Mexico tourist visa (visitor visa without permission for paid activities)

The visa is for nationals of countries without a visa waiver with Mexico who want to visit for up to 180 days without paid work. You do not need it if you hold a valid visa from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom or a Schengen country, or permanent residence in those countries or in Chile, Colombia or Peru; in that case you can present that document on arrival, as the INM explains.

The SAE electronic authorisation is a separate route for air travel. The current SRE page reserves it for nationals of Russia and Ukraine (an older INM page from August 2022 also named Turkish citizens). Other visa-required nationals use the consular application described here; if in doubt, ask the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country.

The SRE accepts one of several proofs. Bank or investment statements with an average monthly balance of 680 days of UMA over the last 3 months; with the 2026 UMA of MXN 117.31 that is MXN 79,770.80. Or proof of employment or a pension with monthly net income above 220 days of UMA (MXN 25,808.20) over the last 3 months, plus at least one year in the job. Or a property deed in your name held for at least two years together with two years of stable employment or business ownership.

Students in higher education can show a lower amount: employment, pension or scholarship income of 130 days of UMA a month (MXN 15,250.30) over 3 months. Consulates convert these values into local currency, so check the figure your consulate applies.

Book an appointment through Mi Consulado, then attend in person with the completed visa application form, your passport, proof of legal stay if you are not a national of the country where you apply, the solvency evidence and the fee receipt. The consular interview and biometric capture take place at the appointment, and the SRE gives a response time of 10 working days. Fees are not refundable.

A long-duration version (SRE-01-036) allows stays of less than 180 days per entry and is valid for 10 years. It is aimed at people with ample economic solvency, frequent travellers who can show three valid visas or entry stamps from countries not bordering their own, prominent persons, spouses or partners of Mexicans or of temporary or permanent residents, relatives of residents and of accredited diplomats, and executives of companies with Mexican subsidiaries. Its fee is USD 54.