Guide to entering Mexico as a tourist, covering visa exemptions, the FMM immigration form, required documents, and differences between air and land border entry.
Verify if your nationality is visa-exempt for Mexico
Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Japan, South Korea, and about 65 other countries can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days. Citizens of China, India, Russia, and several African nations require a visa.
Check if holding a valid US, Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen visa exempts you
Mexican immigration policy allows citizens of visa-required countries to enter Mexico without a Mexican visa if they hold a valid visa or permanent residence from the US, Canada, Japan, UK, or any Schengen country. The foreign visa must be valid at the time of entry.
Determine if you need a tourist visa (Visitante sin permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas)
The Mexican tourist visa allows stays of up to 180 days and costs approximately $44 (790 MXN). Processing takes 5-10 business days at most consulates. Apply at the Mexican consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Locate your nearest Mexican consulate or embassy
Mexico has 50 consulates in the US alone — more than any other country. Find your jurisdictional consulate at consulmex.sre.gob.mx. Most require appointments for visa applications, bookable online 2-4 weeks in advance.
Visa Application Documents (If Visa Required)
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
Mexico technically only requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay, but airlines and immigration officers frequently apply the 6-month rule. Having at least 6 months validity avoids any boarding or entry issues.
Completed visa application form from the consulate website
Download the form at consulmex.sre.gob.mx for your specific consulate. The form is in Spanish but instructions are usually available in English. Attach a recent color photo (3.9 x 3.1 cm) on white background.
Proof of financial solvency (bank statements from the last 3-6 months)
Mexico requires an average monthly balance equivalent to at least 300 days of Mexico City's minimum wage — roughly $5,000 USD. Some consulates accept the last 3 months, others require 6 months. Check your consulate's specific requirements.
Proof of accommodation in Mexico (hotel bookings or host letter)
If hosted by a Mexican citizen or resident, they must provide a notarized invitation letter, a copy of their Mexican ID (INE), and proof of their address (utility bill or bank statement). Hotel bookings should show the guest name and cover your full stay.
Round-trip flight or travel reservation
A confirmed round-trip booking is required for the visa application. If entering by land, provide documentation of your return travel plan. One-way bookings are accepted only if you provide strong financial proof and a detailed travel itinerary.
Employment letter or proof of economic activity
The letter should include your position, salary, hire date, and employer contact information on company letterhead. Students need an enrollment letter. Retirees should provide pension statements or investment account summaries.
Immigration Form (FMM / Digital Entry)
Check if you need a paper FMM or can use the digital entry system
Mexico has been transitioning from paper FMM forms to digital processing since 2023. As of 2024, major airports like Mexico City (MEX), Cancun (CUN), and Guadalajara (GDL) use digital scanning — no paper form needed. Land borders and smaller airports may still use paper FMMs.
If using paper FMM, fill it out completely before reaching immigration
Airlines distribute FMM forms on flights to Mexico. Fill in both the entry and exit portions in black or blue ink. Keep the bottom half (exit portion) in your passport for your entire trip — losing it results in a fine of approximately $30 (500 MXN) and delays at departure.
If driving across a land border, stop at the INM office to get your FMM stamped
The border zone extends about 20-25 km into Mexico from the border. If you are traveling beyond this zone, you must stop at an INM checkpoint to have your FMM processed. Skipping this step means you have no legal immigration status beyond the border zone.
Pay the FMM fee if staying longer than 7 days or entering by land
The FMM fee is approximately $35 (638 MXN). Air travelers have this included in their airline ticket price. Land border crossings for stays over 7 days require payment at a Mexican bank (Banorte, HSBC, Banamex) near the border — keep the receipt as proof.
At the Border or Airport
Present your passport, visa (if required), and FMM to the immigration officer
The officer will determine your allowed stay — anywhere from 7 to 180 days. There is no appeal process at the border. If you receive fewer days than planned, you can request an extension later at any INM office inside Mexico.
Request the full 180 days if that is your intended stay
Immigration officers have full discretion on the number of days granted. They often default to 30 or 60 days unless you specifically ask for more. Politely stating your travel plans and showing return tickets for a date 180 days out helps.
Verify the number of days stamped on your FMM or entry record
Check the stamp immediately — once you leave the immigration counter, correcting the number of days requires visiting an INM office. The number is handwritten on paper FMMs, making it easy to misread.
Complete the customs declaration (red/green light system)
Mexico uses a traffic-light system at airports. After collecting luggage, you press a button — green means you pass, red means your bags are inspected. Declare anything over $500 in goods (land) or $300 (air) to avoid fines of 40-70% of the undeclared value.
During and After Your Stay
Keep your FMM or digital entry record accessible throughout your trip
Random immigration checks happen on highways between states, at bus terminals, and at domestic airports. Having your FMM or passport with entry stamp ready avoids delays. Take a photo of your FMM as a backup in case the paper is lost.
Apply for an extension at an INM office if you need more time
Extensions are processed at INM offices (called Oficinas de Trámites) in major cities. The maximum total stay including extensions is 180 days. The extension fee is approximately $35 (638 MXN), and processing takes 5-10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your current stay expires.
Return your FMM at departure (if paper form)
Hand the exit portion of your FMM to the airline at check-in or to the immigration officer at a land border. Failing to return it can cause problems on future visits — Mexican immigration may record you as an overstay even if you left on time.
Avoid overstaying your authorized period
Overstaying results in a fine and a ban on re-entry. Fines are approximately $50-$500 depending on the length of overstay. Overstays exceeding 60 days can result in a 1-year entry ban. Pay any fines at the airport before departure to avoid being flagged on future visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Mexico?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Mexico of up to 180 days. Upon arrival, you receive a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) tourist permit either electronically (available for air travelers since 2024) or as a paper form. If staying within the border zone (approximately 20-25 km from the US-Mexico border) for less than 72 hours, no FMM is required. The FMM costs approximately $38 (590 MXN) and is typically included in your airline ticket price for air travel.
What is the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM)?
The FMM is Mexico's tourist permit document authorizing your stay for up to 180 days. Since 2024, air travelers can complete the electronic FMM (eFMM) online before arrival. Land border crossings still use the paper form, which you must keep for your entire trip and surrender when exiting. Losing your FMM can result in fines and delays at departure. If you lose it, visit the nearest INM (Instituto Nacional de Migracion) office to obtain a replacement before your departure.
Can I drive my US car in Mexico?
If driving beyond the border zone (approximately 20-25 km from the border) or outside the Baja California peninsula and Puerto Penasco/Sonora free zone, you need a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP). The permit costs approximately $55-60 and requires a deposit of $200-400 (refundable when you return the permit). You must have the permit, your vehicle title, valid registration, a valid driver's license, and Mexican auto insurance, which is legally required and not covered by US policies.
Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?
While not legally required for entry, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Mexican hospitals and clinics, especially private ones, require upfront payment and can be expensive. US health insurance plans generally do not provide coverage in Mexico. Mexican auto liability insurance is legally required if you are driving and must be purchased from a Mexican insurer. Basic travel medical insurance policies covering Mexico start at approximately $2-5 per day of travel.