Mexico - visitor
Visitor Visa (Tourism / Business)FMM
Mexico allows nationals of many countries (including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Japan and most LATAM nations) to enter without a visa for up to 180 days using a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM - Multiple Immigration Form). Citizens of countries outside this list must apply for a Visitor Visa at a Mexican consulate before travel. The visitor visa does NOT permit paid work in Mexico. In 2026 the FMM tourist card costs approximately MXN 861 (USD 45), and immigration officers grant days at their discretion - 180 is no longer guaranteed.
Who this visa is for
- Nationals of countries not on Mexico's visa-free list who want to visit for tourism, business meetings or family
- Short-term visitors with a pre-approved work permit for activities under 180 days
- Travelers transiting Mexico to a third country
Requirements
- Valid passport
Minimum 6 months remaining validity.
- Completed visa application form
Downloaded from the consulate's website and filled in full.
- Photo
Recent color passport-sized photo with white background.
- Proof of economic solvency
Bank statements from the last 3 months showing an average monthly balance of roughly USD 1,600 equivalent, or a letter from a sponsor.
- Proof of purpose
Hotel reservations, invitation letters, conference registration, return flight ticket.
- Employment or student proof
Letter from employer or enrollment proof showing ties to home country.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Consular visa fee | USD 54 | Paid at the consulate, for nationalities that require the visa. |
| FMM tourist card | MXN 861 (~USD 45) | 2026 rate. Usually included in airline tickets; collected separately when entering by land. |
Application steps
- 1. Check if you need one
Verify your nationality against Mexico's visa-required list at gob.mx/sre. If visa-free, skip to airline check-in.
- 2. Book consular appointment
Use MEXITEL (https://mexitel.sre.gob.mx) to schedule an in-person appointment at a Mexican consulate.
- 3. Prepare documents
Gather passport, photo, financial proof, travel purpose documents.
- 4. Attend interview
Submit documents and pay USD 54 fee. Brief interview about purpose and ties to home country.
- 5. Receive visa
Sticker issued in passport, usually same-week.
- 6. On arrival in Mexico
Present the visa and receive an FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) for up to 180 days.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Visitor VisaFMM
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa to enter Mexico?
No. US citizens (plus Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, Japanese and most LATAM nationals) can enter Mexico without a visa for tourism or business trips of up to 180 days. On arrival you receive an FMM admission document. The days granted are at the immigration officer's discretion, so 180 is no longer automatic.
Can I extend my Mexico FMM beyond 180 days?
No. The FMM cannot be extended once issued. If you need more time, you must leave Mexico and re-enter, which issues a new FMM. There is no minimum waiting period outside Mexico, but frequent border runs may raise questions with immigration officers.
Can I work in Mexico on a tourist visa or FMM?
No. The FMM and Visitor Visa do NOT grant permission to work for a Mexican employer or receive Mexican income. Remote work for foreign clients paid into a foreign bank account is a widely-tolerated grey area, but for legal certainty apply for a Temporary Resident Visa via financial solvency.