Types of Mexico Visas
There are three main types of Mexico visas, depending on the duration of your stay:
- Mexico Tourist Visas, which are issued for a short-stay of up to 180 days. They are issued to visa-required foreign nationals who want to enter Mexico for tourism, business, a visit or any other purpose which does not require employment.
- Mexico Temporary Resident Visa, which is issued to foreigners who want to move to Mexico for a period longer than six months but less than four years. Temporary resident visas are then further divided into:
- Mexico Student Visa
- Mexico Work Visa
- Mexico Family Visa
- Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
- Mexico Permanent Resident Visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who want to live in Mexico permanently. This type of visa is most common for retirees who will live in Mexico with an independent income, which is why it’s also referred to as a Mexico Retirement Visa.
- Foreigners with close family ties to Mexico as well as those who have lived in Mexico as a temporary resident for at least four years are also eligible for permanent residency in Mexico.
Where Can You Apply for a Mexico Visa?
You can apply for a Mexico visa at a Mexican embassy abroad. However, if you are from Turkey, Russia, you may be eligible to get a Mexican Tourist Visa online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (Sistema de Autorización Electrónica, SAE).
How to Apply for Mexico Visa?
You have to apply for a Mexico visa at a Mexican embassy in your country (or the one nearest to you). The application process is as follows:
Contact the Mexico embassy to set up an appointment
- Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form
- Collect the required documents
- Submit the application and pay the fee
Can I Get a Mexico Visa On Arrival Instead of the Embassy?
You cannot get a Mexico Visa on Arrival. What you are most likely referring to is a Mexico Tourist Card, which is most often issued at the point of entry in Mexico yes, on arrival.
Every foreigner who enters Mexico as a tourist, whether they need a visa or not, will get a Mexico Tourist Card before they can enter the country.
However, if you are from a country which is subject to Mexico visas, you must obtain one before you travel to Mexico.
Mexico Visa Processing Time
The time it takes to process a Mexican visa depends on the specific embassy to which you are applying. Some only take about two days to process your visa while others may take up to four weeks.
You must check the website of the Mexico embassy where you will apply or contact them to learn about how long it will take to process your visa. That’s because not all embassies work at the same pace, and while one might process your visa within 2 working days, another might take 10 working days. That’s why some embassies recommend you schedule your appointment at least four weeks before your trip.
What is the Duration of a Mexico Visa?
The duration of a Mexico visa depends on the type of visa you have.
The duration of a Mexico tourist visa is a maximum of 180 days. However, once you arrive at the point of entry in Mexico, the immigration officials could give you a tourist card that is valid for 30, 60, or 90 days, not the full 180.
A Mexico temporary residence visa is valid for one year, but it can be renewed and extended for up to four years. After four years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency.
What Happens if I Overstay my Mexico Tourist Card?
If you overstay your Mexico Tourist Card, you must go to an immigration office in Mexico or the immigration center at the airport and pay a fine, which is calculated based on the number of days you have overstayed. Then, you must make arrangements to get an exit visa before you leave.
What Happens if I Lose my Mexico Tourist Card?
If you lose your Mexico Tourist Card, you must visit an immigration office in order to get a replacement. You will also have to pay a replacement fee.
Can you Extend a Mexico Visa?
Whether you can extend a Mexico visa or not depends on the type of visa you have.
If you receive a Tourist card which states that the number of days you are allowed to stay in Mexico is less than 180, you may be able to get an extension to the full 180 days. However, you cannot extend a Tourist Visa/Card beyond the 180 days.
You can apply for a tourist card extension at an immigration center in Mexico, but keep in mind that oftentimes, the immigration officials do not allow visa extensions.
If you have a Mexican temporary residence visa, on the other hand, you can extend/renew it for a maximum of four years, which is when you’ll be eligible for permanent residency.
Is Mexico visa free for Pakistani?
Pakistani citizens who plan a trip to Mexico for tourism or business purposes are required to pay a visit to the nearest Mexican embassy and apply for a visa. You will also need to acquire a Mexico tourist card.
Do I need a visa to go to Mexico?
Do US Citizens Need A Visa To Go To Mexico? No, US citizens do not need a Mexica Visa. US citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Mexico for up to 180 days. Although US citizens do not need a Mexican Visa, they must apply for a Mexican Tourist Card.
Is there any Mexico Embassy in Pakistan?
Mexican Consulate in Karachi is the only Mexican diplomatic mission in Pakistan.
Where is Mexico Embassy in Pakistan?
Honorary Consulate of Mexico in Lahore
Address: 216 Upper Mall Scheme, Lahore, Pakistan. Important: Honorary Consulates are NOT authorized to carry out the procedures of visas, legalizations and civil registrations. Honorary Consulates do NOT receive the payments of the consular fees.
How many months is Mexico visa?
A visitor visa allows you to stay in Mexico for a period of up to 180 days, provided that you are not carrying out any paid activities.