Mexico is known as one of the most famous destinations in the world. It is a state located in the southern part of North America. It borders the USA in the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east and west, while southeast it is bordered by Guatemala, the Caribbean Sea, and Belize. To the east, it is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico.
Mexico is known for many things, but one of the impressions that tourists have about this country is the food. All over the world people like Mexican food such as tacos, tortillas, etc. But besides the food, Mexico has so many attractive sites that you must visit such as the beautiful beaches and the mysterious Mayan temples!
If you want to travel to this country then you will need a Mexican visa. To learn more about a visa to Mexico then make sure to read this post until the end.
Who requires a Mexico Visa?
Most people who want to travel to Mexico will need a visa to enter the country. However, there are some countries that are visa-exempt, meaning that you will not need a visa to enter, a passport will be enough.
Mexico visa types
When you plan to travel to Mexico, you will need to apply for a visa for the purpose of your travel. You can find below the types of Mexican visas.
Tourist visa for Mexico
This type of visa is required for foreigners who plan to travel to Mexico for tourism purposes. Meaning that you plan to stay in Mexico as a visitor, to check out the country, etc. You can not engage in any other activities with this type of visa.
When you arrive, you could get the tourist ticket at a Mexican entry point, and also some airline companies do sell the tourist ticket together with the price of their flight ticket. That being said, up to 7 days prior to your departure, you could also receive the digital Mexico Tourist Ticket.
The distinction is that at an embassy, visa-required citizens must request a visitor visa. If they get a visa, they have to get a tourist ticket as well. But at the other hand, visa-exempt visitors only need the Tourist Ticket before entering or traveling to Mexico. In this case, there is no need for a visa.
Documents you need to apply for the tourist visa are as follows:
- The completed application form
- A valid passport
- Biometric photographs
- Your flight ticket with the return date
- Evidence of finances, required to prove if you can cover your expenses during your stay in Mexico
- Evidence of lodging, place where you are staying at during your stay
- Papers for job status that depend if you are employed, a student, or self-employed.
- The payment of the visa
Note that the required documentation may change during time, and if more documentation is required then we recommend that you check the official website.
Student Mexico visa
This visa is for foreigners who plan to stay in Mexico for educational purposes. The documentation required to apply for a student visa to Mexico are:
- The completed visa application form
- A valid passport
- Biometric photographs
- The flight ticket
- An acceptance letter provided from the educational institution sent at the embassy or consulate that should contain the following:
- Your name and surname
- The degree, grade, and program you are planning to take
- Course’s name you have admitted to
- The length, when you start and end the program
- The fee of the course you are taking
- Contact information of the educational institution
- Finances statements
- Evidence of financial support which proves that you have sufficient funds for your expenses
- The student visa fee
Mexico Family visa
The family visa is for foreigners who have relatives living in Mexico and want to join them as well.
The following documents are required for the Mexican family visa:
- Completed application form
- Your valid passport
- Biometric photographs
- The flight ticket
- Evidence of the relationship with the relative which can be a certificate of marriage or birth
- Resident card of the relative
- Evidence of bank statements and of financial support
- The payment of the family visa
- Extra documentation demanded by the embassy or consulate
Mexico work visa
Are you looking to travel to Mexico for work or you have been offered a position in a company in Mexico? If that’s so, then this work visa is the one you should apply for.
The following documents are required when applying for a work visa:
- The completed application form
- A valid passport
- Biometric photographs
- A letter of invitation from the company
- Evidence of your finances
Foreigners applying for more than six months to work in Mexico need a temporary residency permit with work authorization. This system allows you, as a worker, to register to the Mexican Immigration Center. If accepted, the individual must report to the Mexican Embassy for the appropriate visa. When you or the employer is informed that the visa application is approved, the employee must visit the embassy within 15 days to obtain the requisite visa.
This entire process provides employees a temporary residency permit that is valid for 180 days, along with work authorization.
Permanent resident visa
Based on the length and intent of the stay, anyone who plans to travel to Mexico for a longer period than 6 months should have a Permanent Visa and a Residence Card. Foreign nationals who permanently choose to live in Mexico must have a Residence Permit Card from Mexico.
If you meet one the following requirements, then you are eligible to apply for the permanent resident visa:
- You have a relative living in Mexico
- You have been offered a job position
- You would like to retire in Mexico
- You are planning to study in an educational institution
- You have been a temporary resident for at least 4 years
The following documents are required if you are applying for the residence permit:
- Motivation letter sent to the embassy or consulate, describing your purposes for applying
- Name and surname, your address, and number of passport
- Details concerning your pension
- If there are any investments done by you
- Travel date and the port you are going to arrive at
- Statements from bank
- Evidence of investments
How to Apply for a Mexico Visa?
In order to apply for any type of Mexico visa then you must do so in the nearest embassy or consulate. The procedure is as follows:
- Schedule a meeting with the embassy
- Fill in the application form
- Submit the required documents
- Pay the fee
Mexico visa photo requirements
As we have mentioned above in the required documents for each type of visa, there are required biometric photographs. The passport size photo for a Mexico visa has these specifications:
- The size of the photo must be 45 x 35 mm
- The photo must be in colors and not black & white
- You should look directly into the camera lens and keep your head frontally, do not tilt it left or right
- Photo background must be white in color
- Keep a neutral expression, do not smile
- Eyes must be open and mouth closed
- Accessories such as glasses are prohibited
- Headgear is allowed only for religious purposes
If you want to get a Mexico visa photo then make sure to check out our app which can be found on google play or the app store, or you can also go to our website which will offer the same service. All you have to do is upload a photo of yourself and within a few seconds, it will automatically be edited in order to meet the official requirements.