If Mexico is on your radar for an upcoming trip and you’re from a country that needs a visa, there’s big news you’ll want to know. Starting soon, Mexico will shift its visa application system online (e-visas) for certain travellers arriving by air, introducing a smoother, more modern entry process.
Here’s what’s changing, who this affects, and how the new Mexico’s new e-Visa system will work.
Mexico e-Visa: What’s Happening?
Starting in the coming weeks, Mexico will introduce an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for foreign nationals who:
- Need a visa to enter Mexico, and
- Are entering the country by air
This means the old-school in-person application process at Mexican consulates and embassies will be replaced by an online portal. Travellers will be able to apply, upload documents, and pay the visa fee digitally.
The announcement was made official in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (Mexico’s Official Gazette) on July 25, and the portal is expected to go live soon.
Who Needs the New e-Visa for Mexico?
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs will publish a list of eligible nationalities in the coming weeks. If you’re from one of those countries and plan to fly to Mexico for tourism, business, or to visit family or friends (without paid work), you’ll need this e-Visa.
Important note: The e-Visa only applies to air travel. If you’re entering Mexico by land or sea, you’ll still need to go through the traditional visa process at a consulate.
Who Doesn’t Need a Visa (or e-Visa) to Enter Mexico?
Not everyone needs to worry about this. You can still enter Mexico without a visa if you:
- Are a citizen of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, or South Korea (among others)
- Hold a valid permanent residence permit or a multiple-entry visa from the US, Canada, UK, Japan, or any Schengen Area country
These travellers are already allowed short-stay, visa-free entry into Mexico.
How the Mexico e-Visa Will Work
Once the portal is live, eligible travellers can apply for a visa entirely online. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Documents Required for Mexico e-Visa
- Completed online application form
- Recent digital photo (no glasses, white background, .jpg/.jpeg/.png, 2–5 MB)
- Scanned copy of passport ID page (.jpg/.jpeg/.png, 2–5 MB, clearly legible)
- Online payment of the visa fee
Mexico e-Visa Cost
The Mexico e-Visa will cost USD 54, which includes the full processing fee, approval charges, and issuance, no extra payments needed after applying online.
Validity of Mexico e-Visa
Once approved, the Mexico e-Visa will be valid for 180 days from the date it’s issued and can be used for one entry into Mexico by air only.
Mexico e-Visa Format
Once approved, you’ll get a digital visa with a QR code. You’ll need to show this at the airport when entering Mexico.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- This isn’t a work visa. The Mexico e-Visa is for unpaid activities only, tourism, business meetings, or visiting family and friends.
- Having a visa doesn’t guarantee entry. Like many countries, Mexico reserves the right to deny entry at the border. Immigration and health officials can still ask about your plans and documents.
- No exact launch date yet. The government has said the rollout will happen in the “coming weeks,” so keep an eye on official announcements.
Delays in Visa and Residency Processing Across Major Mexican Cities
In another update, travellers in Mexico are currently facing significant delays and weeks-long waits for visas, appointments, and resident cards, as the National Immigration Institute undergoes major operational changes.
Foreign nationals, especially in cities like Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Querétaro, Aguascalientes, and Toluca—have been hit hard by the disruptions.
Why This Matters
This update brings Mexico in line with countries that have already gone digital with their visa processes. It’s a win for travellers who’ve had to navigate long waits, paperwork, and consulate appointments.
For now, just know: if you need a visa to fly to Mexico, change is coming, and it’s digital.
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