 3 years; this card can optionally give work permissions (issued in Mexico), and allows unlimited entries to, and exits from, Mexico. If you end up staying longer you can apply to exchange the temporary card for a permanent card after 4 consecutive years of residency in Mexico.

 

Permanent Resident Card has no expiration date.

 Resident Cards renewals and replacements can only be undertaken in Mexico at the INM office.

 

  

 APPOINTMENTS

All visas are issued by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.

 Due to high demand, visa applications are only being accepted from residents of Denver, Wyoming and Montana.

 Appointments for the following month will be released on the first and third Friday of the previous month. Please note that the Visa option only appears when appointments are available. If you don't see it, that means there are no open slots at the moment.

  

  • To request an appointment, please use:

The online booking system https://citas.sre.gob.mx

WhatsApp 1(424)-309-0009. Write "CITA"; 1. Estados Unidos and follow the instructions.

Call 1(424)-309-0009.

 

If you need to request an appointment outside of the designated period, please contact us via email at Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. exclusively for the following cases: 

  • For visa applications by family relationship with a Mexican national.
  • For visa applications with INM authorization (NUT).
  • For academic purposes.

We do not perform any preliminary review of documents before your appointment. Appointments are individual; all applications are processed separately. Minors under 18 years of age are not required to schedule a separate appointment. Accompanying parents or legal guardians may carry the supporting documents on behalf of the minor.

 On the day of your appointment, your file will be reviewed, a consular interview will be conducted, and your biometrics will be taken. In some cases, additional documentation may be requested. In accordance with current Mexican immigration and visa issuance regulations, the consular interview will be conducted only in Spanish or English.

 

 

The type of visa you must obtain is defined by Mexican immigration law and relates to the purpose of your travel and the length of your stay. There are different categories of Mexican visas:

Visitor visas: people traveling for business or pleasure who will only be staying in Mexico for up to 180 days or less.

Notes:

1. Citizens of qualified countries may be able to visit Mexico without a visa. Please confirm whether or not you need to apply for a tourist visa here. (list available in Spanish). https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-no-requieren-visa-para-mexico/  

2.  You may not need to apply for a Mexican Visitor visa if you hold a valid passport and one of the following documents:

a) Valid multiple entry visa to the United States of America, Canada, UK, Japan or the Schengen area countries: OR

b) Permanent resident card of the United States of America, Canada, UK, Japan or the Schengen area countries.

 (Note: I-797 A Forms, Advance Parole Forms, I-20 OR DS-2019 Forms won’t be accepted to entering Mexico, if that is your case you will need to apply for a Mexican visa).

 If you do need to apply for a visitor visa, please follow the steps detailed below and gather the supporting documentation listed in sections A and C.

 3. Foreign nationals regardless of their nationality who intend to visit Mexico through maritime ports as passengers in tourism cruises do not require a visa or previous entry permit from the Consulate or immigration authorities in Mexico.

Resident visas: people regardless of their nationality willing to establish their residency in Mexico for longer than 6 months must apply for either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV).

Notes:

  1. Section A requirements are mandatory to all applicants. Determine your visa type by reading sections F and/or G.
  2. Residency in Mexico is a two-step process to be started at any Consulate or Embassy of Mexico abroad and to be completed in Mexico before the immigration authorities. Resident Visas are valid for 6 months and only 1 entrance. Once in Mexico you must apply at the local Immigration Office (INM) to obtain your Resident Card no later than 30 days after your entry to Mexico. Processing times at INM Offices vary (2 to 6 weeks) and you should stay in Mexico until you obtain your resident card, so please plan accordingly.
  3. Resident visas are meant for retirees, pensioners, or people with a stable source of income from abroad. If you are traveling to study, work, participate in an exchange program, or any other purpose, please check sections D or E. 

 

 

The type of visa you must obtain is defined by Mexican immigration law and relates to the purpose of your travel. There are different categories of Mexican visas. Please scroll down to find information about:

  • A. General Requirements.
  • B. General Issuing Information.
  • C. Visa for visitors without authorization for lucrative activities (Tourist visa for non-US citizens).
  • D. Visa for visitors with authorization for lucrative activities (Work visa).
  • E. Temporary Resident Student Visa.
  • F. Temporary Resident Visa.
  • G. Permanent Resident Visa.

 

A. General Requirements

VISA REQUIREMENTS

General Requirements (applies for all types of visas)

  1. Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least one blank page to affix the visa sticker).
  2. Passport photocopy (only personal information page)
  3. ID-original and photocopy of both sides (Driver License, Identification Card, etc.)
  4. 1 Passport size photo (2 in x 2 in), in color with a white background and clear image of the face, without glasses.
  5. Application form (dully signed and completed).  Download Visa application Form
  6. Letter addressed to the Consulate requesting residency. The letter must state your address in Mexico, your intended stay duration, and that you are aware that as a holder of this kind of visa you are not allowed to work in Mexico.
  7. Printed appointment confirmation.
  8. Fee $00 USD (Cash, debit, and credit cards are accepted, except on the last day of every month, when only cash is accepted)

 

  • Minors: all underage (-18) applicants must present an original birth certificate along with a valid ID of both parents, and one photocopy of each.

 

  • If you are not a United States citizen, you must bring a valid document proving legal status in the US (original and a photocopy), and Employer letter confirming position and salary.

 

All supporting documentation must be submitted in Original or electronic document with a digital certificate, and each applicant must submit it separately. You must bring photocopies only when specifically indicated (additional to the originals).

 

 

B. General Information

  • All applicants for a Mexican visa must pay a non-refundable application fee. It cannot be returned if you fail to establish that you qualify for the visa.
  • Please be aware, that having a Mexican visa allows you to travel to a port of entry, airport or land border crossing, and request permission of the Immigration officers to enter Mexico. While having a visa does not guarantee entry to Mexico, it does indicate a consular officer at a Mexican Embassy or Consulate abroad has determined you are eligible to seek entry for that specific purpose. Mexican Immigration officers are responsible for the admission of travelers to Mexico, for a specified status and period.
  • Your visa must be used exclusively within the visa duration and for the number of entries indicated. The visa expiration date is shown on the visa along with the visa issuance date. The time between visa issuance and expiration date is called your visa validity. The visa validity is the length of time you are permitted to travel to a port of entry in Mexico.
  • In case of minors or persons who are under legal guardianship by civil legislation, the application must be filled out by both parents or by the one who has full custody or legal guardianship, in front of the consular employee.
  • If the mother or the father cannot physically be at the consular office at the moment of the visa application for his/ her child, one of the parents must present a notarized letter from the other parent that establishes his or her consent to obtain the Mexican visa.
  • When the full custody of the children is under one of the parents, he/she must present the certified copy of the official document that determined his/her custodianship. If the document was issued by a third country, it must be apostilled or legalized, whichever is applicable and translated into Spanish.
  • When the minor apply alone or with a third person, they must present a notarized document or a document issued by an authority where both parents grant their permission to issue a Mexican visa.
  • The spouse/husband; the person in common law or equivalent; the minors or person that is under judicial custody related with a holder of a Mexican valid visa, must demonstrate the family relationship and comply with the requirements in order to obtain a visa on their own.

 

C. Tourist visa for Non-US citizens


 Visa for visitors without authorization for lucrative activities

(Tourist visa for Non-US citizens)

  •  Who needs this visa?

Foreigners without a Permanent Resident Card or Green Card (holders of a valid US re-entry permit, refugee travel document or advance parole travel document) who intend to enter Mexico on visitor conditions without permission to perform paid activities for a period of 180 days or less.

  • Maximum visa validity: 180 days
  • Permitted entrances: Multiple until the expiration of the visa
  • Processing fees: $54.00 USD (payment can be made in cash or by credit card on the day of submission).
  • Processing time: The visa may be stamped on the same day of application with the complete documentation.

Important note: The issuance of the visa is subject to the consular interview.

In addition to the "General requirements", you must submit the following requirements:

  1. One (1) letter addressed to the Consulate requesting a visa as a visitor without permission for lucrative activities indicating city/town where you are planning to visit, address in Mexico and travel date. The letter must state that you are aware that as a holder of this kind of visa, you are not allowed to work in Mexico.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
  2. Original and one photocopy of a valid document providing legal status (US re-entry permit, refugee travel document or advance parole travel document).

  3. Original of letter from the employer stating that applicant has had an employment for at least the last six months. Foreign students who are enrolled regularly at a college in the US, must present documents proving their studies (official letter, school transcript etc. properly signed and stamped).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
  4. Documents proving economic solvency such as:
  • Original and one photocopy of investment or saving accounts statements from the last twelve (12) months. The monthly average balance must exceed $10,000 USD;

or

  • Original and one photocopy of bank statements or paystubs from the last six (6) months. The monthly income must exceed $1,500 USD plus $500 for each dependent.

Note 1: If the source of your monthly income is a Social Security pension you must provide also a document from the Social Security Office stating the exact amount you receive.

Note 2:  Foreign students who are enrolled regularly at a college in the US, must present documents proving scholarships or monthly income. The monthly income must exceed $700 USD plus $700 for each dependent.

 Important note: there are other assumptions under which you can apply for a visa for visitors without authorization for lucrative activities such as:

Property in the US;

Invitation letter from a public or private institution in Mexico;

Driver or operator of freight;

Humanitarian Causes;

Scientific research in Mexican water or Student (courses, studies, research projects, or academic or professional formation for less than 180 days).

Please contact the Consulate to further inform you of the additional requirements for each category.

 

D. Work Visa

Visa for visitors with authorization for lucrative activities

  • Who needs this visa?

Foreigners with an employment offer in Mexico who will receive a salary or payment right there (lucrative activities).

What is the process to apply for this kind of visa?
Your employer will have to apply for a prior authorization from the National Institute of Immigration in Mexico (INM) www.inami.gob.mx Upon the approval, you will receive an official letter with an authorization number (NUT).

As soon as you have the authorization letter, please provide the NUT number to the following e-mail address: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.

We will reply back to confirm you if it is already registered into our system. Once you have received the confirmation, please schedule your appointment.

Processing fees: $54.00 USD (payment can be made in cash or by credit card on the day of submission).
Processing time: The visa may be stamped in the same day of application with the complete documentation.


In addition to the "General requirements", you must submit the following requirements:

  1. Original Letter of the INM with the NUT number.
  2. One (1) letter addressed to the Consulate requesting temporary residency in Mexico as a foreign employee indicating city/town where you are planning to live, address in Mexico and travel date.
     

What is next?
Once you arrive to Mexico, you must apply at the nearest branch office of Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) to exchange your visa for a Resident Card within 30 calendar days after your arrival. Your residence card proves your legal status and allows you to remain in the country and travel back and forth without a visa.

 

E. Temporary Resident Student

Temporary Resident Student

  • Who needs this visa?

Foreigners who intend to enroll in courses, studies, research projects, or academic/professional formation under temporary residency conditions for more than 180 days and under 4 years.

  • Maximum visa validity: 180 days
  • Permitted entrances: One
  • Processing fees: $54.00 USD (payment can be made in cash or by credit card on the day of submission).
  • Processing time: The visa may be stamped in the same day of application with the complete documentation.

Important note: The issuance of the visa is subject to the consular interview.

 In addition to the "General requirements", you must submit the following requirements:

1. Original Acceptance letter from the School/Institution/University must include:

  • Applicant’s full name, as shown at the passport;
  • Level of Study/Degree/Type of diploma that the applicant is going to be pursuing;
  • Name of Program/Studies/Course or studies Exchange program, Internship, etc.;
  • Length of program: date of beginning and date of completion of the program;
  • Tuition fee information, including tuition and home stay if applicable;
  • Name of the institution, institution’s mailing address, telephone, fax number, e-mail, web site and name of designated contact;
  • The letter must be issued with letterhead; address and signature of institution representative.

2. Documents providing economic solvency such as:

  • Original and a copy of the last twelve months of bank statements, proving to have a regular income, pension, proof of a scholarship or other financial assistance for at least $700.00 USD per month during the last 12 months. The economic solvency could be credited by parents or legal guardians (for applicants under 25 years old). In this case the applicant must submit Original Letter from parents/legal guardians stating that they will be sending a monthly amount that exceeds $700.00 USD, besides tuition fees (Affidavit of support required); or
  • Original and a copy of financial investments or bank statements with a minimum average of $15, 000.00 USD during the last 6 months.

3. Students under 18 years-old should present a notarized authorization signed by either parents granting their permission to obtain the visa. In addition, you must submit a) one (1) photocopy of a valid ID of the parents/legal guardians and b) one (1) applicant’s birth certificate (original and 1 photocopy).

 

Important note: Foreigners whose sole purpose is to study in Mexico must have this visa prior their entry to Mexico. Once in national territory a change of status cannot be made (for example, from a visitor without authorization to work status to a temporary resident student status).

  • What is next?

Once you arrive to Mexico, you must apply at the nearest branch office of Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) to exchange your visa for a Resident Card within 30 calendar days after your arrival. Your residence card proves your legal status and allows you to remain in the country and travel back and forth without a visa.

 

F. Temporary Resident

Temporary Resident Visa

  • Who needs this visa?

Foreigners who wish to reside in Mexico under temporary residency conditions for more than 180 days and under 4 years.

  • Maximum visa validity: 180 days
  • Permitted entrances: One
  • Processing fees: $54.00 USD (payment can be made in cash or by credit card on the day of submission).
  • Processing time: The visa may be stamped in the same day of application with the complete documentation.

Important note: The issuance of the visa is subject to the consular interview.

In addition to the "General requirements", you must submit the following requirements:

  1. One (1) letter addressed to the Consulate requesting temporary residency in Mexico indicating city/town where you are planning to live, address in Mexico and travel date. The letter must state that you are aware that as a holder of this kind of visa you are not allowed to work in Mexico.
  2. Original and one photocopy of a valid document proving legal status (if the applicant is not a US citizen)
  3. Documents proving economic solvency such as: 
  • Original and one photocopy of investment or saving accounts statements from the last twelve (12) months. The monthly average balance must exceed $72,000.00 USD;

 

Note: If the source of your monthly income is a Social Security pension you must provide also a document from the Social Security Office stating the exact amount you receive;

or

  • Original and one photocopy of the public deed of real property in Mexico under the name of the applicant. The property value must exceed $345,740.00 USD.

 

Important note: there are other assumptions under which you can apply for a temporary resident visa such as:

Scientific research in Mexican waters;

Invitation from a public or private institution in Mexico;

Family Reunification or

Investor.

Please contact the Consulate to further inform you of the additional requirements for each category.

  • What is next?

Once you arrive to Mexico, you must apply at the nearest branch office of Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) to exchange your visa for a Resident Card within 30 calendar days after your arrival. Your residence card proves your legal status and allows you to remain in the country and travel back and forth without a visa.

 

G. Permanent Resident Visa

Permanent Resident Visa

  • Who needs this visa?

Foreign retirees or pensioners who wish to reside in Mexico under permanent residency conditions (more than 4 years).

  • Maximum visa validity: 180 days
  • Permitted entrances: One
  • Processing fees: $54.00 USD (payment can be made in cash or by credit card on the day of submission).
  • Processing time: The visa may be stamped in the same day of application with the complete documentation.

Important note: The issuance of the visa is subject to the consular interview.

In addition to the "General requirements", you must submit the following requirements:

  1. One (1) letter addressed to the Consulate requesting permanent residency in Mexico indicating city/town where you are planning to live, address in Mexico and travel date. The letter must state that you are aware that as a holder of this kind of visa you are not allowed to work in Mexico.
  2. Original and one photocopy of a valid document proving legal status (if the applicant is not a US citizen)
  3. Documents proving economic solvency such as:
  • Original and one photocopy of investment or saving accounts statements from the last twelve (12) months. The monthly average balance must exceed $285,000.00 USD;

 

Note: If the source of your monthly income is a Social Security pension you must provide also a document from the Social Security Office stating the exact amount you receive;

 

Important note: there is other assumption under which you can apply for a permanent resident visa such as: Family Reunification (link with a Mexican national or with a foreigner holder of a permanent resident visa).

Please contact the Consulate to further inform you of the additional requirements for this category.

  • What is next?

Once you arrive to Mexico, you must apply at the nearest branch office of Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) to exchange your visa for a Resident Card within 30 calendar days after your arrival. Your residence card proves your legal status and allows you to remain in the country and travel back and forth without a visa.

 

 

Download Visa application Form

 

 Appointment Scheduling System for Vehicle Import
https://www.banjercito.com.mx/citasconsulares/

The required documentation must be presented in the original and a copy.

  1. Mexicans with legal residency abroad must present one of the following documents:
  • Permanent Resident Card (Resident Alien).
  • Passport (not Mexican).
  • Passport Card.
  • When you have been working for one year or more with a work visa issued by the U.S. immigration authority.
  1. Foreign citizens may only present a valid passport or Passport Card and the official document issued by the Instituto Nacional de Migración (National Immigration Institute). https://www.inm.gob.mx/sae/publico/pre-autorizacion.html
  • Passport Card.
  1. b) Documents to prove the legal ownership of the vehicle to be temporarily imported:
  • Title of ownership with the printed plate number.
  • License Plate Registration.
  • Credit Contract no older than three months, valid insurance, and a copy of the document that proves the payment of the current vehicle registration request.

Only VISA  or Mastercard payments are accepted.
To receive the refund of the warranty deposit the permit must be canceled before the maximum date or return.

Vehicle Year Model

Warranty Amount

2007 subsequent

400 dlls

2001 to 2006

300 dlls

2000 and previous

200 dlls

COST OF THE PERMIT 

 

 

OVERVIEW.

 For foreign holders of Permanent or Temporary resident status in Mexico willing to take tax-free their used household items into Mexico. The detailed list of your household items must be certified by the Consulate prior to importation before Mexican Customs.

REQUIREMENTS.  

  1. Application form fully completed and signed (4 copies). Request one at the Consulate or Download it here.
  2. Valid Passport (original and 4 copies of the personal information page).
  3. Mexican Resident Visa (Temporary or Permanent) or Resident Card (Temporary or Permanent). Original and 4 copiesNote: Please be aware that you can start this process with your Mexican Visa but customs authorities in Mexico will require you to present your Temporary/Permanent Resident Card in order to release your shipment.
  4. Typed itemized list of your household goods (4 copies). It must be in Spanish and must include a description of all articles, including those contained in boxes. All electronics and electrical appliances must indicate brand, model and serial numbers (Download example list).

 

APPLICATION FEE.

$190.00 USD

APPOINTMENTS.

 Please set up an appointment by calling (303) 331 11 10 x 119 or at documentacionden@sre.gob.mx 

(Please attach a copy of your valid immigration document).

 

PROCESSING TIME.

 Certificates are issued on the same day of your appointment. The primary applicant's signature is required at delivery.

 

Important information:

  • Household goods include: furniture, books, clothes, electronic devices, artwork (as long as these are not collection for exhibitions or galleries), etc.
  • Household goods importation does not include weapons, explosives, alcohol beverages, medicines, food, spices, motorcycles, trucks and cars.
  • You may import your household goods as a family only once.
  • Consular officers may request additional information during the interview.
  • Initial application does not guarantee immediate approval.
  • This Certificate is not a moving service. You should contact an international moving services company.
  • At the port of entry into Mexico, importers will request the customs authority the tax exemption of their household items, by submitting the Certificate of Household Goods Importation through a customs agent (agente aduanal).
  • Final importation of household goods is subject to the administrative decision of the customs authorities.
  • Foreigners must hold a legal Resident status to apply for this tax-free importation. It must be completed no later than six months after the issuing date of your immigration document (Resident card or Resident Visa).

 

 

 

 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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