Visa requirements are an important consideration when planning an international trip. Many countries outside of Europe require a visa for entry, and the process for obtaining one can vary in complexity depending on your nationality. In this article, we will explore the specific visa requirements for Mexico and provide detailed information on the different types of visas available depending on the purpose of your trip.

I am going to Mexico as a tourist

If you are planning a vacation to Mexico for a few days or weeks, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance. Upon arrival in the country, you will be given a form to fill out on the plane, which will be provided to the authorities. You will then be issued a tourist visa, which is free of charge. This visa allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days, but does not allow you to engage in any paid or volunteer activities during your stay. All of the necessary steps for obtaining a tourist visa will be completed on site when you arrive.

Under this status, you can only stay in the territory for a maximum of 180 days and you will be strictly prohibited from doing any paid or volunteer activity.

Documents not to be forgotten:

• Passport
• Return ticket

A passport is obviously essential during any international trip. A legible passport to return to Mexico is required, we have already heard from tourists who have had difficulties to return because of stamps that had taken the water or blankets almost torn off.

A return ticket, proving your exit within 180 days may be requested by border officials. In reality this ticket is rarely requested, but you never know…

A tip to avoid this: Always protect your precious sesame with a suitable passport cover.

I want to work for a year in Mexico

We all know about the famous “working holiday visa” in Australia and Canada. But did you know that it also exists in Mexico? And yes, young people aged 18 to 30 have the opportunity to travel and work for 12 months in the land of the Mariachis!

This visa is relatively easy to obtain but requires a lot of supporting documents. Here are the conditions to obtain it:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old.
• Justify a minimum of 2500€ of resources.
• Have a valid passport.
• Demonstrate motivation to visit and work in Mexico.
• Have health insurance for the duration of the trip.
• Once the visa is issued, you will have 6 months to return to Mexican territory.

Once you arrive, you will have 30 days to apply for a temporary resident card, which will allow you to work.

Traveling alone in Mexico is a great experience, an unforgettable cultural shock.

According to some feedback we have had, the process is not so simple, especially once in the country where you have to get this famous card, the administration is a bit slow and difficult. In the end, many give up, become “tourists” and work illegally.