People from all countries need
to have a passport valid at least 6 months from the date
of entry into the country |
Formal
procedures
Every traveler going to Mexico is required to
possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of
entry into the country.
Every visitor is required to get a tourist card from the Mexican
State. It will be given to you upon arrival; it is free and is
valid for 90 or 180 days depending on your nationality.
From January 23, 2007, Americans need a passport to travel
by air to Mexico and by 01st of June, 2009, they will need a passport
to travel to Mexico by air as well by land or sea (including ferries).
Legislation can change; so always double check with your Consulate
or Embassy when planning your trip.
People from all other countries need to have a passport valid
at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
People from Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, France, Luxemburg,
Nederland, United Kingdom, Switzerland and most of the European
countries, do not need a visa as tourists. The list of countries
needing visas changes regularly; inquire with the embassy or with
the Mexican consulate of your residence well before your trip
or look at the website : www.inami.gob.mx
.This site is in several languages.
to establish an american passport.
Since March 01, 2010, Canadians need a passport to travel
to Mexico by air as well by land or sea (including ferries).
Nationalities from other countries, who are permanent residents
in the USA, are required to present their passport as well as
their resident card.
Travelers who cross the USA (even in transit) to/from Mexico
or those who visit Mexico after a stop in the
USA, are required to obey the new laws concerning American visas
and passports (electronic/biometric passports).
Formalities concerning minors :
A minor needs a passport.
If both parents do not escort a minor child, a notarized consent
form from the absent parent is required. A similar consent form
from both parents must accompany the child traveling alone or
escorted by a non-parent. Contact a Mexican consulate to know
what you need to do in your situation.
Mexicans with double nationality are required to present the documents
of both nationalities. They should introduce themselves as a Mexican
national when entering or leaving the country.
TOURIST CARD (Forma migratoria para tourista FMT)
This is a tourist visa for people traveling to Mexico.
Although this visa can potentially be valid for 180 days, it is
at the discretion of the immigration officer. The time period
is directly related to the purpose of your journey. Usually the
visa is approved for a maximum period of 90 days (if you arrive
by plane for a vacation), after which it can be renewed for an
additional 90 days at any Mexican Immigration office. If you are
crossing the border in a car, you can request the full 180 days.
There is no guarantee that the full 180 days will be given. Don’t
lose it. You need to present it when leaving the country. No remunerative
or volunteer activity is allowed with this visa. People wishing
to go to Mexico upon an O.N.G need to ask the
Mexican Embassy for a visa.
Be aware of the length of time it takes for obtaining a visa.
Upon arrival, you need to fill out a document called F.M.E. This
document needs to be approved by the Immigration authority when
entering the country and is renewable only once (90 days). The
document is required upon leaving as well as the tourist card.
No remunerative or volunteer activity is allowed with this visa.
People wishing to go to Mexico upon an O.N.G
need to ask the Mexican Embassy for a visa. Be aware of the length
of time it takes for obtaining a visa. Upon arrival, you need
to fill out a document called F.M.E. This document needs to be
approved by the Immigration authority when entering the country
and is renewable only once (90 days). The document is required
upon leaving as well as the tourist card.
Renewal
or loss of documents
If the tourist card is issued for less than 180 days, you can
have it renewed free of charge until you reach 180 days. If you
need more days, you can go to an I.N.M office; there are
many offices which are listed in the website www.inami.gob.mx
(under the title "Directorio"). Renewal will
cost you 250 Mexican pesos and should take between half an hour
and 3 hours to get it, depending on the offices. You will need
your passport, your tourist card, your airline ticket and proof
that you have enough money (an international credit card or travelers
checks should work).
The I.N.M office will renew your document only a few days before
it will expire. Don’t go too soon.
If you loose your card, report it immediately to the nearest Mexican
Immigration Office and be prepared to show proof of citizenship,
as well as your airline ticket if you came to Mexico
by plane. Then, go the I.N.M to obtain a duplicate of your lost
card for a small fee.
Protecting
your documents
Before leaving home, it is a good idea to make copies of all
your documents (Passport, credit cards, traveler check numbers,
insurance policy number, airline and/or bus tickets, driver’s
license, etc.). In case they are lost, it will be easier to replace
them.
Immigration service (migración) : calle Homero
1832 - Polanco by the Periférico, 
55 53 87 24 00 in Mexico City (open
in the morning only) - www.inami.gob.mx.
Going
to Belize or Guatemala
Europeans need only a passport to go to these countries. Nationals
from Switzerland need a visa as well as a passport.
| Your comments about the content of this page |
 |
| No comment has been yet posted on this page. |
