Visa and FMM to Enter Mexico: Updated 2026 Requirements

Immigration requirements to enter Mexico in 2026

Mexico is one of the most open countries to international tourism. Citizens of more than 80 countries can enter without a visa for tourist stays up to 180 days. However, requirements vary by nationality, reason for travel and duration. This guide explains everything you need to know before traveling.

Countries that do NOT need a tourist visa

If you are a citizen of any of the following countries, you only need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from entry date) and the FMM (Multiple Immigration Form) for tourist, business, transit or family visits:

Americas: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia (permitted with advance notice), Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, United States (including lawful permanent residents), Guatemala (short visits), Honduras (short stays), Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic (certain categories), Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Europe: All EU countries (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden), plus Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, United Kingdom, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican.

Asia: South Korea, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore.

Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.

The complete list is on the official page of the National Immigration Institute (INM).

Countries that DO need a visa

If you're not on the list above, you probably need a visa. The list includes most African, Middle Eastern and parts of Asian countries. Examples: Mainland China, India, Indonesia, Russia, most Arab countries, Cuba, Haiti, Nigeria, Vietnam.

Exemption with visas or residency from other countries

Very useful exceptions exist: if your nationality requires a Mexican visa but you have any of these documents, you don't need to apply:

Valid US visa (tourist B1/B2, student F1, work H1B, etc.).
Permanent residency in the United States, Canada, UK, Japan or any Schengen country.
Valid visa from Canada, UK, Japan or Schengen.

Example: an Indian citizen with a valid US B1/B2 visa can travel to Mexico without a Mexican visa. Just show passport and US visa at flight and immigration.

The FMM: Multiple Immigration Form

The FMM is the document every tourist receives when entering Mexico. Since 2023 it's mostly digital, though at some land border crossings and smaller airports it remains paper-based.

Digital FMM (flights and most ports)

If you arrive at a major airport (CDMX, Cancun, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, Los Cabos), the process is digital. Your FMM is automatically registered when your passport is scanned at immigration. Your passport is stamped with the authorized stay duration (up to 180 days maximum, but sometimes the officer authorizes 30, 60 or 90 days; always check).

IMPORTANT: Check the stamp immediately. If you received fewer days than needed, ask the officer to correct it on the spot. Once out of the airport, changing it requires a process at INM.

Paper FMM (land crossings and some airports)

If you cross by land from the US, Guatemala or Belize, or arrive at small airports, you must fill out the paper FMM. Forms are at the port. After completing it, you must pay the right (DNR - Non-Resident Right): approximately $638 MXN ($35 USD) in cash or card. The payment is usually included in the flight if coming by air.

Keep the FMM: you must return it when leaving Mexico. If lost, there's a process at INM and a fine (~$638 MXN).

How long you can stay

Maximum tourist stay is 180 days (6 months), but watch out: the immigration officer decides. In recent years there have been reports of tourists given only 7, 15 or 30 days without explanation. This discretion is officially allowed.

To maximize your chances of getting 180 days:

Have return flight reservations within those 180 days.
Have hotel reservation at least for the first nights.
Have evidence of economic solvency (cards, cash).
If going for remote work, don't mention it: say you're going as tourist.
If it's your first visit, show tourist enthusiasm, not indefinite plans.

What to do if you want to stay more than 180 days

Technically you cannot exceed 180 days as a tourist in the same period. Options if you want to stay longer:

Temporary visa (non-permanent residency): for 1 to 4 years. Requires showing income ($2,750 USD monthly in the last 6 months) or investments ($46,000 USD in Mexican banks). Processed at a Mexican consulate before traveling.
Permanent visa (residency): to stay indefinitely. Higher requirements: $4,000 USD/month income or $184,000 USD invested.
Exit and re-entry: NOT legal or recommended. But many tourists do "border runs" (leave to Belize or the US for a day and return for new 180 days). Officially this can be denied by immigration if they notice the pattern.

Traveling minors

If you're a Mexican minor traveling alone or with only one parent, you need SAM permission (Minor Exit) signed by the absent parent before a notary. Applies to minors under 18 with Mexican nationality.

If you're a foreign minor traveling with family, generally no additional requirements beyond passport. But if traveling with only one parent, consulates recommend bringing authorization letter from the other parent in case immigration requests it.

Vaccines and health requirements

In 2026, there are no mandatory vaccines to enter Mexico (including COVID-19, since 2022 it's no longer required). Recommended but not required:

Hepatitis A and B.
Yellow fever: only if coming from a yellow fever country (Brazilian Amazon, parts of Africa).
Updated tetanus.
Measles-rubella (if not vaccinated as a child).

For jungle areas (Chiapas, Tabasco, Veracruz), some doctors recommend antimalarial, though risk is low.

Customs: what you can bring

As a tourist you can bring:

Cash: up to $10,000 USD without declaration. More than that, must declare at customs.
Cigarettes: 10 packs or 25 cigars.
Alcohol: 3 liters (wine, spirits, beer).
Gifts: up to $500 USD in value (if by air) or $300 USD (by land).
Electronics: personal use, no taxes.

Forbidden: fresh fruits, vegetables, meats (phytosanitary control), drugs, weapons, products with palo santo or protected species.

Traveling with pets

You can bring your dog or cat with:

Veterinarian health certificate issued max 10 days before.
Proof of rabies vaccination (min 15 days before, max 1 year).
Proof of internal and external deworming (max 6 months).
If traveling in cabin (cats and small dogs), processing is at counter on arrival.
If traveling in cargo, check airline requirements (crate, times, temperature).

At the Mexican airport, SENASICA (National Health Service) reviews documents. It's free.

Things you can do with your visa/FMM

With a tourist FMM you can:

Travel and do tourism throughout the country.
Stay in hotels, Airbnb, friends' homes.
Open bank account (some banks accept FMM).
Rent car, motorcycle.
Buy phone with plan.
Work remotely from Mexico WITHOUT receiving payment from Mexican companies.

You CANNOT:

Work for Mexican companies or receive payments in Mexico (requires work visa).
Buy real estate directly in restricted zone (coast, border); must use a fideicomiso.
Get Mexican driver's license (requires residency).

How much it costs

Airport FMM: Included in flight price (commercial flights).
Land FMM: $638 MXN (~$35 USD).
Tourist visa (if applicable): $48 USD, processed at Mexican consulate or embassy.
Temporary visa (residency): ~$60 USD consular processing + $5,500-6,500 MXN at FMM-to-visa change in Mexico.

With this information you should be prepared to travel without surprises. If you have a specific doubt about your nationality or situation, consult the official site of the Foreign Ministry or the nearest Mexican consulate.